Does anyone use an Arduino, or similar microcontroller, to automate your layout?

I have been learning the capabilities of the Arduino Uno, and it seems that with appropriate sensors and control
interfaces you could do a lot to automate both engine control and turnouts.

I never did like to re-invent the wheel, so I would love to hear what others are doing.

Thanks,

Dave Smith

Is there a convenient data source online for what kinds of cars were used in a particular era?

I am interested in modeling ATSF in the 1950s, and would like to find a reference for what kinds of cars would be appropriate. I am mostly interested in freight, but may want some passenger cars also.

I don't think the covered hopper in the "Iron Duke" set, with the "Propylene Co-Polymer" markings, really matches up well with the 0-6-0 switcher, for example.  Oh, yes--I prefer N guage, but my question is really about the prototype cars.

Thanks,

Dave

I have a 4-8-4 Northern, from the Empire Builder set.  I have one EZ Track turnout that it has an issue with.  It won't back around the curved position of the turnout.

The locomotive wheels are in gauge, and I can't see anything wrong with the turnout.

With the turnout going straight it does fine, both forward and reverse.

With the turnout selected to the turn, it will go over forward in both directions, but consistently derails the leading and/or forward truck when backing around it to the curve.

None of my other rolling stock has any problems with this turnout, in either direction.

Any "tuning" on the turnout or locomotive that anyone can suggest?

Thanks!

Dave_W6DPS

I am just planning my first N guage layout, and have a few questions. 

I was into HO a few decades ago, and O as a child.

I have been reading books from the library, and lurking on this forum a bit, so I hope to only ask high-quality dumb questions!

I have seen advice against running the track too close to the edge of the benchwork--but how close is too close?  I am planning a folded dogbone (actually twice folded) with a double track mainline around a good part of the perimeter.

I am thinking of the major cuvres being 19 inch radius.  So, 19 inch radius means five inches on each side of 180° curve on a 48 inch wide table.  Should I plan for more clearance from the edges?

I have also thought about having a lip at the edge, to prevent flight of hardware with lousy glide-slopes.  I haven't seen this used much--is there an obvious reason that I am missing?

I am planning on plywood with layers of insulation foam to form three main levels on the layout.  Any suggestions on the preferred type of foam?  Is ahlf-inch under the lowest level enough, or should I plan for 1 inch?  I am planning on layering in half-inch increments to make smoothing the contours a little easier.

Thanks,

Dave