Model Cars in HO layout

September 15, 2009

Tim has a question about how to make model cars move on a layout (like in the “Miniatur Wunderland” video we showed readers. If you know the answer and would like to inform Tim (and other readers), then use the green Comments & Feedback link below Tim’s posting. You will need to register (it is very quick and easy) and it means you can participate in future blog discussions. Here is Tim’s preamble and question:

After 30 years I have decided to get back into model railroading. I have just purchased a copy of “Model Train Help” and have read about half the first night. I’m still struggling with what scale to use HO or N, I like the idea of HO as I feel it will be easier to model the landscapes, bridges and buildings but N is appealing as I can get more track in the same space. I have been putting together sketches of different parts of my projects when I received the e-mail with the link to your Blog site. That video of the “Miniatur Wunderland” is incredible and depressing at the same time, that’s what I want in my basement! Ok here is the question part, in the “Miniatur Wunderland” video they show trucks and cars moving seemingly independently on the roads the same thing is happening in their new airport with the planes, what are they using to control that? I have searched the web for clues but have found nothing. Could you point in the right direction?

Tim, I had a look on the Miniatur Wunderland website and it said “The program has one process for each car which calculates all situations for this vehicle 20 times per second. A vehicle can either just ride the streets, have a fixed tour (like buses or trash trucks), have a fixed destination, or be on it’s way to an incident (fire fighters, oversize load transport).” The link is here http://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/exhibit/technology/carsystem/technology/