Faller Road System

[AlkemScaleModels]

Anybody tried using this system? 

[DKS]

Not personally, but I have worked on one. It's pretty cool, some sophisticated things are possible, including alternate routes, pausing for one-way traffic, etc. OTOH, certain things are frustrating, such as starts and stops being instantaneous.

Here are some samples:

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[John]

Anybody tried using this system? 

It would be really cool to have the horse drawn artillery or supply train moving along at random intervals

[Mark5]

OTOH, certain things are frustrating, such as starts and stops being instantaneous.

Hope its not like the N scale version where everthing does 0-60 in a split second and 60-0 likewise.

[DKS]

Hope its not like the N scale version where everthing does 0-60 in a split second and 60-0 likewise.

It's not quite as bad, but it's still rather abrupt. Check out the YouTube vids, especially the third one. (Would love to have that one translated...)

[AlkemScaleModels]

It would be really cool to have the horse drawn artillery or supply train moving along at random intervals

I was actually thinking about a scale model of the Nürburgring and racing Porsches on it.

Seriously, it seems to me that this system is seriously underutilized on layouts in the US. It would be great for display layouts like  HO modular set-ups (not sure an N Scale version exists yet).  I wonder why it hasn't made more in roads (pun intended).

I stand corrected here is a N Scale version

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So will we some day see layouts with just the Faller Car system and no trains?

[Sokramiketes]

I just haven't found that perfect stretch of highway to model with end loops...  Continuous running for the cars is hard to do, at least on our modules that don't have skyboard to hide a staging area.

DKS needs to develop an N scale door layout plan with highway incorporated!

[DKS]

... it seems to me that this system is seriously underutilized on layouts in the US... I wonder why it hasn't made more in roads (pun intended).

One reason may be cost--they're kind of pricey. Another is that Faller hardly does any marketing of the systems, if at all--few people even know about them.

(not sure an N Scale version exists yet)... I stand corrected here is a N Scale version

Here's another N scale highway in action (wmv file download, haven't gotten around to YouTubing it yet): http://scenicedandundecided.net/video/bus_truck_sm.wmv

So will we some day see layouts with just the Faller Car system and no trains?

I believe some exist already--I just haven't saved any links.

I just haven't found that perfect stretch of highway to model with end loops...  Continuous running for the cars is hard to do, at least on our modules that don't have skyboard to hide a staging area.

Who needs end loops? As long as your modules as a whole create a loop, then you're fine. The problem is standardizing on where roads cross module boundaries; assuming certain modules are always connected in sets the same way, then you only need to worry about connections to other sets. Also, I have a feeling that grade crossings are possible--I've not seen one yet, but I can't imagine why it couldn't be done.

DKS needs to develop an N scale door layout plan with highway incorporated!

That would be a no-brainer. Actually, kind of a cool idea for those who enjoy mindless fun. (Yeah, like me.)

[AlkemScaleModels]

I dig a little more digging. Expense is an issue. Size is also a problem. Currently too big for N scale automobiles.

The Miniature Wunderland folks add microprocessors to each vehicle (like a DCC decoder). That allows them a lot more flexibility. The basic system is pretty crude. Seems like there is room for a competitor to move in.  Anybody out there looking to start a business?

Now we just need  Dave to  do on in Z scale and Yourstone to photograph it.

[DKS]

Size is also a problem. Currently too big for N scale automobiles.

Commercially, yes. Privately, a gentleman in Germany installed a full radio-controlled, steerable system in an N scale VW bus, complete with head and tail lights, plus flashers for emergency duty. Sadly the page showing this wonder is now gone--I hope it just moved elsewhere, it was truly extraordinary.

Edit: Found this, a follow-up to the VW bus:

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And the original:

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[Sokramiketes]

Also, I have a feeling that grade crossings are possible--I've not seen one yet, but I can't imagine why it couldn't be done.

This grade crossing is sweet:

[AlkemScaleModels]

Commercially, yes. Privately, a gentleman in Germany installed a full radio-controlled, steerable system in an N scale VW bus, complete with head and tail lights, plus flashers for emergency duty. Sadly the page showing this wonder is now gone--I hope it just moved elsewhere, it was truly extraordinary.

Reminds me of a guy that made RC planes that were smaller than the palm of his hand. They used pager buzzer motors.

[DKS]

I was actually thinking about a scale model of the Nürburgring and racing Porsches on it.

Why not use the old magnets under the road trick? I've seen this done to excellent effect.

[Sokramiketes]

Why not use the old magnets under the road trick? I've seen this done to excellent effect.

That method shows up on some Ntrak layouts in the area and the cars seem to "chug" a bit.  I suppose that just means the cars used arn't rolling well.

[DKS]

That method shows up on some Ntrak layouts in the area and the cars seem to "chug" a bit.  I suppose that just means the cars used arn't rolling well.

Yes, that is an issue. There are ways around the problem, however: a smooth, thin road and wheels that roll well; even better, using steel for the wheels, with small magnets under each.