bsection blocks for HO scale

[Anonymous]

I am an old Lionel railroader, making the jump to HO. I need to know is there an easy way to set up section blocks that will allow me to run two trains on the same track. This was a peice of cake to do with Lionel, as they used pressure contacters to set up a simple off/on circuit. I am looking for something similar to this for HO. Can anyone help me?

Thanks

CC

[rolleiman]

Welcome to HO scale... Looks like you've been on the forum for a month so belated welcome there too.

How simple do you want to keep it?? There are 2 ways of doing what you want to do but I don't think the Lionel way is going to be one of them (not real familar with lionel, never had any to speak of).. You can wire blocks to isolated track sections and keep flipping toggle switches to route power (run the track) or you can go DCC from the get go and run the trains.. In case you don't know, DCC (Digital Command Control), you put a decoder (or buy a loco with one installed) in the loco, dial up the address and away you go!!

There are a lot of DCC threads going on right now, if interested, I suggest giving them a read.

Good luck,
Jeff

[jecorbett]

If you are just now making the switch to HO and want to run multiple trains, DCC is definitely the simplest way to go. For those of us converting large locomotive rosters to DCC, it is a little more problematic. The older locos must be retrofitted with decoders, which isn't always easy since you have to find space for the decoder and be aware of the power draw of your locomotive so you don't burn out the decoder.

[Anonymous]

Well this may shed further light on the subject or muddy the waters for that matter. All of my trains that I will be using this year are from Austria, Klein Modelbahn and Kleinbahn. They do not have DCC capability that I know of. What I am looking for is something like a simple circuit using a photo relay or a pressure switch. Lionel had a pressure switch that could be arranged to provide a simple off on circuit.

[cwclark]

if you do or don't go to dcc there is a way to automate a train following another by installing a cut off block with the use of train detection circuits...you can build them yourself or purchase premade ones ...i just put in some for signaling that i purchased from www.dallee.com ...they also have a wiring book to show you the different ways to use the train detection circuits like reversing loops, reverse direction circuits, signalling, or train control on a single track...they aren't too terribly expensive either...i think i paid $29 a piece for them you'll may also need a "keep alive" circuit and a 12v Dc filter depending on how you install them and what you are using them for...chuck

[rolleiman]

.. or if you want to build your own, you might try this..

http://www.rr-cirkits.com/ir-detector.html

or

http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CircuitIndex.html#index

Jeff

[ARTHILL]

Simple isolated blocks with simple toggles is the easiest way for DC. The Lional stuff is for AC and making it work with DC is VERY hard. If you want more specifics for DC block control or cab control, many of us will be willing to show you. The hardest part is to realize how simple it is. DCC is the way to start, but I stayed with DC because my old favorite equipment wouldn't update easily and I don't like computer programing, which DCC does expect. Computer people say it is easy, but us computer dunces don't always find it so. I love my cab control DC. It still does everything I want it to do.