I write about stuff, mostly for myself

DRAFT

I want to build a model railway between two shelves. The shelves will be connected with a helix that I’ll 3D print. I’ll be using N scale since H0 would require too large a helix, and Z scale would be quite small.

I’ll control the train using a Pi Pico W. The plan is to:

1. Control the speed using a knob/potentiometer
2. Start/stop with a physical button
3. Automatically stop the train where the track ends
4. Place speakers in a few spots to play short sound effects
5. Use LEDs to light up the buildings

Hardware I have:

• 2 × HC-SR04 (ultrasonic distance sensors, for stopping at each end)
• 8 Ω, 3 W speaker
• DFPlayer
• A bunch of ceramic/electrolytic capacitors
• A bunch of resistors
• Linear 10 kΩ potentiometer
• TB6612 (motor driver)
• LED lights
• Fuses
• LM2596 for step-down to 5 V
• IRLZ44N for the LEDs
• Locomotive and track
• Pi Pico W
• Buttons
• Breadboard, wires, soldering iron and solder
• 12 V DC adapter (1.5 A)

https://makerworld.com/en/models/173960-model-railway-n-gauge-single-or-multilayer-helix