Model Railway Blog & DCC Guides
Welcome to the ACI Model Railways blog — your go-to resource for model railway advice, DCC setup guides, wiring tips, and layout ideas. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced modeller, our tutorials will help you get more from your railway.
Model Railway Blog UK | DCC Guides, Tips & Tutorials | ACI Model Railways
Beyond Block Detection: Teaching Holgate to React
In the previous Holgate article , we looked at why reliable model railway block detection became increasingly important as the layout developed, and how that requirement eventually led us towards...
Beyond Block Detection: Teaching Holgate to React
In the previous Holgate article , we looked at why reliable model railway block detection became increasingly important as the layout developed, and how that requirement eventually led us towards...
First Power-Up: The ACI-CD16 Takes Its First Steps
The ACI-CD16 has reached an important milestone. Follow the first successful prototype tests as the detector recognises track occupancy, communicates with DCC-EX EX-Rail, and the realities of prototype development uncover...
First Power-Up: The ACI-CD16 Takes Its First Steps
The ACI-CD16 has reached an important milestone. Follow the first successful prototype tests as the detector recognises track occupancy, communicates with DCC-EX EX-Rail, and the realities of prototype development uncover...
Why ACI Built a 16-Channel Current Detector
Some products begin with an idea. Others begin with a problem that needs solving. Discover how real-world experience on the Holgate exhibition layout inspired ACI to develop its first 16-channel...
Why ACI Built a 16-Channel Current Detector
Some products begin with an idea. Others begin with a problem that needs solving. Discover how real-world experience on the Holgate exhibition layout inspired ACI to develop its first 16-channel...
Adding Servo-Controlled Turnouts to DCC-EX Usin...
Learn how to add servo-controlled turnouts to your DCC-EX model railway using a PCA9685 16-channel servo controller and EXRAIL. This step-by-step guide covers wiring, HAL configuration, turnout definitions, servo calibration...
Adding Servo-Controlled Turnouts to DCC-EX Usin...
Learn how to add servo-controlled turnouts to your DCC-EX model railway using a PCA9685 16-channel servo controller and EXRAIL. This step-by-step guide covers wiring, HAL configuration, turnout definitions, servo calibration...
How Holgate Solved Train Detection for DCC-EX A...
How do you know where a train is on an automated model railway? Discover how the Holgate team tested RailCom, Hall Effect sensors, infrared detectors and current detection before finding...
How Holgate Solved Train Detection for DCC-EX A...
How do you know where a train is on an automated model railway? Discover how the Holgate team tested RailCom, Hall Effect sensors, infrared detectors and current detection before finding...
Can I Run DC Locomotives With DCC-EX?
Can you run DC locomotives with DCC-EX? The answer is yes. Discover how DCC-EX can control conventional DC locomotives while adding wireless throttles, accessory control and a straightforward path towards...
Can I Run DC Locomotives With DCC-EX?
Can you run DC locomotives with DCC-EX? The answer is yes. Discover how DCC-EX can control conventional DC locomotives while adding wireless throttles, accessory control and a straightforward path towards...