Wiring scheme for use with MTH and Lionel engines (either conventional or command control)
My control system uses 2 MTH #50-1003 TIUs, two independent 18 VAC power supplies, 4 MTH #50-1004 AIUs and one MTH #50-1002 hand held controller. My layout is wired with multiple control zones (blocks) which are wired from TIUs to each track zone using 18 gauge shielded conductor pairs. I use wire designed specifically for communication systems. The shield wires from each pair are all connected at one point. I also have a separate custom made annunciator panel that displays using colored LEDs the condition of each block and each turnout (switch) position. The annunciator panel has the track pattern which is an exact 1/16th scale replica.
My layout design has an outer 0-72 radius loop with 0-72 turnouts and an 0-72 WYE stub yard.
The inner loop is point to point using 0-54 radius curves. The inner and outer tracks are connected via 2 0-72 crossovers. The zones (blocks) are operated via an AIU. The power circuits to each zone is controlled using heavy duty (10 ampere) relays which are controlled by outputs from the AIU. No individual hand operated switches are needed except for a master emergency disconnect switch on each power supply. One AIU is dedicated to zone control, another AIU is dedicated to turnout control and the remaining two are used for various signals and accessories.
I can operate any MTH PS-1, MTH PS-2, Williams or Lionel conventional) engine using one MTH controller on any portion of the layout since I have direct remote control of every circuit.
Photos to come.
