by Statkowski
This may not interest many people, but an Australian outfit called Modratec (Modratec, PO Box 2205, Graceville, Qld 4075, Australia; Email Address: [email protected]) is now offering a kit with which to build your own custom-designed (you design it) mechanical interlocking for your model railroad. It includes electrical connections for signals, switch machines, etc., and the price is quite reasonable (which is geared to the complexity of the interlocking).
Key to the mechanical interlocking design is a computer program called SigScribe4 (which you can download), which creates the actual mechanical design for your interlocking (one line crossing a line, etc.).
The down side? It's based on a British-style Controlled Manual Block System (most American railroads were busy converting their CMB interlockings to Automatic Block System operations circa 1905. All the signals are on the left side (British left-hand running, you know), and are British style. But, with some imagination and forethought it can be made into something more of an American style.
It's something not everyone on your block will have. You can reach their web site at http://modratec.com.
Key to the mechanical interlocking design is a computer program called SigScribe4 (which you can download), which creates the actual mechanical design for your interlocking (one line crossing a line, etc.).
The down side? It's based on a British-style Controlled Manual Block System (most American railroads were busy converting their CMB interlockings to Automatic Block System operations circa 1905. All the signals are on the left side (British left-hand running, you know), and are British style. But, with some imagination and forethought it can be made into something more of an American style.
It's something not everyone on your block will have. You can reach their web site at http://modratec.com.
Ex-NYNH&H SS Opr
