So, accessories such as #145 gatemans, 022 switches, and #151 Semaphores can all have a HOT wired to the unphased accessory transformer and share the COMMON of the train transformer through the outside rail. If this is true my ZW will be one happy camper…
Don’t be scared by what some say. Years of running trains and now several years of running “command engines” with boards and NO trouble. Just add the extra protective devices and all is well.
Multiple transformers can and indeed should share their commons with the outside rails, which we can call the layout common.
For running more than two trains at a time and controlling them independently, you need more than SPDT. One solution is to use a multiple-position rotary switch to select from among as many transformer outputs as you have. Those can be pricey however. Another way is to create a tree of toggle switches. With 2 switches (SPDT + DPDT) per block, you can select from 4 controls. With 3 switches (SPDT + 2 3PDTs) you can select from 8. Or 6 (1 SPDT + 2 DPDTs).
When the operating stations are far apart, both operators can’t use the same set of switches. One way to handle this is to use SPSTs at each station. But this allows a conflict when both operators try to power the same block. A fix for this is to use an SPDT at one station and and SPST at the other. The guy with the SPDT has priority; the other guy can power the block only when the first one releases it.
I definitely recommend center-off switches, to avoid wasting a transformer output on an unpowered parked train.
Runtime, here’s an example that I think can do what you and your father did:
Within each district at the ends of the layout, set up multiple blocks, each with two toggle switches, one SPDT-CO and one DPDT. Connect the center rail of each block to the common terminal of the SPDT. Connect each of the two other terminals of the SPDT to one of the common terminals of the DPDT. Connect each of the four other terminals of the DPDT to one of four transformer outputs.
Make an “interchange” block of the single track between the two districts. Connect its center rail to the common terminal of an “interchange” SPDT. Connect one of the two other terminals of the interchange SPDT to an SPDT-DPDT pair in one of the districts, just as if it were another local block. Connect the one remaining terminal of the interchange SPDT to a (heavy) wire running to the other district, where it connects to an SPDT-DPDT pair as if it were another local block in that district.
The guy with the interchange SPDT is in charge. When he wants to send a train to the other district, he selects his controls with the interchange SPDT and runs the train out onto the interchange track. The other guy sets his switches to select a power source for the interchange track. Then the guy in charge throws the interchange SPDT, abruptly transferring control of the interchange track. Going back the other way, the procedure is just reversed.
Wow, thanks Bob. It will take me a few more re-reads to digest all of that.
Anyone know how I can ‘save’ or bookmark or this thread?
runtime
wow, thanks for the replies everybody, and I got it on wiring and switching the loops. now for a little re-wiring. again thanks to everybody… stu
I typically copy it to a word file, and save it on my hard drive.
Kurt