I'm constantly thinking (maybe not too smart) about improving my O27 tubular track ZW transformer layout. This time, I am considering adding two sidings, each to hold a train while another passes on the main loop. (Maybe, with a Block signal on each) Asking assistance.
In the past, I recall reading postings that mentioned the name of printed material that illustrates various wiring procedures but I can't recall the names of the publications or Internet sources.
I am on a very restricted budget and am not considering extensive projects so I don't think that I will need a thick book. Just "how to" on the sidings issue.
Many thanks.
traindaddy1 wrote: I'm constantly thinking (maybe not too smart) about improving my O27 tubular track ZW transformer layout. This time, I am considering adding two sidings, each to hold a train while another passes on the main loop. (Maybe, with a Block signal on each) Asking assistance. In the past, I recall reading postings that mentioned the name of printed material that illustrates various wiring procedures but I can't recall the names of the publications or Internet sources. I am on a very restricted budget and am not considering extensive projects so I don't think that I will need a thick book. Just "how to" on the sidings issue.
Assuming you are looking for basics (for budget reasons) and not trying to set up interlocking or automatic train routing, try the following: (assumes you are non-command, Post-war ZW)
1) put an insulated center pin at the ends of each siding to form electrical "blocks" of track. The switches will likely have one outer insulated pin (for the non-derailing feature) and a center rail insulated pin where it joins the siding.
2) divide your main loop into at least 4 blocks using center rail insulating pins. Logical divisions would be one block each on the main parallel to the sidings, and the other 2 blocks would be the track between the sidings.
3) each block will have the outer rail fed through a wire back to the U post or a common bus that ties all the U connections together.
4) assuming (there I go again) only 2 trains are going to be controlled at once (the third will be parked on a siding), get 6 SPDT center-off toggle switches - one for each block. The Atlas Selector switches can be used instead of toggles. Wire the center rail of each block to the center connection of the toggle controlling that block. Wire the A throttle of your ZW to one side connection of all the block toggles, and the B throttle to the other side connection. Stay consistent which side you use for which throttle.
Now to operate with the A throttle, simply select which blocks you are going to use and set them for the A throttle. The same works for the B throttle. Any block not in use is set to the center off position. Any train in that block will not be powered while the block toggle is in the center off position.
To have a block signal indicate which throttle is controlling the block use DPDT toggles instead of SPDT. Wire the second set of contacts as follows - the A throttle end connection goes to the green bulb, the B throttle end goes to the red bulb, and the center terminal goes to block signal power.
Or if you want the block signal to indicate a train in the siding, insulate an outer rail for the length of the siding, and wire just like any other insulated track section controlling a track signal.
Hope this helps, and is simple enough to understand without diagrams.
yours in wiring
Fred W
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