ACI Model Railway

19/06/2026

A recurring mysterious railway engineer who appears throughout time and space helping layouts.

18/06/2026

What happens when a route is set?

This short clip from the Holgate exhibition layout shows DCC-EX automation in action.

🚦 Signal clears
🚂 Train departs
🚦 Signal resets automatically

A simple example of how automation can improve reliability on a busy operating layout.

Have you experimented with DCC-EX automation on your railway?

17/06/2026

We've just uploaded our first YouTube Short!

This short clip from the Holgate exhibition layout shows DCC-EX automation in action.

Signal clears.
Train departs.
Signal resets automatically.

A simple demonstration of how automation can help improve operational reliability on a busy exhibition layout.

Watch here:

A short demonstration of DCC-EX automation on the Holgate exhibitio...

17/06/2026

🚂 How does an automated model railway know where a train is?

That question became one of the biggest challenges during the build of Holgate's automation system.

Over the build we tested several different approaches, including:

🔹 RailCom
🔹 Hall Effect sensors
🔹 Infrared detection
🔹 Current detection

Each solution had strengths, but also practical limitations when operating a busy club exhibition layout with locomotives owned by multiple members.

In our latest Holgate article, we explain the testing process, what worked, what didn't, and why current detection ultimately became the solution that allowed DCC-EX and EX-RAIL to safely manage train movements around the layout.

It's a fascinating look behind the scenes at the real-world engineering decisions that helped shape Holgate's automation system.

Read the full article here:

https://acimodelrailways.co.uk/blogs/news/how-holgate-solved-train-detection-for-dcc-ex-automation

Have you used train detection on your own layout? We'd love to hear what worked for you.

How Holgate tested RailCom, Hall Effect sensors, infrared detectors and current detection to solve train location detection for DCC-EX and EX-RAIL automation.

12/06/2026

“Good heavens… it controls the entire railway!”
— probably some Victorian engineer

07/06/2026

Many modellers are interested in DCC-EX but aren't ready to convert their entire locomotive fleet to DCC.

A question we are often asked is:

❓ Can I run my existing DC locomotives with DCC-EX?

The answer is yes.

DCC-EX can operate conventional DC locomotives using PWM control, allowing you to continue using the locomotives you already own while benefiting from modern wireless throttles, accessory control and future expansion options.

In our latest article we look at:

🚂 Running DC locomotives with DCC-EX
📱 Wireless control using phones and tablets
🔀 Point motors, signals and accessories
🔄 Moving from DC to DCC at your own pace

Read the full article here:
https://acimodelrailways.co.uk/blogs/news/can-i-run-dc-locomotives-with-dcc-ex

Are you still running DC, fully DCC, or somewhere in between? Let us know in the comments.

Can DCC-EX run DC locomotives? Learn how DCC-EX uses PWM control for conventional DC trains, plus wireless throttles, accessory control and a simple upgrade path to DCC.

05/06/2026

Advanced railway engineering, mysterious automation and absolutely no dark magic involved.

Probably.

29/05/2026

Started with “just a controller.”
Ended with automation, signals, servos and another unfinished project. 😅

27/05/2026

Expanding your DCC-EX CSB1 system just got a little easier.

Our new Qwiic to Dupont I2C Expansion Cable provides a simple way to connect compatible boards such as PCA9685 servo controllers directly to the CSB1 without custom cable modification or soldering.

✔ Pre-configured for compatible expansion boards
✔ Ideal for EX-RAIL automation projects
✔ Clean and reliable I2C connections
✔ Made to order in 150mm length
✔ Designed for the DCC-EX CSB1 ecosystem

Perfect for:
🚂 Servo controlled turnouts
🚦 Signals & animations
🔧 Layout automation projects
📡 I2C expansion devices

Please note: cable only — expansion boards and CSB1 shown for demonstration purposes.

Available here:
https://acimodelrailways.co.uk/products/dcc-ex-csb1-qwiic-to-dupont-i2c-expansion-cable

Connect PCA9685 servo controllers, MCP23017 I2C expanders and other compatible devices directly to the DCC-EX CSB1 using this Qwiic to Dupont I2C expansion cable. Ideal for EX-RAIL automation and layout expansion.

24/05/2026

No complicated setup. No programming knowledge needed.

Here’s how to connect your phone to the DCC-EX CSB1 Ready-to-Run Command Station using the Engine Driver app and start controlling your trains wirelessly in just a few minutes.

If you’ve been curious about DCC-EX but thought it looked too technical, this guide is for you.

Full video here:
Watch on YouTube
https://youtu.be/EFAcuhi95P0