Blocks

Just the center rail is required.

If the center rail between blocks 1 and 4 is actually electrically separated, there is no way one block turning on should make an adjacent block power up. I would re-check the wiring.

Something to keep in mind when doing blocks (we realized this by accident on our layout) is that if you run lighted cars with multiple center rail rollers as pickups, you can actually span the gap in the power rail with your car (power goes all the way through to the other roller) and the whole "unpowered" section is actually still powered vis the roller / light circuit.

I can't think of a solution other than removing one roller from these cars.

found the problem for the above issue, missed strap in one of the tracks. Now, I have put all new transformers on each block, latest ones that require third pin.  Now I cannot cross blocks without engine stopping.  any thoughts.  The 3 loops were running fine last night till I added the center reverse loop.  I have it blocked as in the diagram.  I just don't know what to do now.

Have you tried checking the voltage on each track of each loop to see if they are getting power ?

Are you sure the switch is "on" for the bricks with a 3rd pin ?

Each block has voltage, and all Bricks are putting out power. I am running an Lionel engine using Lionel Legacy.  Please watch video.

Are you SURE all the blocks are in phase?

These are Lionel 180w bricks with code 2000 49.  Which pin is pos, and which is neg?

I have verified all my wires from the transformer to the TIU, Red is center pin, U is on the bottom, dummy pin is in top for new bricks. I can go from block 1 to block 2, no issues, cuts off from block 2 to 3, 3 to 4, and 4 to 1.  Will using the Lionel phase adapters help.? paperwork says new transformers does not need them.   I have set all TIU outputs to Fixed Voltage 18.5.  Have I missed something in the TIU settings?  This is driving me nuts.

How is the Legacy signal connected to each block ?

To the ground of each transformer. 

What GRJ said, have you checked phasing and have the grounds connected together?

Phasing Transformers (slsprr.net)

Phasing transformers | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum (ogaugerr.com)

Losing sound is a classic issue with some Legacy locomotives when the tender loses power briefly, normally over switches.  I cure that with my YLB - RailSounds Battery Replacement (RS-Lite), it's a replacement for the missing battery and battery harness.

PHASING! You can't rely on the manufacturer getting it right. You have to test every one--and this is true even if you have them all plugged into the same power strip. Something is fishy here...

Don

         As a new person to O Gauge, I can tell you that the more power blocks, the better.    And, I run at least two sets of wire to each block, just in case.   

         There are many reasons that you need lots of power blocks,

         First, so you have the flexibility to "park" trains on several area of your track and turn the power off.

         Second, so you can run multiple engines at once.

         And finally, so you build really neat Control panels like this one:

   No need to put number decals on your track stencil or switches if everything is color coded!  (Last switch on bottom runs the free standing whistle unit.)

    Hope this helps.

Mannyrock

@rkricko posted:

Each block has voltage, and all Bricks are putting out power. I am running an Lionel engine using Lionel Legacy.  Please watch video.

In the video, was block 4 off?  I am trying to think of a reason the engine stopped when it entered this area.

Also, regarding the phasing - General question to all,
If the phasing was not correct, would there be more problems than what is shown in the video?  I would think sparks would fly if entering one area to another where the phase was inverted.  Won't the two rollers of the engine, one on each block "short" thinks out?

Just trying to understand what is happening.

It was phasing, thank you all for your help and advise.  I had two transformers out of phase.  Dummy me, it could be more than one till I added the Lionel Track Pwr Lockons.  Got the Lionel working, now on to MTH.

Easy to do, and I'm glad it was a simple issue.