Planning on building an automated model train system but need to track

[FuturDreamz]

Basically what I'm hoping to do is take a standard model train system and create a setup where a computer essentially runs the show, controlling all of the individual trains and creating schedules based on orders generated by the model towns. I can pretty much do everything already, with controllling the trains via a computer controlled dcc unit and decouplers and stuff, but I need a means of tracking the trains and rolling stock to help aid co-ordination and problem solving (eg: a train breaks)

I'm hoping to use N-guage, so I'd like something that does not require a large marr on the rolling stock itself.

It should ideally be able to tell what track the train is on, and be able to uniquely identify each train and all of the rolling stock.

I'm thinking of RFID tags might be the best solution. Problem is, I don't know how small they are, and they need to tuck underneath the rolling stock without being visible or snagging on stuff. and I'd need to have a bunch of cheap readers spaced out evenly underneath the track, and I don't know how much that would cost.


help?

thanks.

 

[Anak]

You can start with this: Real Time Model Train Monitoring.pdf

Then: RFID Tags, Voltage Adapters, Devices for Model Trains