Create Block at X Over with MTH/DCS

It would work under conventional and there are numerous articles describing how to control trains this way. 

Unfortunately DCS is a closed system (though several people have cracked the DCS control codes and running trains automatically, but are under the threat of death from MTH's leagal beagels if they so much as whisper how the magic is preformed ) and there is no easy way to stop a DCS controlled train and restart it automatically without human intervention.

There have been discussions about dropping the voltage in the track section low enough to stall the train but keep the electronics alive, then bring it back up to get it rolling again.

I have no idea if this will work, and it will probably be dependent on the specific locomotives as to if it will work, as well as the exact low voltage necessary to stop them but keep them alive.

Grampy Marc,

   It maybe possible but I would not recommend it, the DCS can be used in a different way to accomplish what you want to do.  Simply program a route on your DCS hand held remote, this controls your P2/3 trains as you are trying to due setting up blocks at crossing.  Both the OGR DCS Video guide and Barry's book have this running information in detail.

PCRR/Dave

After a few trips around the layout, the route tends to degrade since the locomotive had no position sensing.

I don't know about DCS and the recorded routes but that system would be useless in TMCC with grades and Locomotives without cruise.

Ron

DCS locomotives include cruise as standard, as does Legacy.  I've converted anything I can to cruise in my TMCC fleet as well.

Even with cruise, the routes don't work perfectly, just a whole lot better.

gunrunnerjohn,

    Its true the routes do degread after a while, then you just reprogram them.

Depending on how complex the routes are they can last quite a while, and usually by that time you want different routes.  It would be nice if they were permanent, but it seems the more the routes get used,  the train is able to vary just slightly and it begins to change the route, this does take some time however.

Ron,

   All P2 Engines are engineered with cruise, and it works quite well.

PCRR/Dave

Bummer -- I figured as much about its doability.

I guess I'll do Over/Under instaed of X Overs.