Block control

I believe the d-192 is 8x8. Is this the one you had in mind:

block control is discussed here starting on page 29

https://ogrforum.com/...83860657/Booklet.pdf

Hello,

Atlas selectors will do the trick and they are simple to hook up.

Jon Stachowicz posted:

Hello,

Atlas selectors will do the trick and they are simple to hook up.

 

If you are using TMCC or Legacy control, using the BPC's is a great way to turn blocks on and off from the Remote(s).  I would stay away from the BPC2's in my opinion.  The latter can not switch from one CAB to another.  They only turn blocks on and off.  If you are running "conventional" locomotives, it is necessary to be able to switch CAB's.

Jon Stachowicz posted:

Hello,

Atlas selectors will do the trick and they are simple to hook up.

 

Current rating of these sufficient for engine(s) load?

Should be ok.  I've run postwar, LTI and MTH locomotives with no issues.

TMCC enables you to "park" a locomotive anywhere on the layout without block control; it just rests there until commanded to move -- from the main line or a siding(s).  I created five short sidings on my L-shaped layout, each one isolated with a plastic pin at the center rail. Track power to each siding is controlled by a toggle ON/OFF switch.  I refer to the lighted bumpers at the end of each siding as a convenient indicator to show whether the siding is powered or not.

I know - my CAB-1 could perform the same ON/OFF function, but that task is slightly more complicated than a mere toggle switch at trackside; i.e., remembering the ID number, associating the ID number with a siding, and such. At my age, I'm sliding into CRSS (Can't Remember Stuff Syndrome).  Further, I'm a child of the 50s, so the technology of that era comes naturally to me. Although I use and enjoy TMCC, I only use its ordinary functions.

Mike Mottler     LCCA 12394

Mike M, if you are in fact running full Command what you say is true and in fact I would question any need at all for "blocks" on a fully Command Layout (maybe sidings). But running Conventional with TMCC or Legacy, it is imperative to be able to switch blocks from one Cab (power source) to another on the fly easily.  The new BPC2's do not provide that function. 

Jim

Thanks for your confirming note. All but two of my eight locos are TMCC equipped. I wired a POWERMASTER for optional use with those conventional locos (which are rarely used and generally "parked" on a workbench) and for use by visiting hobbyists who may bring a conventional loco to run on my layout.

Mike Mottler    LCCA 12394

Hi`, thanks for the comments, sorry i didn`t respond sooner, i would like to create the block control so i don`t have any collisions, that is what my question was about, any one have any ideas on how to make that, thank you all so much, Phil

What I do is use 3 position on/off/on switches to control each block.. Left on is wired to a transformer for conventional operation.. Center is off, no power.. Right on is wired to command control of choice.. IMO, this gives you flexibility to run whatever you want to in each block ...  Of course this is manual control.. You can mount the switches wherever it suits you.. I have a control panel using my track diagram.. All the switches mounted in the block the switch controls..

My 2 cents.  I have used Atlas selectors and found them to be wanting.  Either the internals rusted or the occasional short fried the selector.   I know many of the forum members have constructed very elegant control panels using all sorts of toggle switches panels that can be swung open, led lights, etc.  Not my cup of tea.  Once I switched to command control the number of blocks on my layout were reduced and my control panel now consists of two off the shelf inexpensive items, plastic electrical gang boxes available from any big box store and single pole light switches.  Easy to install, rated for more amps than you will ever need, the face plates can be labeled as needed and if you ever needed to trouble shoot the wiring is accessible from the front.  No more under the layout or lengthy construction for me.  Easily expanded if you ever found the need, clean look and simple to mount on the side or top of the layout.   For my modest layout I have a total of 5 blocks, 2 three location boxes, 5 switches in total and a cut out for an AMP meter completes the panel.    

necrails posted:

My 2 cents.  I have used Atlas selectors and found them to be wanting.  Either the internals rusted or the occasional short fried the selector.

One of my layouts has Atlas track-power selector switches that have been in operation for 22 years without any problems. I close the switch before turning up the transformer voltage to prevent any possible arcing at the switch. There have been very few short circuits and no overloads on the layout.

MELGAR

I have 3 Atlas Selectors for Block Control.  The one on the left is an older model I got back in the 80s, the 2 on the right I got about 10 years ago when I started building my Layout. The arrow pointing up on the Selector runs from Selector to the Atlas Connector for Yard Tracks.  10 years, never had an issue.    These are meant for HO, but they work fine for me.  Atlas makes, or used to make a heavy duty model for O gauge, but are more expensive.  The HO ones are easy to find.   I have a ZW for Transformer Power. 

Steve