Workin Hard

[Anonymous]

Grayson wrote, “Having blocks evens out the stress on the power source, because its only giving most of its power on just 5-10 sections of track, vs. say 100 sections you might have.” He probably didn’t mean to imply that powering unoccupied track puts any load on the transformer at all–it doesn’t.

There are two reasons for having blocks on a traditional layout:

To be able to figure out where a problem (like a short circuit) is, by connecting the blocks one at a time. Then you only have to figure out where the problem is within that block rather than over the whole layout. Blocks used only for this purpose would probably be semipermanently connected to one transformer output, since you wouldn’t be disconnecting them unless a problem arose.

To allow you to run more than one train at a time and control them separately. Often folks take the easy way out and connect each block to a different transformer output. This is okay if a train can’t get from one block to another, for example, if they are on completely separate loops. However, if they can move from block to block over the track, you need to put in an electrical switch for each block, to connect it to one or another of the transformer outputs, so that you can ensure that each train remains powered by the same output no matter where it goes on the layout. Doing otherwise can be a fire danger.

With your modest loop, I would not use blocks but just connect the whole thing to one transformer output.

Can you elaborate a little more? I am not a wiring wizard and want to make sure I get this right on future layouts that may use blocking control.

[Anonymous]

Grayson wrote, “Having blocks evens out the stress on the power source, because its only giving most of its power on just 5-10 sections of track, vs. say 100 sections you might have.” He probably didn’t mean to imply that powering unoccupied track puts any load on the transformer at all–it doesn’t.

There are two reasons for having blocks on a traditional layout:

To be able to figure out where a problem (like a short circuit) is, by connecting the blocks one at a time. Then you only have to figure out where the problem is within that block rather than over the whole layout. Blocks used only for this purpose would probably be semipermanently connected to one transformer output, since you wouldn’t be disconnecting them unless a problem arose.

To allow you to run more than one train at a time and control them separately. Often folks take the easy way out and connect each block to a different transformer output. This is okay if a train can’t get from one block to another, for example, if they are on completely separate loops. However, if they can move from block to block over the track, you need to put in an electrical switch for each block, to connect it to one or another of the transformer outputs, so that you can ensure that each train remains powered by the same output no matter where it goes on the layout. Doing otherwise can be a fire danger.

With your modest loop, I would not use blocks but just connect the whole thing to one transformer output.

Can you elaborate a little more? I am not a wiring wizard and want to make sure I get this right on future layouts that may use blocking control.

[Anonymous]

Grayson wrote, “Having blocks evens out the stress on the power source, because its only giving most of its power on just 5-10 sections of track, vs. say 100 sections you might have.” He probably didn’t mean to imply that powering unoccupied track puts any load on the transformer at all–it doesn’t.

There are two reasons for having blocks on a traditional layout:

To be able to figure out where a problem (like a short circuit) is, by connecting the blocks one at a time. Then you only have to figure out where the problem is within that block rather than over the whole layout. Blocks used only for this purpose would probably be semipermanently connected to one transformer output, since you wouldn’t be disconnecting them unless a problem arose.

To allow you to run more than one train at a time and control them separately. Often folks take the easy way out and connect each block to a different transformer output. This is okay if a train can’t get from one block to another, for example, if they are on completely separate loops. However, if they can move from block to block over the track, you need to put in an electrical switch for each block, to connect it to one or another of the transformer outputs, so that you can ensure that each train remains powered by the same output no matter where it goes on the layout. Doing otherwise can be a fire danger.

With your modest loop, I would not use blocks but just connect the whole thing to one transformer output.

Can you elaborate a little more? I am not a wiring wizard and want to make sure I get this right on future layouts that may use blocking control.

[Anonymous]

well i dont even know what a block is so i dont think i will ues that…

thanks

fifedog thanks for the input sometimes my brain just stops working ( ok alot of time) i just want to make this easy and learn from experience of others h the proccess of doing this thanks alot

[lionelsoni]

You can say that again! I’m guessing that you’re asking about how to wire the blocks to multiple transformer outputs. If not, let me know.

You might have one transformer with several separately-controlled outputs, like a KW, ZW, or Z. In that case, the transformer common is usually the U terminal and gets connected to the outside rails, which should not be gapped at the block boundaries. Or you might have several transformers, in which case you need to identify one terminal, usually not U, as the common and connect all those commons to the outside rails. If you ever make a mistake and run from a block controlled by one transformer into a block controlled by another, you will have less dramatic fireworks if you arrange to plug the transformers in so that their outputs are in phase.

Then get a single-pole-double-throw-center-off (SPDT-CO) switch for each block. Connect the common of the switch to the center rail of the block and the other terminals each to one of the two transformer output terminals that you want to use. Then the position of the switch determines which output is powering that block; and the center position shuts the block off entirely. You can have as many blocks as you want and still control them with only two transformer controls; you are limited only to having only two trains moving at a time. If you want to have more trains going at a time, you can do that in various ways with more transformer outputs, and more than one switch per block or with more complicated switches.

[Anonymous]

got a bunch of wood and supplys today for my buildings i am building. yes i am doing my own buildings. Almost all will be scrath built. I feel this is a very personal touch. Now i have a question about lights in buildings. What is the easiest to use and work well.as soon as i learn this wiring thing it will be easier…

[lionel2986]

very cool zeke, I’ll have to pay close attention to your layout progress. It seems you are at the same stage as me and we both have similar questions. I’m finishing up my benchwork and spent most of the past 2 weeks cutting wood. Are you going O or 0-27? i’m going 0-27 because i like the look of the low profile and brown ties. Post some pictures when you get a chance and I’ll try to do the same.

[Anonymous]

hey thanks, im a little slow on progress and wont be able to do anything till next week, going in the hospital for a 4 day visit on thursday. but when i return i am gonna put alot of time in! So look forward to pics. And i cant wait to see what you got going on, go ahead and post it here, ill share i dont mind!