i am runnig all tmcc locos with legacy system and fastrack., and i want to have 7 seprate power blocks ( because i have 7 cw80 transformers to use) . do i only need to cut the center rail to isolate transformers on each block , or is it cut center rail and one outside rail. and leave the rail the tmcc base is hooked to the only continious rail. i am confused because if you look at the underside of a lionel fastrack block section there is a removable wire for each of the three rails.( why would you ever need to cut outer rails ?? ). and will the adittion of fastrack switches change any thing if the are added in between block sections. thanks for help.
I have next to no experience with TMCC, however I can tell you that the middle rail should be connected throughout all the blocks. The blocks should still be isolated with a block section though. And no, switches won't, or at least should not cause a problem. Even better, they have new TMCC fastrack switches now.
Bigdaddy, You certainly bring up a number of interesting questions. I am not a TMCC expert, but have had some experience with it all. Let me respond to your specific areas;
biggdaddyi am runnig all tmcc locos with legacy system and fastrack., and i want to have 7 seprate power blocks ( because i have 7 cw80 transformers to use) It would certainly help to have a better idea of what your track concept or plan is. Also what your other power needs are. For example, if you have any accessories, or building lights, why not use 1 of the transformers for those items. That way you can adjust the voltage independently. Also, if you develop some problem in the future it would be much easier to troubleshoot. EVEN if you don't have any of those thing now, I certainly would consider holding one of those transformers back for future use. Another factor is the CW80 xtransformer is not known as one of the best xformers ever produced. They have a history of problems, and a reserve transformer would be a great idea. do i only need to cut the center rail to isolate transformers on each block , or is it cut center rail and one outside rail. and leave the rail the tmcc base is hooked to the only continious rail.Some folks may argue you only need to isolate one or the other, then have it under a switch activation. Personnally, IF you doing and/or want block control, I would totally isolate them from one another, both center and outside rail. I would have the tracks wired in parallel with two separate wires. A bus or common line is easy and a little les expensive, but when you have a problem is much more difficult to troubleshoot and resolve. Also, WHY do you want blocks? TMCC operation eliminates the need for blocks by having complete command control of each engine. The biggest advantage is to be able to remove power from specific areas and turn them off. Then its always best to have both the center and outside rails isolated. If your running an oval and need the blocks for power distribution, again I would wire them independently. Remember, TMCC signal is from the outside rail, So if you have multiple transformers involved you will need to ensure the Command Base is connected to each of them.Dealing with multiple transformers can be tricky especially with Command Control, you will be getting into transformer phasing. (Making sure that the plugs are plugged in correctly and the same.) i am confused because if you look at the underside of a lionel fastrack block section there is a removable wire for each of the three rails.( why would you ever need to cut outer rails ?? ). A very common and beneficial usage of isolating the outer rails is that you can activate an accessory, light, etc. by the train passing a certain point and makes contact, completing the circuit and activates the device. (connection is completed by the wheels and axles of the cars). and will the adittion of fastrack switches change any thing if the are added in between block sections. thanks for help.
It would certainly help to have a better idea of what your track concept or plan is. Also what your other power needs are. For example, if you have any accessories, or building lights, why not use 1 of the transformers for those items. That way you can adjust the voltage independently. Also, if you develop some problem in the future it would be much easier to troubleshoot. EVEN if you don't have any of those thing now, I certainly would consider holding one of those transformers back for future use. Another factor is the CW80 xtransformer is not known as one of the best xformers ever produced. They have a history of problems, and a reserve transformer would be a great idea.
do i only need to cut the center rail to isolate transformers on each block , or is it cut center rail and one outside rail. and leave the rail the tmcc base is hooked to the only continious rail.
Some folks may argue you only need to isolate one or the other, then have it under a switch activation. Personnally, IF you doing and/or want block control, I would totally isolate them from one another, both center and outside rail. I would have the tracks wired in parallel with two separate wires. A bus or common line is easy and a little les expensive, but when you have a problem is much more difficult to troubleshoot and resolve. Also, WHY do you want blocks? TMCC operation eliminates the need for blocks by having complete command control of each engine. The biggest advantage is to be able to remove power from specific areas and turn them off. Then its always best to have both the center and outside rails isolated.
If your running an oval and need the blocks for power distribution, again I would wire them independently. Remember, TMCC signal is from the outside rail, So if you have multiple transformers involved you will need to ensure the Command Base is connected to each of them.
Dealing with multiple transformers can be tricky especially with Command Control, you will be getting into transformer phasing. (Making sure that the plugs are plugged in correctly and the same.)
i am confused because if you look at the underside of a lionel fastrack block section there is a removable wire for each of the three rails.( why would you ever need to cut outer rails ?? ).
A very common and beneficial usage of isolating the outer rails is that you can activate an accessory, light, etc. by the train passing a certain point and makes contact, completing the circuit and activates the device. (connection is completed by the wheels and axles of the cars).
and will the adittion of fastrack switches change any thing if the are added in between block sections. thanks for help.
I would STRONGLY suggest visiting a hobby store if you can, and pick up a book on wiring a layout. Make sure it is for 3 rail!! If not through a store, another excellant source is CTT magazine and Kalmback. Send Bob Keller at CTT and ask him for a referance and he will be happy to help out, the staff there is very helpful.
Investing in some research material will be your best money spent !!
Also keep some records of how you wire the stuff, and identify the wires, you will be glad you did! (Using some small labels and very simple drawings, or even a list of wires will help you a lot.
MOST importantly, have FUN doing it!!!
Don
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