Attached is my track plan, which will be using DCS. The north and west sides of the layout have several sidings and crossovers. I know when changing from one main to another the center rail should be isolated somewhere between the switches. However, as seen on the layout, on the north and west sides I'm a bit confused as to where to isolate. Any advise or suggestions are appreciated.
Mike Miller
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There are two sidings in the northwest that are between the inner and outer loops. The way you isolate between inner and outer loops depends on which loop you want those sidings powered by.
To power the two sidings along with the inner loop: For the north crossover, isolate between the outer black and the green switches. For northwest, between the blue and black. For the west, between the black and green.
To power the two sidings from the outer loop, isolate between the green crossover switches in the north and the west.
Mike,
Will you be running any conventional engines? If no, there is no need to isolate the loops. Just create isolated blocks (center rail only) 10-12 tracks long.
Then, you can configure which TIU channels to use.
Lehigh74 - I consider the 2 main lines to be the black and red. The light blue are the sidings. Based on that, I see the following: Are we on the same page and is this the same as you described ?
1. the straight line light blue siding to the north.
2. the passing siding coming off the above and going thru the doorway and out the other door.
3. the 3 north straight yard sidings under the red main.
4. Can these now be powered by the outer black main loop ?
5. The red and black loops would be isolated between the west green switches and the south green switches, correct ? Anywhere else ?
Carl - yes, I do have 2 conventional engines, 1 PS2 and the rest PS3.
Thanks to you both for the help.
Mike
Mike Miller posted:Lehigh74 - I consider the 2 main lines to be the black and red. The light blue are the sidings. Based on that, I see the following: Are we on the same page and is this the same as you described ?
1. the straight line light blue siding to the north.
2. the passing siding coming off the above and going thru the doorway and out the other door.
3. the 3 north straight yard sidings under the red main.
4. Can these now be powered by the outer black main loop ?
5. The red and black loops would be isolated between the west green switches and the south green switches, correct ? Yes Anywhere else ? Yes, after the turnout of the green switch in the NNE
Allow the sidings and yard to run off of the main that they are connected with. You'll need a manual kill switch if you plan on parking the conventional engines on a siding .
Carl - yes, I do have 2 conventional engines, 1 PS2 and the rest PS3.
Then, the Red main is on TIU Variable 1 and the black main on Variable 2
Thanks to you both for the help.
Mike
It seems like a lot of trouble to go through for a couple of conventional engines. You must really like them.
One issue remains - how to power the elevated trolley line. Nice touch.
Leave some room to fit in stairs to upper station. I was thinking you could cut an over the track in half and a passenger from the main line platform could use the stairs to the trolley station. I don't think the spacing would work to leave it whole. The other half could be used for passengers from the trolley to get to ground level.
Carl, your advise is much appreciated. The 2 conventional engines were a gift from a family friend who has a large collection that's never been run. What do you mean about a lot of work for just them ? What would be different without them ?
You're very observant to see the elevated trolley line ! I'll power it with the 4th handle of the ZW-L. The trolley line track is MTH scale trax and there is a clip-on for power. Hiding the wire will be tricky. The 2 gray structures are both passenger stations both on ground level. The trolley line will lead to the station against the east wall with connecting stairs.
Mike
Mike,
Ignore my comment on conventional engines. Just a personal position coming out.
Anyway, 3 power districts or handles...red, black, trolley. Isolation points marked by stars. Make red and black power districts into 4 blocks at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock. Depending how you use the yards, they will tell you if they need special wiring treatment or not.
That should get you DCS 10's. Alternate the common rail connection to have both outside rails with a good common or jumper all of them.
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