Hello fellow train lovers! We are a couple of noobs in the process of building a layout and we are looking for some insights on wiring points. We have a two track set up, one on the outside one on the inside with the outside one crossing the inner to go to a staging/shed area. We are unsure of how to wore the point crossing from the outer to inner track and isolate them so a train can run on them simultaneously Even after watching many YouTube videos we still haven't found a definitive answer!.We will have 2 controllers, one for each track and we are using Peco Insulfrogs.
I guess we are unsure of if and where we might need insulating joiners if at all and if we need some DPT switches...
I am attaching out layout. Any help is greatly appriciated as we haven't found much help online so far. Thanks i advance!!
Phoenix and Adria
Hello All,
to the forums.
Your first few posts will be reviewed by the moderators, so there will be a delay in seeing them.
MVIRRWe will have 2 controllers, one for each track...
Are you using DCC (Digital Command Control) or DC (Direct Current)?
MVIRR...the outside one crossing the inner to go to a staging/shed area.
If the outer track is only crossing the inner loop using a track crossing you don't need to gap any track as the two tracks on a crossing section are electrically isolated.
With DC control, if you are using two turnouts back-to-back to create a crossover between the two loops, then you will need to "gap" or "isolate" the loops (blocks).
If you want to have one locomotive move through the crossover, to the inner loop, then to a spur off the inner loop it gets more complicated in DC.
What you are asking about is referred to as "block" wiring in DC.
A "block" is a single section of track- -it can be as small as a single 9-inch section of track or as large as each oval you describe. A single block is controlled by a single "controller."
Each block needs to be gapped or "isolated" from all other blocks.
You can physically cut "gaps" in both rails or use plastic insulated rail joiners on both rails.
A "controller" is also referred to as a "cab."
So, you will have dual-cab control.
On the back of the cab could be several sets of screw terminals.
Typically:
•DC Track Power; "+" (positive), "-" (negative) •AC Accessory; "+" (positive), "-" (negative) •DC Accessory; "+" (positive), "-" (negative)
On a DC cab there is a "direction" switch.
This switch changes the polarity of the DC power going to the track, which changes the direction the motor in the locomotive(s) spins and determines which "direction" they travel.
When you flip the direction switch it's as if you have actually switched the "+" and "-" wires going to the track.According to the National Model Railroad Association "Forward" is defined as, when the positive (+) rail is on the right relative to the direction the locomotive is facing.
This is extreemly important if you use two (2) turnouts back-to-back to create a crossover.
Both cabs need to be wired to the tracks in the same way- -All Right Rails "+", All Left Rails "-".
When moving one locomotive from one loop (block) to the next, the "direction" switches need to be in the same position, or a short circuit will occur.
Once the locomotive moves from the outer loop to the inner loop the cab that controls the inner loop now controls that locomotive and all others on the inner loop.
With DC you cannot control locomotives independently in the same block (loop).
All locomotives in the same block will all move simultaneously when the power is applied.
If one locomotive is facing in the opposite direction of another- -in the same block (lop)- -they will move in opposite directions eventually leading to a head-on or rear-end crash!
With DCC each individual locomotive is controlled independently so running more than one on the same track is much easier.
With most DCC systems you can inexpensively add a smartphone or tablet as an additional cab.
I recommend getting The Complete Atlas Wiring Book. Many will say this is just a catalog for Atlas products.
Yes, it highlights Atlas products, it also provides wiring diagrams and schematics of the different types of DC track controllers.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"