Barney beta test

The barney (aka slug, aka pig) pushes coal cars up the ramp and spots them on the dumper. Cars are spotted at the bottom of the ramp; previously a loco had to shove the cars up and uncouple at the top. Inspiration: • Coal loading in Sandus...
The system has since been modified: uncoupler magnets have been added at the bottom, and an optical sensor and lockout system prevent the operator (me) from wrecking the barney arm by raising the dumper before sending the barney back down the ramp.

[@insylem]

Is that considered a hump yard?

[@davidmcrae5183]

Arduino? Or some other method of programming and control?

[@kevinguthrie5495]

It's all old school DC motors and DPDT switches to control direction. I had to add an IR emitter/sensor pair to prevent raising the dumper while the barney arm is hanging over it, due to a history of unfortunate incidents caused by operator (yours truly) error.

[@davestrains6816]

Just liked and subbed your channel. I hope to see more videos! Thanks for sharing. Dave

[@bfurailroad1104]

Interesting. perty cool. wow. creative. etc...

[@marke.saunders4803]

What scale is this setup? Looks pretty cool!