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Lionel Fastrack, DCS, and Star Wiring

E eaaiiiOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Not sure if this post is better in the Electrical or DCS forums, but I'm deferring to the experts before I move forward with my plan because I am no electrical or DCS expert.

Here are the facts on my current layout:

  • I have a Lionel Fastrack layout with DCS via a remote powered by a dual control transformer (MRC).
  • One lever provides power to both loops via a TIU and wired to track at multiple points.
  • I have two tracks that run in parallel loops and are connected by two crossovers. Each loop is around 80 feet long.
  • I do have a decent DCS signal.
  • Accessories powered by a separate transformer.
  • I do have Barry's Broskowitz's The DCS Companion Third Edition. 

 

Here's my goal:

  • Have each loop powered by one control lever on the transformer to maximize efficiency of electrical power and achieve a better electrical signal for DCS.

Here's what I planning to do to achieve my goal (and where I could use the help).

  • Break center rail between the two switches in each crossover.  This should a separate DCS block for each loop.  (Am I correct here?)
  • Wire one loop up to the transformer (control lever)  -- TIU Fixed Voltage Input 1 -- Output 1-- Terminal Block -- Connect to to one loop of track at several points (star method).
  • Wire second loop up to the transformer (other control lever) --  TIU Fixed voltage Input 2 -- Output 2 --  Second Terminal Block  -- Connect to second loop of track at several points (star method).
  • Run trains via a DCS remote.

Please let me know if my plan will work. If not, please let me know how I can (or if) make this work.  Thanks for all your help in advance.

-Ed Abbot

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rtr12rtr12OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

As Gregg said above, you should further break each loop into isolated center rail blocks (like your crossover switch isolation) with no more than about 10 track joints per block. Feed the power and common to the center of each of these blocks. This is all in Barry's DCS book. If you have a Rev L TIU you shouldn't need the magic lights.

I have a similar layout to yours only, but slightly smaller. I think the biggest improvement I made when going from a bunch of temporary layouts to a permanent one were creating the isolated blocks, IMO. I have not had a DCS error since, no more 'engine not found' or 'engine not on track' or whatever I used to occasionally get are now gone. Now I get nothing but self inflicted operator errors, like trying to start an engine when I have failed to switch on the power to the siding it's sitting on.

Pine Creek RailroadPine Creek RailroadOGR Forum Member

EAAIII,

    Looks like you are headed down the light Track, definitely use the the 10-12 Track discipline as you build your Blocks, it's the actual Track joins that help degrade your DCS signal, so use as many long sections of FasTrack to build your Blocks as you can.  Remember to count your switches as Track joins also.  As RTR12 points out the Rev L TIU seldom needs magic lights, however if you do run into an isolated weak signal place the ML's are still usable.  Test as you build, and your layout should have no signal problems, later add Legacy and you will have a great DCS/Legacy layout.  One thing I always recommend, always over power your layout, using good Transformers.  Some day you will want to expand, maybe with different additional levels. Sense you are using FasTrack I also recommend the Purchase of a Rockwell X2 Portable Table Saw, for making Custom length FasTrack pieces.   Remember also the new Low Voltage Command Control FasTrack Switches are serious engineering, and will run off Track power perfectly, I operate them from my Legacy Cab2, you might want to consider the investment as you build your layout.

Good luck with your FasTrack layout!

PCRR/Dave

Last edited by Pine Creek Railroad

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