Bob and Bruce, so here we are 7 years after the original post and I find myself trying to do the same thing. I'm proud to say that, before I read the thread, I was able to determine where the rails needed to be insulated. As I read through the thread I was able to understand most of what I read. I was hoping to run a train from the inner track to the outer and now, unfortunately, I understand I cannot do that. I'm sure glad I found this thread before I ruined my layout wiring! Is there any way, other than using the switches as shown in the picture, that I can run separate trains on the inner and outer tracks and have the ability to move one train from one loop to the other?
Yes. The straightforward and safe way to do it is to create track blocks on your layout.
To make blocks, simply put gaps (or insulating pins) in the center rail at the block boundaries. Connect the center rail of each block to the common terminal of a single-pole-double-throw-center-off switch. Connect one terminal of each switch to one variable-voltage transformer output and connect the other terminal to another variable-voltage transformer output. Connect all the outside rails (except for control rails for turnouts and accessory activation) and all the transformer commons (if using more than one) together.
You will then be able to select for each block, which transformer output will power the block, or to turn the block off completely. So design your block boundaries so that you can make the moves that you want. This will probably require at least two blocks on each loop. For example, one train can wait in one block of loop A, while the other train crosses from loop B into the other block of loop A. Then the first train crosses from loop A to the vacated block of loop B.
Blocks can also be very handy in trouble-shooting short circuits.
Bob Nelson
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