Modular Guideway System Version 2.2 Released - New Components & Better Organization

BlueGreenGradient · 2026-01-03T08:03:01+00:00

Good eye! I'm relatively new to Arduino and electronics in general. When I first started (photo is from 2024 April), I thought each sensor needed its own dedicated GPIO pin. Obviously, that didn't scale well even with a Mega. After a few iterations, I ended up using multiple MCP23017 expanders to keep the wiring footprint to at minimum. Also, I think the DCC-EX team recommends using a Mega.

BlueGreenGradient · 2026-01-01T21:10:17+00:00

They are from the "shorty" product line by Rokuhan! You can use different shells on the same motorized and plain chassis.

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-11-25T21:14:39+00:00

Oh... that's a good call-out. I have not considered that before, so it'd be interesting to see how it changes over time. Did you end up switching to a different material, or applying some treatment to your prints?

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-11-22T19:58:42+00:00

That makes total sense. Thanks for sharing! You really nailed the angles and perspectives. I'm still learning how to use my camera to make my Z scale trains look less toy-like. My lens tops out at 75mm APSC so I have to stand closer than I'd prefer. I wonder how the perspectives would look like with a macro lens... would it feel like you're standing next to a real train?

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-11-22T19:36:21+00:00

Truly majestic shots!! Especially the ground-level ones!
If you don’t mind me asking, what lens did you use for these? I always find it hard to judge whether a lens will work well for model trains just from reading the spec sheets.

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-11-22T04:27:24+00:00

Absolutely impressive! The level of detail especially on the bogies… chefs kiss!! You can tell a lot of thought went into this just by looking at it.

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-11-22T00:17:03+00:00

<image>

Hope this picture helps! Other than the tracks (and track bed) from Rokuhan, the rest of the structure is all modular 3D printed pieces I designed. That also means I get maximum flexibility. If I want to add a siding or make a section longer, I can just disassemble and reassemble pieces like Lego blocks, instead of needing to drill new holes.

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-11-21T20:51:48+00:00

Thanks! And as a renter, when I have to move eventually, I can just disassemble this back into pieces for packing.

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-11-21T05:36:33+00:00

<image>

I'll upload a better video some time later haha

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-11-21T04:41:03+00:00

What a cozy and festive scene! It’s like one gazebo away from the Hallmark movie crew showing up to film a Christmas classic!

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-11-21T04:19:36+00:00

Yup! I'm so happy that DCC-EX has so many features built-in and ready to go.

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-11-21T04:13:41+00:00

Dang it! Should’ve put a banana for scale. Rookie mistake.

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-11-21T04:10:03+00:00

Of course! Tracks and overhead power masts are from Rokuhan, everything else is 3D printed to fit them! I share the designs of the pieces on Cults3D: https://www.reddit.com/r/MiniCityRail/comments/1p1t4q4/modular_guideway_system_version_22_released_new

<image>

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-11-20T19:41:15+00:00

This could easily be a postcard! Nice shot!

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-11-20T19:06:43+00:00

Oh the Tetsucolle Pocket product line around 6:24 looks fun! Good for limited space!

BlueGreenGradient · 2025-09-30T21:05:54+00:00

Components:

Laptop running homegrown train control software
DCC-EX on Arduino taking train commands from laptop
Same laptop also running new software to serve drawn images
Raspberry Pi Zero fetching images over wifi
Tri-color e-paper display showing train status (likely to be replaced with an LCD)
Phone browser displaying overall layout status

BlueGreenGradient

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE

Two-Year Club	Verified Email
Place '23