Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Ever wanted to know what scale speed your model trains are really going? 🚂💨
Wonder no more — in this video, I’ll show you how I built a DIY model railway speed trap using an Arduino Nano, IR sensors, and an LCD display to measure the exact scale speed of passing locomotives.
It’s a fun, easy-to-build project for any model railway enthusiast — no matter what scale you run. Not only does it help you set realistic speed curves on DCC decoders, it’s also great fun for testing how fast your trains really go!
Along the way, I’ll explain how the system works, show you the full build step-by-step, and even run a few speed tests with some of my favourite locomotives. If you enjoy the video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment your best speed guess!
Affiliate Links:
Arduino Nano - amzn.to/4p5XfMG
IR Sensors - amzn.to/4pfIAOV
LCD Display - amzn.to/3XxjnUc
Button - amzn.to/3WUyPcX
Jumper Wires - amzn.to/440hW4o
Project Files: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nfNpl0DK7VqnNtuTNHlsscjmMoW7LkQf
Support the channel by becoming a member or Patron:
youtube.com/channel/UCjSL9gh-CP9cL2grTM4VRCQ/join
patreon.com/LittleWicketRailway
00:00 Introduction
01:40 Components
02:11 The Plan
03:45 The Code
04:22 Wiring Up
05:13 Testing
08:03 Gauge Your Speed Game
Ever wanted to know what scale speed your model trains are really going? 🚂💨
Wonder no more — in this video, I’ll show you how I built a DIY model railway speed trap using an Arduino Nano, IR sensors, and an LCD display to measure the exact scale speed of passing locomotives.
It’s a fun, easy-to-build project for any model railway enthusiast — no matter what scale you run. Not only does it help you set realistic speed curves on DCC decoders, it’s also great fun for testing how fast your trains really go!
Along the way, I’ll explain how the system works, show you the full build step-by-step, and even run a few speed tests with some of my favourite locomotives. If you enjoy the video, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment your best speed guess!
Affiliate Links:
Arduino Nano - amzn.to/4p5XfMG
IR Sensors - amzn.to/4pfIAOV
LCD Display - amzn.to/3XxjnUc
Button - amzn.to/3WUyPcX
Jumper Wires - amzn.to/440hW4o
Project Files: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nfNpl0DK7VqnNtuTNHlsscjmMoW7LkQf
Support the channel by becoming a member or Patron:
youtube.com/channel/UCjSL9gh-CP9cL2grTM4VRCQ/join
patreon.com/LittleWicketRailway
00:00 Introduction
01:40 Components
02:11 The Plan
03:45 The Code
04:22 Wiring Up
05:13 Testing
08:03 Gauge Your Speed Game
