Switch relocation?
Hi all, newcomer here looking for advice. I have recently entered the sport of model trains and am building my track but have issues and questions that I’m sure the knowledge here will help with.
I am using dc method and am trying to have 2 tracks with 2 trains that can switch between tracks. I have 2 controllers and 2 powered track connectors. Below is a general design of my desired setup.
I looking for advice on power, shorting and setting up blocks to make my design work with 2 loco and 2 cabs (if it can even happen)
Look forward to the specialist advice.
Wenchbags;
The short answer is the first part of the one already given by wvgca, about the insulated rail joiners. For right now, I recommend you skip the second part of his reply concerning the two DPDT switches. For now, you can just use the direction switches on your two power packs.
So, as wvgca says, you will need to put insulated rail joiners in both rails where each switch connects to another switch to form what is called a "crossover." You call it a "double switch" but don't sweat the terminology, we know what you mean.
Using these insulated rail joiners, you should be able to control one train on each loop independently. Connect one of your DC power packs to each loop, using one of the terminal track sections you have.
When a train crosses from one loop to the other, it will come under the control of the power pack that controls that other loop. If there is already another train on that same loop, then you will no longer have independent control. Both trains will be controlled by the one power pack connected to that loop.
Also, for a train to get through a crossover at all, both power packs must have their direction switches set for the same direction of travel. If they are not, then you will get a short circuit when the locomotive gets to the middle of the crossover.
You mentioned "blocks" and controlling two trains, independently, when both are on the same loop. There is a system for doing that with DC. It's called "Dual cab control." It involves a lot of wiring, track runs long enough to hold two complete trains, and the construction of a control panel. As Tom_C suggested, it would be a lot simpler to do this using DCC instead of DC, but it's your choice.
On your "New Member Introduction" post, I responded with a bunch of files that explain many things about model railroading, including both DC "Dual cab control," and DCC control. Section 6 of the "How to build a better first layout" series has an explanation of how each of these two control systems work. For convenience, I've attached copies of those file below as well. Also, there is a good book titled, Wiring Your Model Railroad" by Larry Puckett, available at
https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/products/books
Finally, your track plan sketch shows both crossovers ("double switches") located on curves. Things will run a lot more smoothly, with fewer derailments, if you move both your crossovers to areas with two parallel straight tracks, instead of curves.
good luck, and have fun!
Traction Fan :smilie_daumenpos:
View attachment WHERE DO I START rev 4.pdf
View attachment 1 How to build a better first layout.pdf
View attachment 2 How to build a better first layout.pdf
View attachment 3 & 4 How to build a better first layout.pdf
View attachment 5 How to build a better first layout.pdf
View attachment 6 How to build a better first layout.pdf
View attachment All AboutTurnouts rev 5.pdf
View attachment Model Railroad Terminology 3.pdf
View attachment MODEL RAILROADING ON A BUDGET.pdf
