I have been working with a layout plan for a while and am stumped on which sections of track to include in blocks. The picture below does not have blocks. The numbers correspond to the turnouts.
What would folks recommend for two or three train operation? (if the picture doesn't lend itself to this, let me know).
Click on picture to enlarge
Thank you,
Chris
If you want to run 2 trains at the same time, the most simple option is to power the outside loop from another transformer then the inside loop. If you want to run 3 trains at once, I would suggest a simplified "block" system on only the otside loop, where one train follows the other, but stops on one point untill the other train reaches a "clear track" spot. The wiring for that doesn't require any relais (has been in the CTT about half a year ago I guess).
For really making relais operated blocks the layout is too small. You need 3 blocks to run 2 trains at minimum, and the blocks should be at least 1.5 times the length of your longest train. Also with 3 blocks and 2 trains there will only be one running at a time.
What should be considered also is that if 1 train runs, it runs fast, but as soon as a second train jumps in, the train slows down a lot. With 3 blocks it will not run smooth and proper, but stop, race, slowing down and stop at very short intervals.
The third option is to make sections of aprox. 7ft on the inside and outside loops and isolate them from eachother on the middle rail. Power the sections through a single pole double throw switch, making it able to choose between 2 different transformers. You can preset a route by switching the switches on the route you've chosen on one transformer. Then you can run 1 train. The other train can run on all the other blocks by choosing the other transformer on the switches of those blocks. You can even try to run both trains at once without any route in mind and switch the blocks in front of the trains manually to the belonging transformer..
I agree with Daan about the spacing on the block sections but reccomend using a ZW transformer to have two or more train power for the track. Using multiple transformers is not the best way to go on a smaller layout.
Do you know how to wire double double throw switches? I find that is a good way to go and you can buy them from Radio Shack in the U. S.
From personal experiance if you have more than two trains you need to buy a ZW transformer or equivalant. I have a post war ZW and a post war Z(no whistle outputs, four train controls). The smaller single train transformers I use for lights or accessory power.
Lee F.
For conventional block control for 2-3 trains where you manually select which transformer controls which block, you have too many small blocks.
- combine blocks 1,7,8 into a single block
- combine blocks 10 and 11
- combine blocks 14 and 15
Blocks 3 and 5 could be combined with one of the siding blocks, but because of the number of possible routes into/out of them should probably be kept separate.
If you are using 2 throttles and 2 trains, SPDT toggle or slide switches (prefer center off to give an off position) work fine for block controls.
If using 3 or more throttles and trains, you now need an SPST toggle and a rotary switch (non-shorting) with as many positions as you have throttles for each block. The SPST toggle is used to turn the block off while you select the throttle with the rotary switch. This is needed because you may want to change the block from throttle A to throttle C. The rotary switch has to pass through throttle B while making the change, and you don't necessarily want a live throttle B connecting to the block - even momentarily - that you are switching from throttle A to throttle C.
yours in cab control wiring
Fred Wright
"The picture...does not have blocks. The numbers correspond to the turnouts."
You do not need to go to a rotary switch if you want to use more than 2 controls. You can handle 3 controls with two single-pole-double-throw (SPST) toggle switches per block. With one SPST and one double-pole-double-throw (DPDT), you can do 4 controls if you want.
Bob Nelson
The layout has a lot of switching possibilities, which leads to a lot of blocks in order not to exclude any possible routes. I count 17 blocks:
(4) Each of the four pairs of turnouts on the inside loop.
(1) The "X" in the middle of the inside loop.
(2) The top and bottom sides of the inside loop.
(2) The left and right curved ends of the inside loop.
(1) The pair of turnouts near the upper-right corner of the outside loop.
(1) The cluster of three turnouts near the lower-right corner of the outside loop.
(2) The two curved right ends of the outside loop.
(1) The curved left end of the outside loop, including the turnouts at the end of the curve.
(2) The top and bottom sides of the outside loop.
(1) The siding at the bottom.
I would consider removing some turnouts. For example, one pair of crossovers between loops should be plenty and would use up fewer blocks if they were located together, perhaps in a corner (my favorite location).
Fred is giving good advice here. From personal experience in having numerous cab type controls on an HO module system I'd support the use of rotary switches if you can afford them. You can use toggle switches to replicate a rotary but you end up having to make sure operating orientation is constant across the control panel board or you'll have confusion. Plus they do take up some room. Those modules could always be operated, but having rotary switches would have made for easier and often times quicker responses. It looks to me like you have several "S" curves occuring when traversing loops. This might be an area of concern.......
Jim
Thank you for all the thoughts and suggestions.
I am trying some different layout options based upon what you all have shared.
Thanks,
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