Not sure if this is the right forum for this but does anyone know where to get a diagram or instrustions for installing an automatic block system for HO trains prob using Atlas track? Found instructions on the net but all were for O Gauge.
Let me be the first to tell you it all depends on how involved you want to get. If you are looking for a simple block occupancy system check out the Atlas Signal System. I use it on my layout and I'm quite happy with it. You can set it up to indicate block occupancy one block ahead also. I would suggest using the NCE BD-20 for track detection. They are simple to hook up and work very well. Combined with the Atlas signals and control boards it makes a very nice set up.
If you want a more sophisticated set up I'll have to let someone else help you.
Dave
'there's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear' Modeling the Hard Knox Valley Railroad in HO scale http://photos.hardknoxvalley.com/
I suspect you are talking about using the HO Atlas signal system. Go to the Atlas site:
http://www.atlasrr.com/trackmisc/hosignals.htm
Scroll down most of the way. There are PDF links to the wiring diagrams you are looking for.
Jim Bernier
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Right now still designing the layout so not entirely sure how sophisticated i'm going to need or what acessories such as lights to be accurate for the layout i'm looking to build. Do know in the layout i want atleast 2 outer loops of track with atleast two switch points between them so trains can move easily between the two loops when set to so have to make it so they don't run into each other just don't know how many trains i will eventually be running yet either. Also looking to make it safe for the trains when i'm transferring one in or out of the layouts rail yard. All that there is prob 1/3 to 50% of the layout but still haven't come up with the rest yet. Thanks mainetrains and jrbernier for the help both look like they should do the job. Like i said just have to finish designing the layout but now i know what i have to work with and can plan it into the design.
Hi Fox. You could use NCE's mini panel with some BD20's for detection (you can hook up to 30 for each mini panel), it also let you control your turnouts by programing routes and macros. Another soultion for protection is to take advantage of the "auto throw and auto return" features of the Hare decoder when used with the tortoise switch machine. As for any kind of automation you need some basic electronic knowledge and a lot of tinkering is needed (like cutting gaps, insulating, wiring, soldering, etc...). Good luck!
Fox14120 Not sure if this is the right forum for this but ...
Not sure if this is the right forum for this but ...
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/Railway-Signaling/
Haven't decided if i'm going to go the DC or DCC route yet but will prob be DC due to the cost of the trains and controllers for DCC. I'm really just starting out haven't bought anything yet for HO been working with O up till now but always wanted to do a HO setup. One thing i do know is i have to stay away from optical setups for the block system since i heard in low light they don't always work the way they should and the corner of the basement this layout is going to be at this point is lit from 30-40 feet away though i do plan on adding some light to that area.