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bsection blocks for HO scale
bsection blocks for HO scale
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Anonymous
Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts
bsection blocks for HO scale
Posted by
Anonymous
on Friday, November 11, 2005 9:30 AM
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
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rolleiman
Member since
August 2005
From: Michigan
1,550 posts
Posted by
rolleiman
on Friday, November 11, 2005 9:41 AM
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
Modeling the Wabash from Detroit to Montpelier Jeff
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jecorbett
Member since
November 2005
From: Utica, OH
4,000 posts
Posted by
jecorbett
on Friday, November 11, 2005 9:55 AM
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.
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Anonymous
Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts
Posted by
Anonymous
on Friday, November 11, 2005 10:03 AM
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.
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cwclark
Member since
January 2004
From: Crosby, Texas
3,660 posts
Posted by
cwclark
on Friday, November 11, 2005 10:07 AM
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
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rolleiman
Member since
August 2005
From: Michigan
1,550 posts
Posted by
rolleiman
on Friday, November 11, 2005 10:34 AM
.. 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
Modeling the Wabash from Detroit to Montpelier Jeff
Reply
ARTHILL
Member since
March 2005
From: New Brighton, MN
4,393 posts
Posted by
ARTHILL
on Friday, November 11, 2005 10:59 AM
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.
If you think you have it right, your standards are too low. my photos
http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a235/ARTHILL/
Art
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