I now have CTI's TrainBrain controlling the loco programmatically, playing sounds, interacting with the layout to move the turnouts.

Last couple of days, I was grappling to get the locos working with the throttle from CTI.

I got this working now.

Now, onto programming a completely automatic control of locos - speed, lights and operating the turnouts for a fully automated sequence.

I believe I do not have to grapple with any hardware and basic connectivity issues now. Keeping fingers crossed :-)

I have decided to shift from JMRI to Train Brain from CTI Electronics.

The many things I was grappling with JMRI (JMRI has steep learning curve) seem possible with CTI electronics

- Ability to control locomotives programmatically - NCE PowerCab is supported

- Ability to play sound, even if the loco is not equipped with DCC sound, and the ability to invoke sound programmatically for multiple locos

- DCC block occupancy sensors

- Ability to identify a train with RFID sensors, sensors available for N scale

I got my SoundPro to play VSD files. ... :-) 

I located VSD files for Class64, Class94, EMD_645_Turbo, EMD_NW2, GE_7FDL and Generic_Steam

Next, I am going to see  whether I can add my own sounds to build a custom VSD file.

During my journey, I had some questions for which I found my answers. I am jotting those here so it can jog my memory and may also help others. I plan to edit this as I move along my journey

Scale

-Q -  Should I choose HO or N? N scale is small and you may have difficulties

-A - It was not that difficult working with N, as far as placing a loco on a track and control with a throttle. For me, as I was space constrained, it helped me get more track in the same square foot of space

Tracks

I now have connection from JMRI to my 2 locos established. 

I can now control them independently from 2 throttles in JMRI ... Yippee

Nov 7  - NCE Powercab

Got my NCE Powercab and am able to control the locos on my HO layout with the Powercab. yaay !!!

Next step, control using JMRI and the USB adaptor through the Powercab. This will open a lot of possibilities. 

Oct 29 - Bachmann Echo Valley

I got my first kit working. I modified the track by adding a right and left turnout so that there are two loop sizes the train can traverse - a smaller one and a larger one. The sounds that you can control from the DCC controller feels great to hear

Nov 4 - Got my second DCC loco working