History of the layout

Hannover Tram by Kato

 I built this layout around 2007, as a change from my (then current) On30 obsession.

It was built from the start to use live overhead wiring, thus both rails of the track are common electrically. Control was exercised by a PICAXE microprocessor which controlled two latching relays, each responsible for one tram on it's loop.

All wiring and electronics was accommodated under the layout in a 40mm deep base.

The layout also utilised a Dreamplayer sound board which provided the tram bells as required.

The underside of the original layout as described above.

I took this micro-layout to several train shows, where it sparked a lot of interest, being such a change from large train layouts.

In 2023, having long-since sold all of my On30 gear, I decided to rebuild the museum layout, using the recently-discovered and impressive DCC-EX project (see www.dcc-ex.com).

I had a long history with DCC, primarily with Digitrax and with a large number of 3rd-party add-on LocoNet-based devices. However, DCC-EX was quite a revelation, with a comprehensive automation facility which grabbed my attention straight away.

Having acquired the requisite Arduino Mega 2560 R3 board, Arduino Motor-Shield and a MakerFabs wifi shield, I started playing with them in emulation-mode and was hooked.

After that, it was 'downhill all the way' ...

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