Manual blocks on Lower Section of layout.

Why do you feel the need for manual blocks?

Oldegreybeard posted:

 

I'm wondering why your turnouts (in brown) are on the same block. In conventional, I could see this being an issue.

- The Other Guy

SantaFeJim posted:

Why do you feel the need for manual blocks?

Control multiple conventional trains when I choose to run them.

Like moving trains between loops. 

I plan on conventional trains and some lion chief plus mth rail king etc. I won't be using the Digital Commannd type systems.

Is there a better option?

The Other Guy posted:

Oldegreybeard posted:

 

I'm wondering why your turnouts (in brown) are on the same block. In conventional, I could see this being an issue.

- The Other Guy

I figured it would allow a locomotive to be parked at that location. Is that a bad idea? Where should it be blocked?

Oldegreybeard posted:

SantaFeJim posted:

Why do you feel the need for manual blocks?

Control multiple conventional trains.

Is there a better option?

No, your answer explains it.

 How many trains do you plan on having on your lower level... 2 or 3?

Will they ALL be traveling clockwise or counter clockwise?  It will be VERY difficult to have mixed directions because one or two will have to run backwards to accommodate the “odd” facing train, unless you add some passing sidings.

SantaFeJim posted:

Oldegreybeard posted:

SantaFeJim posted:

Why do you feel the need for manual blocks?

Control multiple conventional trains.

Is there a better option?

No, your answer explains it.

 How many trains do you plan on having on your lower level... 2 or 3?

Will they ALL be traveling clockwise or counter clockwise?  It will be VERY difficult to have mixed directions because one or two will have to run backwards to accommodate the “odd” facing train, unless you add some passing sidings.

 

Planned on running 2. One per loop. One counterclockwise and one clockwise then if desired move them over to the opposite loop from what they are on. 

Each loop should have one more block than the number of trains you want to run on it,  The engine needs to move into an unoccupied block so as not to interfere with the train ahead.

Jan

Jan posted:

Each loop should have one more block than the number of trains you want to run on it,  The engine needs to move into an unoccupied block so as not to interfere with the train ahead.

Jan

This simple fact plus the other info here now has me thinking about moving the top set of crossover switches to the bottom and blocking at least the outside loop into 3 sections as I could have the option to have two albeit short trains follow each if I wired in the automatic block option.

Thanks to all it's making me rethink what I have to make the best decision for my layout.

Oldegreybeard posted:

The Other Guy posted:

Oldegreybeard posted:

 

I'm wondering why your turnouts (in brown) are on the same block. In conventional, I could see this being an issue.

- The Other Guy

I figured it would allow a locomotive to be parked at that location. Is that a bad idea? Where should it be blocked?

No, not a bad idea. You just have 2 turnouts on 1 block. This means only 1 train at a time. With 2 turnouts, seems like a lost opportunity.

By the way, Jan's comment - "Each loop should have one more block than the number of trains you want to run on it" - is a simple but solid metric as you think this through.  

- The Other Guy

The Other Guy posted:

Oldegreybeard posted:

The Other Guy posted:

Oldegreybeard posted:

 

I'm wondering why your turnouts (in brown) are on the same block. In conventional, I could see this being an issue.

- The Other Guy

I figured it would allow a locomotive to be parked at that location. Is that a bad idea? Where should it be blocked?

No, not a bad idea. You just have 2 turnouts on 1 block. This means only 1 train at a time. With 2 turnouts, seems like a lost opportunity.

By the way, Jan's comment - "Each loop should have one more block than the number of trains you want to run on it" - is a simple but solid metric as you think this through.  

- The Other Guy

Thanks for your patience. Would this be better utilization?

Oldegreybeard posted:

... Would this be better utilization?

Hi OGB,

It's unclear from the diagram: are there 4 blocks in this image or 7? If there are 4, I don't think so. If 7, I think you're on your way ...

- The Other Guy

Put in as many blocks as you think you need. You can always wire them together later if desired. Adding blocks later is more difficult.

The Other Guy posted:

Oldegreybeard posted:

... Would this be better utilization?

Hi OGB,

It's unclear from the diagram: are there 4 blocks in this image or 7? If there are 4, I don't think so. If 7, I think you're on your way ...

- The Other Guy

The Other Guy posted:

Oldegreybeard posted:

... Would this be better utilization?

Hi OGB,

It's unclear from the diagram: are there 4 blocks in this image or 7? If there are 4, I don't think so. If 7, I think you're on your way ...

- The Other Guy

Yep its 7.

I have been reading more on wiring and realize that I made a mistake in calling this Manual Blocks. I'm using a 275-watt ZW. Looks like I'm talking about Cab Control. My apologies.