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Automated Model Train Schedule

Program your model trains to run on a timetable using Arduino and L298 motor driver with customizable timing scripts.

  • Arduino
  • Intermediate
  • 60 minutes
  • 4 steps
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You'll need

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Before you start, you'll need

  • Arduino Uno
  • L298 motor driver module
  • Jumper wires
  • Model train track and locomotive
  • Power supply for track

Connect the L298 motor driver

About 15 minutes

Wire Arduino to control train power.

  1. Connect L298 ENA to Arduino Pin 5 (PWM for speed control).
  2. Connect L298 IN1 to Arduino Pin 6 (direction).
  3. Connect L298 IN2 to Arduino Pin 7 (direction).
  4. Connect L298 output terminals to track power feeders.
  5. Connect L298 power input to track power supply.
  6. Connect Arduino GND to L298 GND.

You should see

L298 is wired between Arduino and train track.

Upload the swing script

About 20 minutes

Program automatic back-and-forth movement.

  1. Open Arduino IDE and create a new sketch.
  2. Copy the complete swing script code below.
  3. The script starts the train, runs for 10 seconds, stops smoothly, pauses, then reverses.
  4. Upload to your Arduino.
cpp
#define L298_ENA 5
#define L298_IN1 6
#define L298_IN2 7

int counterScheduler;
unsigned long timerScheduler = 0;
unsigned long timerLocal = 0;
byte speedAuto = 0;

void setup() {
  pinMode(L298_ENA, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(L298_IN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(L298_IN2, OUTPUT);
  
  digitalWrite(L298_IN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(L298_IN2, LOW);
}

void loop() {
  if (millis() > (timerScheduler + 1000)) {
    counterScheduler++;
    timerScheduler = millis();
  }
  
  int brakingDelta = 5;
  int accelerateDelta = 6;
  
  // Start and accelerate (0-5 sec)
  if (counterScheduler <= 5) {
    if (millis() > (timerLocal + 100)) {
      if (speedAuto < 240) speedAuto = speedAuto + accelerateDelta;
      else speedAuto = 255;
      analogWrite(L298_ENA, speedAuto);
      timerLocal = millis();
    }
  }
  
  // Stop train (10-15 sec)
  if ((counterScheduler >= 10) && (counterScheduler <= 15)) {
    if (millis() > (timerLocal + 100)) {
      if (speedAuto > 30) speedAuto = speedAuto - brakingDelta;
      else speedAuto = 0;
      analogWrite(L298_ENA, speedAuto);
      timerLocal = millis();
    }
  }
  
  // Change direction (16 sec)
  if (counterScheduler == 16) {
    digitalWrite(L298_IN1, LOW);
    digitalWrite(L298_IN2, HIGH);
  }
  
  // Start reverse (20-30 sec)
  if ((counterScheduler >= 20) && (counterScheduler <= 30)) {
    if (millis() > (timerLocal + 100)) {
      if (speedAuto < 240) speedAuto = speedAuto + accelerateDelta;
      else speedAuto = 255;
      analogWrite(L298_ENA, speedAuto);
      timerLocal = millis();
    }
  }
  
  // Stop reverse (31-40 sec)
  if ((counterScheduler >= 31) && (counterScheduler <= 40)) {
    if (millis() > (timerLocal + 100)) {
      if (speedAuto > 30) speedAuto = speedAuto - brakingDelta;
      else speedAuto = 0;
      analogWrite(L298_ENA, speedAuto);
      timerLocal = millis();
    }
  }
  
  // Return to start
  if (counterScheduler > 40) {
    counterScheduler = 0;
    digitalWrite(L298_IN1, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(L298_IN2, LOW);
  }
}

The train runs forward for 10 sec, stops, reverses for 10 sec, stops, and repeats.

You should see

Sketch uploads successfully.

Test the automated schedule

About 15 minutes

Watch the train follow its timetable.

  1. Power on the Arduino and track.
  2. Place the train on the track.
  3. Watch it accelerate, run, stop smoothly, pause, then reverse.
  4. The cycle repeats automatically.

You should see

The train follows the programmed schedule.

It didn't work

  • Train doesn't move.

    Check track power connections to L298. Verify L298 output wires connect to track feeders. Test track power with a multimeter.

Customize the timing

About 10 minutes

Adjust the train schedule.

  1. Change timing by editing the counterScheduler comparisons.
  2. Adjust speed with brakingDelta and accelerateDelta variables.
  3. Example: if (counterScheduler <= 10) runs longer before stopping.
  4. Experiment with different schedules and speeds.

You should see

You can create custom train movement patterns.

What to do next

Stuck? Contact Vilros Support with your board model and what you see on screen.