All of this depends on how many blocks you have, and more importantly, how many cabs you want to have. On a previous layout I had eight blocks and six cabs. The controls were in the form of a six position, double pole rotating switch from Radio Shack. The output of the control fed through to the tracks, while each one of the cabs was represented by a position on the switch.
That is about as simple as a complicated setup can get.
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
There is an intermediate method for analog DC that simplifies the power control at the panel, but the downside is that it increases the complexity of wiring since each power control switch feeds into a `tree' of rail power connections. Rail power is routed through contact sets connected to the points - route control, depending on which way the points are thrown to determine which main control power section is connected to the track in advance of the points. In a complex yard throat this becomes an exercise in Boolean algebra...
The name given to this system by the late Ed Ravenscroft is the MZL system, and it allows for either central panel operation of the entire layout or walk-along control of a single train.
While I use MZL, and am comfortable with it, I would NOT recommend it to anyone who is just starting or who is returning to the hobby after a lapse. Also, for smaller layouts it's gross overkill. I'm able to run multiple trains on a double garage size rail empire, which is similar in size and complexity to Mr. Ravenscroft's post-retirement layout.
As it happens, my roster includes locos dear to my heart which cannot be converted to DCC. Lacking that, i strongly suggest that, for anyone who doesn't enjoy circuit designing and wiring, DCC is almost certanly the simpler option.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan i September, 1964 - analog DC, MZL)
The method that you describe was called Cab Control. If you are still using DC, this is the best way in my opinion.
All the new wiring that uses a wiring Bus, is for DCC where more than one train at a time can run on the same track / block, and the voltage drop is more of a concern now than back when DC was mostly used.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
Electrical wiring hasn't changed much in 40 years -- I still prefer terminal strips and crimp on connectors for layout wiring.
the only method i know of for distributing power from to the throttle(s) to the numerous wires connecting each block (DC) or even each piece of rail is using terminal strips in a panel as described in Linn Westcott's HO Ralroad That Grows. I think it's a very well organized way of connecting power to multiple wires allowing new blocks to added or reorganized.
for those not familiar with this method, it is designed for DC with 2 throttles. Each 6 screw terminal strip is wired to a dpdt switch. the two common terminals on the switch are wired to the track block (T), one side of the switch will be wired to one throttle (A) and the other side of the switch is for the other throttle (B).
the terminal strips are mounted parallel to one another (between 2 boards). long lengths of wire are run connecting the same screw of each terminal together (the wires are not looped around the screws). one pair of wires connects the A pairs screws to one throttle, and a 2nd pair of wires connects the B screws. The wires going to the tracks are connected to the T pairs of screws.
There are some special terminal strips used for reversing sections. It's easy to add new terminals for new blocks, or remove terminal strips.
But since that book is now 40 years old, i am interested in hearing about other more modern approaches.
greg
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading