Kia ora fellow modelers,
Down here in New Zealand, I'm building a small DC layout recreating central California in the late 1950s, and want to set up an operating signal system that a) interlocks with turnout position b) shows red if the block ahead is assigned to another cab (remember this is DC).
I have two DC controllers, with 12 blocks assigned by 3 Atlas 215 selectors.
I'm looking for suggestions on how I can interlock the signals with cab selection (so a train doesn't travel into a block assigned to another cab) as well as turnout position? I plan to use two aspect colour light signals.
Any help, much appreciated.
Thanks!
KiwiSPfan
Wellington
New Zealand.
My layout is a DC, double-track mainline with a set of crossovers and siding/yard lead. The mainline is bi-directionally signaled (Automatic Block Signals without tumbledown) with three-aspect color light signals. Each main track is divided into 5 blocks. The signals are automatically controlled by Dallee Trak-DT current detectors. The power to each of the 10 blocks goes through the current detector for a specific block. I used resistors and silver conductive paint to allow detection of the rolling stock.
As you can see in the link below, I created a CTC panel to control the turnouts and signals for the crossovers and the siding. The signals controlling movement through the turnouts are two-arm (one signal head above the other). For example, for a train to move through the crossover from track 1 to track 2, the turnout is operated via the CTC panel, then the signal is lined for the movement on the CTC panel.
For a train to move from track 1 to track 2, the aspect should be red over green. This means that I have to 'trick' the detectors into making all the upper aspects red on either side protecting the crossovers. I do this by running the lower aspect signal green LED wire through the Dallee Trak-DT detectors for the crossover blocks. The detectors therefore 'see' a train in the crossover blocks, and the upper aspects are therefore red. This also automatically causes the signals one block away from the crossover on either side to be yellow.
Included in the link are the wiring diagrams I made to figure this out.
https://goo.gl/photos/3JVZWi6NgCkk9GNbA
My wife and I honeymooned in NZ in 2010, from Christchurch to Dunedin and over to Doubtful Sound. It was wonderful. We took both the TranzAlpine and Taieri Gorge Railways--incredible. I enjoyed seeing the NZ locomotives and signals.
this isn't about occupancy detection. it's whether the two (adjacent) blocks are connected to the same cab thru an Atlas 215 selector
as on the other forum, i suggested that an isolated power supply supply current thru an opto and resistor connected to the uncommon rail in the one block and the ground of the power supply to the uncommon rail in the next block could probably be used to detect that both blocks are connected to the same cab. The opto output used to control the signal.
perhaps other have ideas
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
to the Model Railroader forums. Your first few posts are delayed by the moderators. This ends pretty quickly. Please stick around and join in the discussions.
.
I am doing something similar on my next layout.
My signals will only be red/green. If the points are in the correct position, the signal will be green, and a relay will automatically select the correct cab.
I believe I will only need two blocks that will need the cab selected on a toggle, all the rest will be done with the switch machines.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
The Advanced Cab Control system I designed and use does all that and more. It does however require pushbuttons and relays in place of the Atlas selectors.
If the OP is interested, he can send me a PM.
And like Kevin's plan, it uses turnout position to reduce the needed cab selectors.
Sheldon