Blocking My Layout

Lance:

If you're going to be using a command control (TMCC or DCS), I don't think there will be an issue with putting gaps in the center rail. You'll want to put in a number of power taps, though. My guess would be eight to be sufficient. Pay attention to the tracks between trailing-point switches like between the outer and inner loop and the short curve by the diamond. Sometimes relying on track power to be transmitted through the switch doesn't work so well. Just my two cents...

Neil

You don't say if you are running conventional or command.  In conventional, blocks allow you to turn off a train that is parked on a siding while you run on another loop.  So you need to think through what areas do you want to be able to turn off discretely.  For example the outermost track to the far left and bottom is essentially a double ended siding where you could park a train while running on the rest of the loops, so I would make it a block.  You make a block with an insulated pin in the center rail.  If you are using 022 style switches that have an insulated pin on the outside rail and if a floor layout, the center insulated pin plus the outside rail pin makes for a weak connection that easily comes apart.  In that case you can move the center insulated pin to the first track after the switch.  Does not matter if the track is screwed down.

It is wise to feed a block in the center or if large to feed in multiple places.  I would feed the block we are discussing above in two places.  The goal is to minimize the number of track joints between wire connections which often cause a loss in power. 

If you are running command there may be additional considerations, but I will let someone else comment.

Bill

I think you have the DCS O Gauge Companion, right? Follow Barry's wiring guide lines and you will have no problems with your DCS.

Your layout is something like mine in the fact you basically have two loops. I would isolate the 2 loops and use a different TIU channel for each, although I think one channel would probably be fine also. I just used two because they were there. I used the fixed channels and powered my TIU separately with a Z-500 left over from a set. I have two Lionel PH-180's for track power, one per channel. Accessories & switches powered separately.

One block should be a certain number of track pieces as stated in the book (forget how many it was?). I think fewer is fine, more is pushing it. The power should feed the middle of the block. Run your power from transformer to a terminal strip and then feed your blocks. Try to locate the terminal strips where all the block feeds will be a similar length (if not possible, don't worry too much about this one). Run a power and common to each block feed and connect to the track at the same place only on the different rails.

My terminal strips didn't get centrally located and everything works just fine here. Layout is only 6'x16' though. I only connected the commons to one rail (same rail all the way around each loop). This left me one to use as isolated rail control for crossing gates, lights etc. At least that was the plan. Haven't had any trouble so far with only one common rail. 

I isolated the loops where the switches met up with each other. I only isolated the center rail. I used OGR wire, #14 to the terminal strips and #16 to the blocks. If Barry's book contradicts anything I have said, go with the book. I think I followed it pretty closely though, at least tried to anyway and everything is working better than it ever did before. I added Legacy a couple of months ago and it is working perfectly as well.

Good to know and yes I have the book. Was just wanting to make sure of a few things. Wasn't quite sure on what to do with the switches etc...

Wiring in the center of a block section is best. The longer the length, the greater its advantages there.

 Track power to busses, to term. blocks. Then variable terminal block to simple spst on/off switches, then to the block# center rail. Insulate center rails on each block: That's it..

 Long distances can sometimes be better feed from fat bus wire close to the track. You use a relay to the switch the power in from the bus. The relay conducts the power from a large, close, wire that way(ideal) and light wire can be used to switch relay on. A relay can run off a separate wall wart if you like. Only the contacts will touch the track power anyway.

Wiring a turnout coil power to a sidings block feed switch, can keep power off that coil till needed. Prevents accidental throws too. But I don't know if "your track" can let you do it. Constant designated power the turnouts is the way to go if you can. No sudden draws effecting the coils that way.  

If you want to get trains up and running, you could get by with using power from one of your loops for the switches for a while, but wire the switches separately so they can be moved to a separate power supply when you get one. Never mind this if you already have a separate power supply for them.