Wiring with a common rail

[Anonymous]

Hi all, I am having some difficulty getting the common rai wiring scheme on our N scale layout working correctly.

I should start by noting that I have two MRC controllers connected to the system. One is a Tech II Locomotion 1500, the other a Tech 4 Rail Power 350. Also connected to the Tech II is an Elec Trak Clean electric cleaning system for the rails. Blocks are set and controlled using SPDT center-off toggle switches. The problem is arising (I think) with the common rail that we have used forever when wiring our layouts. I have both controllers connected to the common rail feeder that runs the length of the layout in a single direction (it does not loop).

The problem is this: When I have both controllers connected and running different blocks, I seem to be getting some interference between controllers and the running locomotives. When the two controllers are operating in the same direction, the power appears to be amplified to the rails and when they are working in opposite directions, both trains seem to slow down, if not completely stop. Do I have something incorrectly set up with my system, or am I breaking some basic rules by using only SPDT toggles and the common rail (it seems like the costly and time-consuming conversion to DPDT toggles would solve the problem)? I appreciate greatly any help or input I can get and I thank you for taking the time to read through my mess.

joel.

[Anonymous]

In response to your problem it could be that you using the spdt you may need to go with the dpdt also it would be wise to get the wiring book from Atlas if you are using their products.Let us know how you make out

[Anonymous]

Joel...it's NOT the SPDT toggles, contrary to the first 'answer' you received. The DPDT in a standard common-rail block setup just gives you an extra unused pole / side, that you can use for panel lights, or fixed indicator signals, etc.
The SPDT should work fine.
In my own section of cab control, I use a Tech 2 #2400, and a Tech 4 #250 without the problem you describe.
I would be tempted to disconnect that Elec Trak cleaning system from the circuit, and see if you have the same problem. This is the easiest first test to try. (I am totally unfamiliar with that product, but somone else may respond on it ).
If getting the cleaning system off the circuit DOESN'T correct the problem, then it's likely in the track or wiring, it will be necessary to recheck these.Let us know please.
The Atlas book suggested in you first 'answer' is a nice book, but not necessarily what you need unless you use all-Atlas components, which you do not.
regards / Mike

[Sperandeo]

Hi Joel,

I agree with Mike Meaford that the SPDT toggles aren't the source of your problem, provided they are wired correctly. I'd also try disconnecting the cleaning circuit and to see if that makes a difference.

If it doesen't, I'd guess that there's a mistake somewhere in your wiring. I'd suggest disconnecting both cabs from one block at a time and seeing if that makes the problem go away. When you find that it does, you've isolated the problem to the wiring of that block.

My book, "Easy Model Railroad Wiring," covers common rail wiring pretty thoroughly in Chapter 5, if you need a reference.

Happy New Year,

Andy

Andy Sperandeo
MODEL RAILROADER Magazine

[Anonymous]

tarwheel38; It is obvious from your answer, you have little or no idea what is being asked, and have no idea whatsoever how to help the originator of this thread...why do you presume to even answer, and to try and do the original questioner nothing but confusion and harm ? Get a life!

[nfmisso]

Hi Joel;

Both Andy and Mike have very good advice, and I would like to suggest a debug method if removing the cleaner doesn't do it.

There is a connection, somewhere, that should not be, my 1st guess is that one of your gaps is not completely open, but not a great conductor either.

Are you using center off SPDT ? Hopefully, as that will make debug easy. First turn all off, now turn one to one pack, and another to the other pack. Try running the locomotives in those two blocks. Continue through all the other blocks for the 2nd pack, then increment the 1st pack to the 2nd block, and repeat, and so one until you have done every possible pair. There may be more than one problem.

Good luck
Nigel

[Anonymous]

Thank you to all for the help. I apologize for not getting back here with a response very quickly. Just the day after I posted the question, my family and I were off to my grandparents' for Christmas, and then I was headed back to college. My father got home a day or two before New Years and just a few days ago got a chance to head to the basement and start debugging.

That being said, it sounds as though your hunches were right on. I thought the SPDT (center off, yes) toggles would be sufficient and was quite confused when they didn't work with this wiring system (we've used this technique for years). So, in talking with my father, we figured there must be some place where the feeder wires from each power pack were touching or interfering in some way. Although we usually use electrical tape on all our soldered joints, I have been known to forget to do so. So, dad went home and followed the two feeder wires to their length, taping all the untaped joints. In doing so, he said he found two locations where they may have been rubbing against each other with bare wire. He also found at least two blocks whose wires could have been rubbing, causing a similar problem if each block was set to a different power pack.

He then tested the tracks, and reported back that everything seemed to be in working order. I'd still like to see for myself (I am stubborn like that), but I described the issues I had been having to him in tedious detail and he said nothing of the sort was still happening. I am quite confident the issue has been licked, but I'll have to give them a test of my own next time I am home.

Again, thank you very much for the advice. We appreciate it greatly!

joel.