You could use one of the newfangled command systems. I'll let those who are into that sell it to you.
For conventional operation. Leave all the outside rails connected together and connect them to the common return of your transformer(s). Put an insulating pin (or just a gap) in the center rail at the block boundaries. Connect the center rail of each block to the common terminal of a single-pole-double-throw-center-off switch. Connect the other terminals of each switch to two transformer outputs. Then operate by selecting for each train the transformer output that you want to control it with. Do not (deliberately) run from a block controlled by one transformer output to one controlled by the other. But, in case you do accidentally, make sure that the transformers are in phase with each other to minimize the danger.
If you will be running more than two trains (with more than two transformer outputs), there are very slightly more complicated ways to arrange the switches. Let us know.
You can find advice all over the place on how to "phase" the transformers. If you are using a single multi-control transformer, you're already set. The terminal markings of transformers are unfortunately inconsistent and confusing. If you don't know which is the common terminal (for connecting to the outside rails), let us know what transformer you have.
Bob Nelson
Tex702, you may want to get the TM Video called "Building an O Gauge Layout". It uses Lionel Fastrack, but it shows the principles common to most track. It has a lot of helpful hints, and while Bob and some others are Gurus in the field, nothing beats a live demonstration. I got mine for about $12., but you can find it for prices ranging upto $21.
I have no financial interest in this video or the company, but they do have some good items and I highly recommend them.
Good Luck,
Dennis
TCA#09-63805
I'll take another run at it:
The idea is to divide the track up into the aforementioned "blocks", so that each block can be powered individually. Then two trains, in different blocks, can be operated independently by having separate transformers powering the blocks that they are in. The blocks are created by putting gaps or insulating pins in the center rail at the block boundaries, so that each block's center rail is not connected to that of any of the other blocks.
As the trains move around the layout, they will go from block to block. When a train enters a new block, you will want to have that block powered from the same transformer as the block that the train is leaving. You can do this by using an electrical switch for each block. The switch connects the center rail of the block to one or the other of the two transformers (or neither, if you want to park a train there while you run other trains elsewhere on the layout). This is the single-pole-double-throw-center-off (SPDT-CO) switch.
As the train moves from block to block, you throw these switches to keep the block ahead connected to the same transformer for each train. If you have multiple loops, once you get the trains on separate loops, you can run continuously without flipping switches; but, when they are on the same loop or moving between loops, you will be busy.
The SPDT-CO switch typically has its three terminals in a row. The center terminal is the common terminal, which you wire to the center rail of a block. The other two terminals are the ones, one of which may be connected to the common terminal when you move the switch handle. Connect these, one to the output terminal of each transformer. Many people like to mount the block switches on a panel on which they have drawn a (simplified) map of the layout.
Hi there
I'll try to help you a bit with some context.
Bob has given you good information on how to control blocks with electrical switches. Do what he describes and it will work as he says. It requires you to buy simple switches generally available at most electronics stores [radio shack or the web]. Reading your second email, i sense that you may not want to take this chore on. There are several ways to accomplish your goal....multiple trains on the same track. The solution depends greatly on YOU. How much you want to spend in DOLLARS vs how much you want to spend in TIME. E=mc2.
Bob has outlined a simple way for you to wire the tracks and throw switches to get the trains to operate. Isolating the tracks is normally necessary. This means keeping the power controlled by a SpDT switch out of a block until the switch is thrown. I don't personally know if FastTrak has special isolated rails that you can buy to replace one of the straight tracks on your layout at the beginning and end of a block or you can gap the center rail as Bob suggests. Taking out the center pin creates a gap. On tubular track we generally fill this with a plastic pin or a toothpick. If your track is already laid you need to isolate the blocks. Operate the spdt switches as Bob describes and you move one train after the other with you in control of the movement. no movement until you activate the spdt switch.
This was complicated for most of us, so manufactures [there are lot of them] came up with relays that you can buy. Three-Rail Innovations, Inc. has a site which will fully explain how to move multiple trains on a single loop using relays. Obviously they are hawking their product which is used by many and may be what you want, but their site is quite explanatory. They are helpful as well if you choose to purchase their product. There is money to be spent to get this to happen.
Other ways include what Bob described in his first response. TMCC. Go to this site http://www.coilcouplers.com/tmc/tmc.html. it is an interactive demo that shows what can be done with current electronics to manage multiple trains across multiple blocks. Money to be spent here to get the equipment and it may be more than you want to pursue.
Once you decide on what technique you want to use..electronic switches, purchased relays, or sophisticated controls....people on the forum can help you with specific questions.
Hope i helped and didn't add to your confusion/frustration
ralph
These two books helped me to make sense of things. You can find them at your local hobby shop, or order them online.
"Greenberg's Wiring Your Lionel Layout Vol. 1: A Primer for Lionel Train Enthusiasts" by Peter H. Riddle (ISBN: 0-89778-206-2)
and
"Greenberg's Wiring Your Lionel Layout Vol. 2: Intermediate Techniques" by Peter H. Riddle (ISBN: 0-89778-372-7)
Volume one starts from the premise that the reader doesn't know anything. It explains terms, explains switches and provides diagrams, talks about the the transformers, walks one through wiring a layout with switches and blocks.
Volume two expands on the concepts and adds some techniques to control multiple trains.
Enjoy,
Chris
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