Museum of Science and Industry

The team believed that the need to run the layout seven days a week required proven, reliable technology. Many layouts today use a computer controller to regulate the speed of trains and to manage other features of the layout. The Great Train Story uses mechanical relays and components so that if there is a power outage or a train derails, there is no computer to reboot and the layout can begin running again immediately.

The layout is divided into isolated electrical blocks. Each of these blocks has an access door, which allows the technicians to easily reach the controls and auxiliary panels. Each block has a sensor system that detects whether the block ahead is clear or whether the train has to slow and stop because of a problem ahead. This will prevent crashes and derailments.

The underside of the benchwork is brightly lit and has plenty of room for technicians to use "crawlers" to work on the layout. They can access the center portions of the layout through access doors that crank up out of the scenery.