Vector Check -- Isolating a Passing Siding

[PVT Kanaka]

Aloha!

OK, so I've decided the next thing the Triple O needs is a passing siding I can power on and off using manual switches as shown in Mr. Todd Haskins article in the October 2013 issue of GR.  It looks pretty basic, but I wanted to see if there is any reason I could not isolate both the mainline and the siding, allowing us to run two trains in opposite directions - but not at the same time! - without backing one out onto the mainline first.

Thanks in advance!

Eric

[ttrigg]

Eric

By all means do so. I did exactly that for all of my passing sidings. In my case, I had all of my controls inside of a "cab control desk" where I controlled everything while sitting in a lawn chair sipping my 'ice tea.' Since you seem to be looking at using manual turn outs you will need to modify my method. Acquire a pair of weather proof electric switches, possible choice; go to your building supply get a weather proof outdoor electrical box with a weather proof lid and two on/off light switches.  Run a single line from one rail of the mainline to the power box. Connect that wire to both switches. run a single line from each switch to the appropriate rail within the siding. p.s. no need to isolate both rails.

[ttrigg]

Once you have things set, you can run three trains on the one line. With two engines stopped at the siding as the third begins to approach, ~10 ft before the siding, flip the switch for the correct stopped train. The stopped train will start slowly and the approaching trin will slow. As the departing engine clears the siding area turn the power back off and the approaching will stop. 

[PVT Kanaka]

Thanks, Tom! 

A TV just blew up (I simply cannot win with appliances), but one we figure that out, I am going to get the order in for the isolated rail clamps as well as a few other "normal" ones for perennial trouble spots.  The idea is, in fact, to have manual operation, so this should be relatively easy.

Three trains...boy...Someone in the household will need to get their "yardmaster certification!"

Aloha,

Eric

[PVT Kanaka]

FYI, the order is in for the requisite rail clamps as well as some other odds & ends. I'll pick them up during a forthcoming trip to the contiguous 48 (saved about $30 on shipping to do it that way!). I will post progress when it happens.

[CapeCodTodd]

HI That was my article in GR that you referred to. It is so easy to setup a siding or a passing siding where you can park a train while another takes off. My RR has 4 isolated passing sidings and 2 of these also have the parallel main line isolated through 2 insulated rail clamps and a lite switch so I can stop trains. I'm happy to hear you will be putting my little idea to work on your RR. Happy RRing!

[CapeCodTodd]

Yes you can isolate both the siding and the main line using my technique.  I have 4 spots on my RR that are considered pas through sidings.  I can bring a train in, park it turn the switch off to isolate the track, flip the other switch on and that parked train will go.  I have a couple of sheds that have 2 light switches on them that will shut the tracks down.

Happy RRing

[PVT Kanaka]

Aloha Todd,

 

Thanks so much for confirming I was "on the right track."  I should have the whole up and operating in December.  I will post photos when all is in place.

Eric

[PVT Kanaka]

Todd & Tom,

Railclamps are in hand, as is a new Dremel tool!  I will start getting the bits and parts together in the coming weeks, if not sooner (Christmas brings ancilliary duties to the detriment of my hobbies.).  I'll let you know how things work out!

Aloha,

Eric

[PVT Kanaka]

Todd & Tom

Just to bring this thread to a close, all is in place and working.  I did manage to louse up one of the clamps' placement, Todd, and jump across the "isolated" gap.  Ooops!  The only thing I did not get to do was actually build a shack.  I told my father-in-law about the project and the next week he came back with two towers wiht the switched rigged to the signal.  Nice!  I'll post photos in my "Progress on the Triple O" thread.

Oh, and Tom, we have not tried three train operation.  Two train was sufficient stress for me at the moment as the crew learned their roles as yardmaster!  Still, this has added fun new dimension to running the Triple O and was a key part of keeping projects one step ahead of the kids to maintain their interest!

Aloha and Thanks to you both!

 

- Eric

 

Eric