Block Section Conventional Fastrack

What kind if transformer are you using?

Run a wire from the center rail connection of the siding to one of the following:

 

1.  The center rail of the mainline, through a simple on-off switch.

 

2.  A "hot" side of a different transformer track circuit that is using the same "return" as the mainline.

 

In the first example, whatever voltage setting you have established for the mainline will be the voltage you get in the siding. In the second example, you can regulate the siding speed independently of the mainline speed.

 

If you want to, you can also make an insulated section in the mainline, right before the turnout that feeds into the siding. Put an on-off switch in that section and you will be able to stop train #1, allow train #2 to leave the siding at the other end, and then allow train #1 to enter the siding, and be shut down until needed again.

 

MTH Z-750.

Where do you get these on/off switches?

I have a bunch from Atlas for N Gauge but not O gauge:

 

A device to turn electric power on or off to track section or accessories. Has three SPST on-off switches in parallel. Can be coupled together in any number.

 

https://secure.atlasrr.com/mod1/itemdesc.asp?ic=0205&eq=&Tp=

 

Here is their O gauge version, i wonder what the difference is:

 

https://secure.atlasrr.com/ato1/itemdesc.asp?ic=6927&eq=&Tp=

http://www.radioshack.com/prod...sp?productId=2062531

 

Use any toggle switch or rocker switch that can handle 10 amps or more.

Unless you want to buy a second transformer, the way Arthur suggested with a isolated section on the mainline would work best. I use a lighted rocker style switch that is can handle 20amps. That way you can tell when the section is powered or not. They say for 12 volts but i havnt had a problem with them at higher voltages. These are the ones I use, available from Grainger.... Lighted Rocker Switch, Maintained, Contact Rating 20 Amp @12 V, Contact Form SPST, Switch Function On/Off, Number of Connections 3, 0.250 In. Tab Terminals, Snap In Mounting Type, Mounting Hole (In.) 0.83 x 1.45, Color Black, Standards UL Recognized/ CSA Mfr. Model # V1D1B60B-ARC00-000 Ship Qty 1 Sell Qty (Will Call) 1 Ship Weight (lbs.) 0.05 Catalog Page N/A Country of Origin MX

Thanks guys, I ordered the Atlas O one I posted before I saw your reply. $19...I should return it and get the one from Grainger you posted.

I would caution you about buying "lighted" rocker switches. The voltage rating that they carry refers to the pilot lamp. (They are generally used to power after-market additional accessories in cars.) If you crank up the track voltage to anything over 14 volts, POOF goes your pilot lamp. Better to buy what I recommended, and if you can't easily tell if the switch is ON or OFF, put a separate pilot lamp in parallel with the track load, and use a lamp that's rated for 24 volts, to give yourself voltage headroom.