Side track question

[Tracklayer]

How might one go about being able to turn the power off or on on a side track ?.
I figure what I need to do is install a plastic track joiner where the switch and side track connect, then soldier a wire from the switch track and another to the side track on that same side and tie them into a switch of some kind. Would that work ?.
I'd kind of like to know before I go to all of the trouble...

Thanks in advance.

Tracklayer

[Anonymous]

That's the way it's been done for ages! You could also use Peco turnouts which are electrically selective - the power goes in the direction the rails are pointed. Won't work the same on a siding with turnouts at both ends, you'd have to insulate one or both rails with plastic joiners at one end.

Bob Boudreau

[NZRMac]

That's basically it, just one rail will do the trick and a SPST ( single pole single throw ) switch. If it's a passing siding then isolate the same rail at both ends.

Or use power routing turnouts so only the track which is aligned has power.

I have sidings where I park stuff that only have power when the turnout is switched ( Peco insulfrog )

EDIT Beaten to the punch line again!!

Ken.

[dehusman]

Once you have mastered that concept, it you were to use a DPDT center off switch (double pole, double throw) and put insulating joiners in both rails. Connect one power pack to one set of contacts and another power pack to the other set. You now have block control where you can run two separate trains at the same time (but in different sections of track separated by insulated joiners.).

Dave H.

[Anonymous]

You could also use contacts on a switch machine to "route" power to the siding when the turnout is thrown. In addition you could mount a small slide switch into the linkage of a ground throw to route pwer to the "insulated siding" to turn it on and off depending on the orientation of the ground throw and turnout it controls.
Will

[Tracklayer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dehusman

Once you have mastered that concept, it you were to use a DPDT center off switch (double pole, double throw) and put insulating joiners in both rails. Connect one power pack to one set of contacts and another power pack to the other set. You now have block control where you can run two separate trains at the same time (but in different sections of track separated by insulated joiners.).

Dave H.

Now I like this idea... "Thanks dehusman (Dave)".

Tracklayer [:D]

[Anonymous]

By using a DPDT switch you can also use this siding as a programming track for you DCC'ers. I'll have one siding, closest to the edge, for that.

Mark in Utah

[Tracklayer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mark_in_utah

By using a DPDT switch you can also use this siding as a programming track for you DCC'ers. I'll have one siding, closest to the edge, for that.

Mark in Utah

Thank you Mark in Utah.

Mark in Texas (aka Tracklayer [:p])