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Blog Articles

What is EXRAIL?

Article #46 - 14/01/2026 01:07
EXRAIL means EXtended Railroad Automation Instruction Language. It enables scripts to be pre-written to control trains or any other device connected to the command station.
Here is an example of part of a script.

AT(53) //At sensor 53
STOP // Start stopping this train
DELAY(3000) //Wait 3 seconds for loco to stop
FON(17) //Function 17 on (Platform announcements)
DELAYRANDOM(3000,5000) // Wait for a random time between 3 - 5 seconds
FOFF(17) // Function #17 off
FON(4) // Function #4 on (whistle)
DELAY(30) //Give the chip a moment to act
FOFF(4) // Function #4 off
DELAY(2000) // Wait 2 seconds before moving off
FWD(30) //Accelerate forwards up to speed 30

More info here: https://dcc-ex.com/exrail/

What is DCC-EX?

Article #45 - 13/01/2026 23:07

DCC-EX is an open source (free) system that allows users to create DCC command stations using popular development boards such as some of the Arduino family.


After buying the development processor board and adding some extra hardware bits (power control shield) and downloading the free software, the base station can control DCC locomotives and accessories on a model railway layout.


Trains can then be controlled by free software on mobile phones/tablets/PCs or custom made throttle units.


More info here: https://dcc-ex.com/

New Year Exhibition 2026

Article #44 - 01/01/2026 21:00
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
A great day exhibiting at the Whitwell & Reepham Railway today. Plenty of visitors and audience participation.

Z/NN3 Test Prints

Article #42 - 16/12/2025 18:50
A future project will probably be in NN3 scale - N scale bodies on Z gauge track. Even smaller!
To fit the layout in the car it has to fit into the max length of 4ft. So to get the required buildings into the layout, then the scale had to reduce.
So by using the designs I already have, I scaled them down and adapted them to fit onto the Rokuhamn Z-shorty chassis.

Santa's Expresso Guest Appearance

Article #36 - 16/12/2025 00:14
Santa's Expresso had a guest appearance at the Clacton Model Railway show on Saturday 14th.
Flying across the background sky.

Clacton Model Railway Exhibition 2025

Article #31 - 15/12/2025 15:40
A great day exhibiting at the Clacton show on Saturday hosted by Dawn Quest. The layout worked well with just a few minor uncouplings during the day.
Over 820 visitors kept me busy chatting away.

Whitwell & Reepham Railway Exhibition

Article #30 - 02/01/2025 05:21
I took Davedale along to the Whitwell & Reepham Railway Exhibition on new year's day. A great day with about 6 other small layouts and a chance to drive or have a ride on one of their diesel locos.
Visitors were able to have a play with the trains on Davedale.

More info here: https://whitwellstation.com/

Santa's Express-o at Flatford Mill Tea Room

Article #29 - 10/12/2024 16:52
A custom designed SM32 scale Santa and Rudolf ride around a loop on the counter of the tea room.
A custom chassis allows for a short wheelbase to negotiate the tight radius track. Track, chassis and sleighs 3d printed.
A row of soldiers guard the display table legs as they had to be raised to a clearance height of 14cm.
Battery operated, 2 pairs of AA batteries keep the sleighs looping for about 6 hours.
Features a head lamp, and a glowing nose for Rudolph.




Voted 2nd best challenge layout

Article #28 - 22/06/2024 10:20
Davedave went on its first exhibition on the 1st June at the NSNGM annual exhibition in Beccles.
This year's challenge was based on 10 as it was is the club's 10th anniversary this year. The roundhouse has ten sheds. Visitors were given the opportunity to vote for their favourite 'challenge' layout, and I'm pleased to say the Davedale was voted 2nd best in show 😀. Very pleasing indeed.
There is still a lot to be completed on the layout, hopefully most of it will be completed by 28th July where the layout will be displayed again at the Mid Suffolk Light Railway event.

More info here: https://nsngm.org.uk/

Photos from the Blog articles

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Please note: the rights to any photos displayed remain with the owner of the photo, and if not my own, then they are used purely as examples and I take no credit for them.