Kaninchenbau 3.5mm HOe
Kaninchenbau is a computer controlled H0e layout, modelled on the rolling, grassy meadows that are typical of the European Alpine region. The hands-off aspect of automation allows discussions
about the layout to be undertaken whilst the layout continues to run.
It has been built using ready-to-run stock in H0e scale from various European manufacturers and is based upon the prototype Narrow-Gauge lines that are seen in the Alps border areas which
theoretically allows for rolling and stock and locomotive power to be lent between railway operators.
Although the swapping of stock rarely happens in reality, this theoretical practice allows layout to run various combinations that, whilst not seen on the prototype, look interesting and provides variety and interest to visitors. Kaninchenbau has been designed with 2 levels that are interconnected within the hidden sections of the layout which provides variety as trains will not always
appear from tunnels in the expected order let alone from the expected tunnel mouth.
This is especially interesting for younger visitors who try to guess where the train will appear and are surprised when they are often incorrect with the guess.
Another attraction of the layout is that it was designed to maximise audience interest by always having several trains running simultaneously, usually at least five. This number of trains, plus the
complexity of the track layout, means that the model had to be automated and this has been achieved using commercial software called iTrain (www.berros.eu).
The program knows the location of all trains at all times because the track, just like the real railway, is divided up into blocks and you can see these blocks on the iPad. This shows where the trains actually are, with a red track and the loco ID provided by Railcom. The route ahead that the train has chosen to take is shown by the gold track. The track that is available but not yet used or reserved remains black.
This operation is fully automatic, with routes for individual trains, stopping stations, and wait times all being chosen randomly by iTrain which also controls the signals and turnouts.
For the technically minded it is operated by a Z21 with a Z21 booster, which enables 2 power busses to operate. One bus is for the track and the other for accessories such as detection, signals and turnout motors. This modus operandi ensures when a train overruns a turnout or there is a short on the track the accessories can still be operated.
This layout attaches to a larger fixed layout, all of which is similarly operated using;
• iTrain Professional
• Roco Z21 + Roco Z21 Booster
• YAMORC YD7088 Railcom feedbacks
• Digikeijs DR4018 digital switches
• LS Digital 5410 auto-reverse
• MTB MP1 turnout motors
• Kaninchenbau track length 22.5m
I hope that you enjoy the layout and that it shows you some of the capabilities that are available with computer control.
And finally – Kaninchenbau is actually named after the layout style – it literally means Rabbit Warren.
