PC modder installs a working train set on top of their GPU — All aboard the 'PCI Express' to Gamesville
The prototype is set to be adjusted to run off a 5V PWM header for software speed control.
An enthusiast has shared their first designs, melding the disparate worlds of PC DIY with model railroading. Beautiful-Turnip-353 shared a video of a prototype PC build with a small T-gauge train circling atop their chunky GPU. It adds a truly dynamic aspect to the case window view, and we can imagine a tiny stationmaster shouting, “All aboard the PCI Express, we’re going gaming.”
GPU Mounted Model Trainfrom r/PcBuild
T-gauge model trains are the smallest commonly available to hobbyists. With a track gauge of just 3mm (0.118 inches) and a model scale of somewhere between 1:450 to 1:500, these are the minnows of the model railroading hobby world. Nevertheless, once properly set up, T-gauge builders can enjoy realistic speed controls and the convenience of magnetized track building systems. They also fit well in the smallest of spaces – or allow for the most intricately detailed large-scale dioramas.
Even the biggest and best graphics cards don’t really have enough room for anything more substantial, so T-gauge is the best choice in a PC like this. T-gauge track has a minimum corner radius of approximately 60mm; moving up to Z-gauge would double that. However, perhaps the GeForce 60 series will inadvertently open up Z-gauge options to the model train/PC building enthusiast community.
Hotter PC = faster train
Beautiful-Turnip-353 reveals that they have more ambitious plans for the build. Currently, it is explained that the electric loco is powered via “an Arduino on a USB port that is sending a PWM 5V signal to the rails.”
Power delivery for the train set is one aspect of the design that is earmarked for further refinement, though. The Redditor said the current setup doesn’t allow a great range of speed controls. A helpful fellow enthusiast in the comments suggested controlling the train throttle via an internal 5V PWM fan header and adjusting it using software such as FanControl. Another pointed out that it would also be possible, for example, to auto-adjust the train's speed in line with the PC’s temperature sensors.
Beautiful-Turnip-353 hints that they are seeking to intensify their railroad/PC crossover designs. “I want to make a much more train-themed build in the future, but something is better than nothing, haha.” There is a lot Beautiful-Turnip-353 could do with more scenery in the case, and the outer PC case design, and they know it.
More interesting track layouts, interactive signaling and control systems, and lighting would add atmosphere and charm to the build. It would be a spectacular cherry on top if a chuffing steam train could run around in the case, too.
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Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.
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artk2219 A new frivolous item to add to my "things I didn't know I wanted" list. It wouldn't even work in my case, and yet...Reply -
chemistu Reply
Yup - I have to admit most case mods leave me a bit whatever - that's just another set of RGB / case with a fancy paint job / recreation of the 1969 moon landing complete with animatronic Neil Armstrong. This however, however leaves me awed by just how bizarrely inventive people can get.King_V said:I've got to admit, there's something just incredibly charming about this. -
gburke Reply
and creative.. I love the idea it could be set up to go faster as the computer gets hotter. : )King_V said:I've got to admit, there's something just incredibly charming about this. -
Moxylite After buying the rtx 5090, i can only afford a non-working train set atop my gpu:sneaky:Reply
*Two upscale ladies were on a hike, and came across a set of tracks. One argued "Moose", the other argued "Deer". They were still arguing when the train hit them :geek: -
Air2004 This is definitely one the better if not the best mods I seen in a computer case, hell this makes me wanna build a new rig just so I could copy this mod.Reply
The next phase for powering it should entail something of a drop in that uses either the GPU fan to power it or maybe one of the exhaust fans (not sure how taxing that may be on the fan though, just a thought) Or attach like a little windmill to power it as the air is blowing around inside the case. -
bigdragon RGB lighting is dead. Long live train!Reply
Fan power should be enough to make those little Z-scale trains move. I could see this being wired up to some sort of desktop control app thing that usually does all the lighting effects.