Are Block Sections Necessary on a Combination Track Layout

marshelangeloOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

Hello Everyone:

I'm very close to laying my track for my layout but I have a question running around in my head that I need clarification on. I don't currently have a track diagram of my layout so bear with me on the details that I'm giving. I have a three level layout. On the ground level I have Atlas O track with 4 Atlas switches and 3 sidings. On levels 2 & 3 I have a combination of Atlas O and Fastrack. I currently own a Legacy Control System and I'm contemplating purchasing an MTH DCS System for additional flexibility and more types of locomotives. I haven't laid out any track as of yet but when I start I will add both systems to my layout if what I hear from everyone seems feasible. I'm definitely going to use Legacy, MTH DCS is the big question. I believe that wiring the two systems will be easy, my concern is in Block Sections and whether they will be necessary in a setup like mine. I'm all ears if you can help me out here. I also want to be able to run both types of locomotives on all 3 levels. I'm also going to purchase the MTH Video on track setup, which I hope will further help me.

10/27/171:25 PM

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clem kOGR Forum Member

How big ? a 4X8 shouldn't need any blocks

10/27/172:56 PM

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marshelangeloOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

12x30

10/27/173:20 PM

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Barry BroskowitzOGR Forum Member MEMORIALIZED MEMBER

Greg,

my concern is in Block Sections and whether they will be necessary in a setup like mine.

Yes, you definitely should block the tracks with insulation between the center rails of adjacent blocks.

10/27/173:29 PM

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RJROGR Forum Member

I note for the record, although not relevant to this OP's question, that even an 8x4 needs some blocking. Cf another thread within past few weeks, in which is was shown that even a simple loop needs an insulator on the far side. A demiblock if you will.

10/27/173:33 PM

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rtr12OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I can verify from personal experience what RJR says above. I blocked my current layout and it works flawlessly. I have both DCS and Legacy and they work great together also. This made me a firm believer in blocks with DCS!

If you are using DCS I would highly recommend getting Barry's book, The DCS Companion, and wiring your layout per the guidelines in the book as closely as you can. There's lots of other info about DCS in the book that will be very useful to you as well.

10/27/176:33 PM

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