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Hi all,

  • I’m trying to run 3 independent loops of track conventionally (to start)
  • I found success blocking off the 4 sidings with the SPST switches.
  • I am struggling to solve the power block wiring between the 3 loops of the track. I have the 1 3/8” isolated track and removed the jumpers. Trying to figure out where to tap into the track is my challenge.
  • I am a visual learner, so I attempted to illustrate the layout, with 4 “potential” wiring approaches. (A, B, C, D)
  • So far they’re not working, but before I got too far into troubleshooting, I thought I’d reach out to the masters.


Appreciate any and all thoughts.

Andy

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  • sample_layout: sample layout
Original Post

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You generally want the "black" or "U" terminals going to the outer rails of each loop and tied together.
You also generally need the "red" or "(ABCD)" terminals going to the middle rail of each of your loops. This is the wire that needs the SPST switch. That is, put a switched wire to each loop from the transformer and don't worry about trying to "jump" the block section.
If you wish to do this anyhow, you need to have a switched wire from the blue middle rail to the yellow middle rail and a switched wire from the blue middle rail to the purple middle rail. This assumes that the blue rail is constantly powered from the transformer. Note that the blue section can not be independently switched in this scheme since that would also switch the other two sections.

Looking at the diagram:
"A" and "D" do not do anything because they are on the same side of the block.
"B" or "C" would work, but no power is coming from the blue section, so the yellow section is dead. Also, you would only need "B" or "C", not both.

Note that you might want more than one feed to each loop. These would be connected between the switch and its associated track (or from center rail to center rail on the same loop).

Last edited by Überstationmeister

I find your diagram a bit confusing, but it looks like D&A are on the same loop.

Instead of jumping from track to track, it would be better to run a hot from your transformer to the toggle in, then out to the track in each case. Commons can all stay connected, and theres no need to isolate the outer rails.

Last edited by RickO

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