NEWS

Now Available: Semaphore and Crossing Controller! The SC-2 Semaphore and Crossing Controller operates one or two precision servos to give fully adjustable control of one or two semaphores or train order boards, a dual crossing gate (with flashing lights), as well as any other automated items (water tower spout, etc.) on your layout. Each of the three positions on both servos can be adjusted independently in small steps. Can be used with full computer control (using any software or hardware), connected directly to nearly any brand or type of block detector, or operated from manual toggle switches.

See our SC-2 page for more details!

Custom Signal System Estimating Worksheet is available on the Documents page. Fill out this form and return it to us (or send ALL the information in an email) for an estimate on a custom-designed signal system for your layout.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to issues with supporting user-assembled boards, unassembled products (Kits) are now available in North America ONLY! All overseas orders must be for assembled units only!

Oak Tree Systems recently installed a custom signaling and control system on a beautiful HO layout depicting the St. Paul area. Using our custom developed miniature controller, this system controls more than 60 three-light signals as well as providing automated reverse loop control. In addition to the custom controller, the system is made up of 6 I/O boards (IO24, IO48, and O48), more than 25 block occupancy detectors, with 15 turnout position feedback inputs, and two automatically controlled turnouts for the reverse loops.

This beautiful layout was built by Custom Model Railroads. Take note of the custom-built bridges and buildings, tugboats and barges, as well as the custom-made signal bridges. The layout embodies a bi-directional main line, with numerous industries, DCC control, and complete signaling.

Click St. Paul Pictures at left to see photos of this excellent layout.

NOTE: All overseas shipping is now done via UPS or DHL. We apologize for the extra cost involved in these shipments; however, ongoing problems with using the postal service for these deliveries has necessitated this change. If ordering outside the US or Canada, be sure to purchase Overseas Shipping on the Ordering page before completing your order. Note that there are different prices for Europe and other countries.

Prices have increased on Railroad and Co. due to cost increases from the manufacturer. Please use your "refresh" button to get the latest prices.

CUSTOM CONTROL AND SIGNALING SYSTEMS! Oak Tree Systems can provide custom designed control systems for operating signals, control panels, and other layout features. Our low cost, custom-programmed controller can operate systems from the simplest three color block signals to the most complex interlockings and CTC panels. Support can be provided for any type of signal: two light, three light, PRR, B&O, searchlight, and European styles. Control of grade crossings, including flashers and gates can be included if desired. Operation can be based on our current-sensing block detectors, turnout positions, panel inputs, or any other connected device. We can even provide such diverse automation as sequential sign lighting, chase lights for movie marquees, animated equipment (cranes, rotary dumpers, etc.) -- any electrical item on your layout.

Ordering in the UK: All Oak Tree Systems' products are being distributed in the UK by Model Technology and Associates Ltd. Please contact display@model-technology.co.uk for information about prices and availability.

THE HH-2 IS COMING SOON! A revolutionary new development in handheld controllers, the HH-2 will allow complete operational control of your layout from the handheld! No need to walk back to the computer - nearly all layout control functions will be available right in the handheld. Easy to use menu selection, large information display, and a complete data entry keypad with rotary encoder and full signaling capability are all new features of the new HH-2 Handheld Railroad Control System. Operate turnouts, set routes, assign cabs, operate accessories, and more - directly from the handheld. See the new HH-2 page for more information.

Take a look at the B&O Museum layout (click on B&O Pictures, left). This is just one example of the kind of custom control system we can deliver for your layout. Several other custom signaling and control systems have been delivered recently, and we are building several more for delivery this spring.

Contact Oak Tree System for more information, including examples of custom systems we have developed, and a quote for your specific layout. All systems are delivered pre-wired and tested, ready to mount on your layout and connect to your signals, turnouts, and panels. Layouts using either DC block control or DCC control systems can be accommodated, including layouts with hundreds of signals and dozens of detected blocks and turnouts. NO COMPUTER IS REQUIRED FOR OUR CUSTOM CONTROL SYSTEMS - WE PROVIDE OUR RC-2 CONTROLLER WITH EACH SYSTEM, CUSTOM PROGRAMMED TO MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS. We'll work with you to ensure that the system performs to your specifications.

NEW COMPUTER INTERFACES AVAILABLE NOW: Two new interfaces are available to connect your computer to a network of RCI cards or Handheld Controllers. The USB-1 provides connectivity via a USB port on your computer, eliminating the need for a serial port. The RS4-B will replace the existing RS-4 with a new package and additional connectivity options. See the Accessories page for more information.

NEW PLUG PANELS FOR HANDHELD CONTROLLERS: Facia panels will be dressed up by the addition of two new models of the PP-1 plug panel. The PP-1A is the same size as existing PP-1 panels but now features a black acrylic face plate. It is available now. The PP-2 is a more compact version, taking up less than half the space of the of the PP-1A, but still providing two jacks for your handhelds. The PP-2 will be available in December. See Accessories for more information.

FLEXI-CONNECTORS NOW AVAILABLE: Our new Flexi-Connectors let you plug signals or other LEDs into your IO-48 or O-48 outputs, providing built in dropping or pull-up resistors. Works for stall-motor switch machines too! See the special FLEXI-CONNECTOR page for more details! Now available with 1K resistors for signals, or 680 ohm resistors for driving Tortoise or similar stall-motor switch machines.

CBC-8 and IO-24 CARDS ARE NOW AVAILABLE WITH PLUG-IN CONNECTORS. These plug-in connectors make it even easier to install your wiring, disconnect any individual output for testing, or remove and replace a whole card without touching a screwdriver. Special introductory price of only 1 penny per card for a limited time only!

BD8-T IS NOW AVAILABLE: The tiny, low-cost block detector is designed to mate easily to the IO-24 card and provides eight optically-isolated, current-sensing block detectors at an all-time low price. See the Plug-Ins page for more details.

MUSEUM LAYOUT REACHES FIRST ANNIVERSARY: If you are in Baltimore, stop in and see the HO scale layout at the B&O Railroad Museum. (See Pictures, left) This layout, which was built in a refurbished passenger car, features a double-track main line and numerous industries, including a steel mill and dock area. Our RCI system, which has been running the layout daily for the last year, controls the operation of more than ten trains simultaneously, as well as a complete signaling system, and other accessories such crossing flashers and gates, cranes, and traffic lights. Custom Model Railroads, of Baltimore, built the layout. The picture below shows a view of the control panel (one of two), featuring two CBC-8 cards, four IO-24 cards, and one BD-8D block detector, all operated by a small, custom-programmed controller (lower left). Click Here to see CMR's description of this beautiful layout:

The system is operated by two small, custom-programmed controllers - developed specifically for this project - which are networked with 4 CBC8-R block controllers and 8 IO-24 Input/Output cards. Also included in the system are two BD-8 block detector cards, and custom-designed interface/display cards which show the state of block detectors and signal outputs on a centralized control panel. The entire control system is rack mounted and displayed (behind a glass door) in a small alcove at one end of the car. The system is tied into motion detectors, so that it activates the layout as soon as any visitor enters the car. Museum personnel will be able to place any number of trains on the two mainline tracks, and the system will automatically adjust itself to control the trains available.

Super Starter System is a Popular Choice: The Super Starter system is becoming a popular choice with our customers, and will be even more popular as soon as Railroad Operator is available. Including one CBC-8 block controller, one IO-24 card, interface, cables, and (soon) software to run it all, the Super Starter contains everything you need to operate on a small layout with 8 blocks, up to 8 turnouts, or a mixture of turnouts, signals and other accessories. And of course, expansion can be done in easy increments with additional cards and accessories. Check it out on the CBC-8 page.

CBC-8R and IO-24 cards are now available: The CBC-8R implements a complete block control system on a single card. It includes 8 high-powered throttles, with built-in momentum simulation, 8 block occupancy detectors, and 8 overload detectors on a single small card. No external devices, detector cards, IO cards or motherboards are required. Just connect the CBC-8R to your RCI network with a phone cable, hook up the power, and connect 8 blocks of track - You have a complete 8-block train control and detection system! Versions of this card will soon be available for CMRI systems (CBC-8C) and SECSI systems (CBC-8S).

The IO-24 is a tiny but powerful input/output card - just right for that small area of the layout that needs some automation. You can save miles of wiring by distributing IO-24s around your layout instead of using larger, centrally-located cards. And, it will soon have its own, specially designed, low-cost, block detector add-on (description below).

New 'Starter Systems' available: Two new starter systems are available:

IO-24 Starter System, with an IO-24 board, serial interface converter, and cable, in kit form, for only $99. And, get a copy of our Railroad Operator software as soon as it's available! Assembled Starter kit is only $119.

Super Starter System, with CBC-8R, IO-24, serial interface, and two cables; kit only $265. Fully assembled, just $315.
A complete railroad control system in one package

HP-8 Board Available: The HP-8 high-powered output board is now available. The HP-8 can directly operate high current solenoids (such as Atlas switch machines), DC motors up to 2 amps, and other heavy loads such as incandescent lighting. The HP-8 features fully-protected outputs that include over-current and over-temperature shutdown, as well as inductive load protection. Rated current is 2.4 amps continuous per output, 5 amps peak per output, 7.5 amps continuous total for all 8 outputs combined. Like all other RCI boards, the HP-8 can driven by both fixed frequency and variable frequency Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) outputs from the O-48 or IO-48 cards, allowing operation of variable speed DC motors and variable intensity lighting.

Molex Connectors: On our accessories page, we are offering 8 pin and 10 pin Molex connectors for making your own plug-in cables. Each kit consists of a housing and the appropriate number of crimp-on pins.

ST-10 Screw Terminal Converter: The ST-10 is specifically designed to provide power and signal connections for both the new HP-8 board and the TH-4 throttle board. Using the ST-10 provides the ease of use of screw terminals, with the convenience of a plug-in connection. Dual power connectors are included for simple "daisy-chaining" of power to multiple boards.

PayPal Processing: We are now using PayPal exclusively for credit card processing services. This allows us to maintain our low costs and still accept credit card payments, as well as direct transfers from your bank account. If you have not already created a PayPal account, click here to sign up now! Once created, this secure method can be used for internet auctions, such as Ebay, and many other types of payments. Of course, checks and money orders are still welcome!

Shipping and Handling: Standard shipping charges are added to all orders, depending on the amount of the order. This is for United States Postal Service Priority Mail delivery. If you want UPS 2nd Day or Overnight delivery, you may order these by clicking the appropriate buttons on the Ordering Page. There is a flat rate for these services of $6 and $12 respectively, regardless of order size. NOTE: There is a separate charge for overseas shipping. Please select this item from the Ordering Page if you live outside of the U.S.

Communication Subroutines: We now have available a library of subroutines for communication with RCI cards. Written as a DLL (dynamic link library), these routines can be used with a Visual Basic, PowerBasic, or other Windows development languages. Contact Oak Tree Systems to receive a copy.

Test Program: A test program for RCI cards is now available. This easy to use program will automatically "discover" what cards are attached to your system, and allow you to send any defined command to the cards, as well as a "ripple" test pattern to all output points. Contact us to obtain a copy.

In the Works:

Currently in testing, we will soon be releasing our Railroad Operator software for PC-based control systems. Railroad Operator will provide a simple, low cost way to control your railroad via the RCI system. Included are these features:

	Control of trains via a Computerized Block Control strategy, using the CBC-8R, or IO-48/O-48 cards with TH-8 throttles and BD-8 block detectors. Control can be manual, automatic, or schedule driven.
	Control of turnouts from the computer screen, from external inputs (such as toggle switches) or by scheduled train routes. Turnout feedback from non-controlled or controlled turnouts.
	Automatic collision avoidance, and complete control of train speed via block speed limits.
	Layout drawing tool allows you do draw in control-panel style, or as an actual map of the layout. Multiple screen panels can be used for drawing.
	Use of our HH-1 Handheld Controller for operations, or use on-screen throttle displays.
	Support for signals of all types and configurations, with an easy set-up screen that lets YOU decide on the signaling method used. Even the most complex interlocking and signal aspects are easily configured.
	Support for other electrical accessories, including crossing gates and flashers, traffic signals, blinking and strobe lights, and more.
	No script writing or other "computer-eze" input is required. All setup is via simple menu picks - no computer knowledge is required.
	All functions are optional - use it for just signaling, just turnout control, simple train tracking, or train operation - add other functions as you need them. Can also be used as an add-on to a DCC-controlled system for operating signals, turnouts, and other accessories, while your command station operates the trains.

Look for more information on Railroad Operator in future weeks!

Also stay tuned for information about several exciting and unique new products that will revolutionize the way model railroads are operated. More information will be forthcoming in the next several weeks, so check back frequently.