Ours are regular Ross. We add jumpers when necessary.
Mark,
Looks like you're making good progress! Glad you got all your components in. I got the tvs's and the wago connectors but am still waiting for the psx-ac's. The post office is delayed on that one.
In relation to your toggle switch discussion, I read in Barry's DCS book that toggle switches can also affect the DCS signal because the hot wire has to go from the terminal block to the switch and then to the track instead of just from the terminal block to the track. Don't know if this will be a problem if you toggle all of your blocks. Seems like you haven't had any signal strength issues and it seems like that has been improved with the newer rev tiu's anyway. Might not be an issue at all.
I thought I read that it is not easy to test if a tvs has failed without sophistocated test equipment. I think this is why some guys just change them out periodically. If this is the case, just wondering how putting toggles on every block will help you determine a tvs failure? Maybe I'm not understanding correctly.
Anyway, keep up the great work!
Michael
Michael, it would only help isolate a short circuit not an open. Initially the PSX-AC1 would detect the short circuit and cut power. The safest way would be to remove engines from the track and measure with an ohmmeter between rails detecting zero ohms because a TVS is shorted or there is some other short circuit. If I opened up the circuit to the center rail of the section of track with the shorted TVS by either lifting a screw or throwing a toggle switch, then the short circuit would go away and the meter would read infinite ohms. I would have to open them one by one until I found the one with the short circuit. Of course at that point I still wouldn't know if the TVS was shorted, or a screw or something fell between the rails. There would not be a way to tell whether one opened up unless you had that sophisticated test equipment. In that case, all you can do is hope the PSX-AC1, the TVS in the TIU protects the circuitry. I hope I made sense.
@Mark Boyce posted:Michael, it would only help isolate a short circuit not an open. Initially the PSX-AC1 would detect the short circuit and cut power. The safest way would be to remove engines from the track and measure with an ohmmeter between rails detecting zero ohms because a TVS is shorted or there is some other short circuit. If I opened up the circuit to the center rail of the section of track with the shorted TVS by either lifting a screw or throwing a toggle switch, then the short circuit would go away and the meter would read infinite ohms. I would have to open them one by one until I found the one with the short circuit. Of course at that point I still wouldn't know if the TVS was shorted, or a screw or something fell between the rails. There would not be a way to tell whether one opened up unless you had that sophisticated test equipment. In that case, all you can do is hope the PSX-AC1, the TVS in the TIU protects the circuitry. I hope I made sense.
That does make sense. Thanks Mark!
Michael, I’m glad it made sense! You’re welcome!
I remembered this morning that I did not address the question of whether adding the toggle switch, another connection point, would decrease the track signal. I'm sure Barry is correct stating in his book that it can affect the signal. I picked the longest wire run on my layout which is no more than 20 feet. I then lifted the wire to the center rail on the terminal block and connected one of the toggle switches. The signal still read 10 and there was no noticeable difference in the way the engine operated once it crossed to a block that didn't have a toggle switch. I am guessing if the wire to the track was longer then the toggle switch may reduce signal strength. Barry must have tested all this with a larger layout than mine.
The most challenging aspect of the layout, the 'lectrisical', as Lisa Douglas used to say! Sounds like you're moving forward. Wishing you continued success and enjoyment.
@rail posted:The most challenging aspect of the layout, the 'lectrisical', as Lisa Douglas used to say! Sounds like you're moving forward. Wishing you continued success and enjoyment.
She was a riot!!!
Don, Thank you!!! I find myself in the same spot I was during my working days when I was training a new coworker. Invariably, I would be asked questions I never thought of before! Sometimes I wondered who was training who! 
A week from today will mark 4 years since I first posted my initial request for help in planning my layout. I actually started writing what I later posted on January 1, 2017. Today I thought it would be nice to thank everyone who has contributed ideas, corrections, opinions, encouragement, and 'likes'. Having only built small HO and N scale layouts and never having used any type of command control before, I learned a lot form all of you and others under other Forum topics. I am fully aware this layout would not be as far as it is without all of you! Yes it looks rough in places, but that is because of reused materials and some of my skills are rough. Your help has made it work!
Thank you one and all!! 
I pray everyone will have a better upcoming year than the one we just finished!!
@Mark Boyce posted:A week from today will mark 4 years since I first posted my initial request for help in planning my layout. I actually started writing what I later posted on January 1, 2017. Today I thought it would be nice to thank everyone who has contributed ideas, corrections, opinions, encouragement, and 'likes'. Having only built small HO and N scale layouts and never having used any type of command control before, I learned a lot form all of you and others under other Forum topics. I am fully aware this layout would not be as far as it is without all of you! Yes it looks rough in places, but that is because of reused materials and my some of my skills are rough. Your help has made it work!
Thank you one and all!!
I pray everyone will have a better upcoming year than the one we just finished!!
Mark folks here may have helped and offered ideas and opinions but in the end it was you that did the work and took the time to build what is becoming a great layout. Don't under estimate your skills you are doing a fantastic job in building what will be a great layout. Keep up the great work. You want to see something rough look at mine close!
Thank you, Rick! I certainly want to make a trip out State College way to see you and your layout. Maybe if I saw some more layouts, I would realize they have lots of flaws too, instead of seeing what looks like pristine construction in relatively small photographs.
@Mark Boyce posted:A week from today will mark 4 years since I first posted my initial request for help in planning my layout. I actually started writing what I later posted on January 1, 2017. Today I thought it would be nice to thank everyone who has contributed ideas, corrections, opinions, encouragement, and 'likes'. Having only built small HO and N scale layouts and never having used any type of command control before, I learned a lot form all of you and others under other Forum topics. I am fully aware this layout would not be as far as it is without all of you! Yes it looks rough in places, but that is because of reused materials and my some of my skills are rough. Your help has made it work!
Thank you one and all!!
I pray everyone will have a better upcoming year than the one we just finished!!
Mark, Congratulations !!!
Mark I have learned that you are your own worse critic and will always pick out your own mistakes that other folks will never see unless you point them out. Take my layout for example several folks comments on my track work, but guess what I get to start all over again because I got that DARN Big Boy for Christmas and now I have to relay all my curves as I don't have enough clearance to run the Big Boy, the A or the Centipedes at one time. Something will be taking something else out big time.
Thank you, Leandro!
Rick, I read about your clearance problems on curves. Yes, that is a big mistake! I'm sorry you have to call out the MOW crew for major overhaul!
Mark, congrats! Things sure are looking nice at the Blackwater Canyon Line! Keep up the wonderful work and please keep posting as you go a long. I am sure you realize that many of us are learning from you and all that you post! I have to say I really like your work you do!
Congratulations Mark on your 4th anniversary. Your creation, and insights, are impressive and inspirational. Sharing makes all of us better.
Happy New Year!
Thank you Jay and Mike!
Mike, your plans, photographs, and video for the lift up bridges is invaluable to me. I would not have figured out such a neat way of doing it myself!
I finished putting in all the TVS's and put in some more cable clamps, both ones held with a screw and some sticky backs where I couldn't get the screwdriver in. Moving right along!
Congratulations Mark! 4 years is quite an acomplishment and you have made wonderful progress. I have really enjoyed following the Blackwater Canyon Line this year and have already learned a lot in the process that I can apply to my layout. I was reflecting back on the progress I made this year, and even though I don't have much to show yet, I have hopefully built a good foundation to build on in the coming years. I am just starting year 2 on my build. I tend to be a perfectionist and I notice all of my mistakes, but I agree with the comments above that nobody else will see them unless you point them out. Mistakes teach us all something new and build character too 😁! As long as you get enjoyment out of the process and final product, that is all that matters!! Hope you and your family have a Healthy and Blessed New Year!
Michael
Michael, thank you! I’m glad you have been a part of it! I’m looking forward to seeing your progress on your layout! Have a blessed New year
Congratulations on your fourth anniversary Mark. I have gotten plenty of useful ideas and input on my layout too. And my layout is pretty rough. You’re doing great, and have come up with some very interesting solutions on your own! Keep going as you have been, we have all enjoyed it so far 😁
Andy
Happy 4th anniversary Mark. It has been a journey worth taking for sure and we have all enjoyed taking it with you. I still remember when you cleared out that back room when your daughter moved out. You are building a well planned layout that will bring you many years of enjoyment. I'm sure what's underneath many beautiful layouts is not all that pretty. Once you get the scenery started it will really look sharp. I'm coming up on 5 years for mine and it's still not done- yea, I know, they are never done. 
Bob
Thank you Andy and Bob!! Yes it has been an interesting journey! When I first posted a request for ideas I hoped to be farther along after 4 years, but on the other hand I could certainly not be this far. I can remember a couple of layouts that didn't get nearly this far before other responsibilities to over. You are right I will like the looks of it much better once I get into scenery.
Mark, it’s keeping you young; well, with the exception of your knees.
Jay, actually the layout hasn’t been bad for the knees since I can sit on the rolling stool. I did my knees no help years ago at work.
Those rolling stools are very handy.
@Mark Boyce posted:Jay, actually the layout hasn’t been bad for the knees since I can sit on the rolling stool. I did my knees no help years ago at work.
Knees, up, muscle loss, Grankids are the cure!
Ive been looking for your update link photos Mark so I can "Like" your progress..... think last I found was the PINK room. She IS a great singer, i Know, Right! <g>
Happy 4th anniversary!! I follow your thread and love what you are doing. You are an inspiration.
Mark I found this this AM, very interesting. I read the last three pages and do I have some questions for you. Will e-mail.
I read where you plan to use toggles for track power on sidings. Stan showed us how to use the AIU with relays and we have 12-14 that work perfectly. We may eventually have a board but the grandkids have picked up on the remote and do the turnouts and track power better than I can after they work with it for thirty minutes.
Covid makes for a lot of time between visits; hopefully to change soon.
Bill
Scott, Thank you for bringing a lack of an update to my attention. I mentioned some things over on 'What did you do on your layout today', but wrote nothing here.
First of all, thank you for the comments on our girls, Heidi the artist and Holly the musician. Yes, grandchildren would make us younger. My wife has all kinds of toys, trains, books, she has bought over the years to entertain, but we are still without. All in God's good time.
I decided to just wire in all the connections straight to the MTH terminals. Output 1 has the main line blocks and Output 2 has all the sidings and the Ceiling Central RR. I ran trains and all is okay. I have slack wire behind the board and didn't tie any wires neatly since I am waiting on 2 AIUs I have on order with Jeff McCormick at my LHS, CT McCormick Hardware in Zelienople. 'Supposedly' they are to ship in April.
My current project has been measuring and figuring on how to build a Mike G. powered lift up doubled bridges. Mike is getting me some more photographs to answer a question, and then I should be able to proceed.
In the meantime my wife gave me the use of 3 shelves in the family room to display trains. Finally all my engines are either on shelves or the layout. In the lower right, you can see a couple cars behind the B&O Mike that are sitting on top of Menards boxes. I want to get some wood to make a nice back shelf on some of these shelves to display some cars.
Here is another shot of the shelves I put up a month ago.
Attachments
Aem7s4lyfe and Bill Webb, Thank you for the great comments while I was typing!! Bill, I think I am thinking along the same lines as you and Stan now. I'll wait for your reply.
@Mark Boyce posted:
Great Job Mark! You are moving right along.
Things are really looking good Mark! I posted a couple photos for you on what did you do on your layout for you!
Looking forward to seeing what you do with the bridge project, Mark!
Mark: Really looking good, I love how you mounted everything giving me great ideas. How did you mount the TIU? I did not see any mounting holes on mine, but I got mine with the system first came out way back when.
The shelves look great! I hope my wiring looks as good as yours!
CT is my LHS now too! They've been good to work with so far.
Thank you, John, Mike, Palallin, Rick, and Bill!
Mike, I already printed out the photographs. They clear up the misconception I had with the drawings you sent earlier. I thought the bolt on yours went the whole way through the table. Now I see there is no need for that. In fact by the way I had interpreted it, I was concerned it could cause a bit of sag and binding. No issue now. I'm sure I have bolts and washers in the garage, and I'll go to the shed and see if I have a bearing from an old mower before it snows and worse we may have ice. I won't walk down the hill to the shed if there is ice. 
Palallin, Mike did a great job on two different lift bridge applications. One he lifts a single bridge and the other he lifts two bridges the rear one being several inches higher than the on in front. That situation is almost exactly my situation and John's proposed situation. I'll be glad to show it once the project is started and completed, but I will have to give Mike all the credit. 
Rick, I wondered the same thing as you about mounting TIUs and AIUs. If you take the little rubber feet off the rear/bottom of the TIU you will see indentations of very thin if not broken plastic. Ream those out (It doesn't take much) and you will see how the holes in the front line right up so you mount them by driving small diameter head screws in from the front. I've had that TIU sitting on the floor, a shelf, and even temporarily wire tied to a vertical board for 6 or 8 years and never knew how it was intended. If Barry was still with us, he would say, "It's in the book!!" Duh!!!
Bill, Jeff is great. I order online and put a note with it, and he has it all ready when I get down to Zelie to pick it up. If I can't get there, he pops it in the mail. His old Web site was good, but his new one is better. His wife and the young man (I don't know if he is their son) are always quite helpful as well.
Wiring and mounting all look great, Mark.
Is the Z4K accessible enough to be able to easily turn on and raise the throttles ?
Thank you, Richie! The shelf the Z4000 is sitting on is 18" above the floor, and the edge of the shelf is right under the edge of the layout above. I can easily bend my knees, turn it on, and adjust the handles. It would be nice to be a little higher. I can do that when I am done wiring by placing it on something if I so choose.
Ohh!! Great Job !
Congratulations Mark !!!
@Mark Boyce posted:
Such nice, neat wiring. I should be paying attention.
Nice use of "wasted" space for the shelves. One question / observation - do the ends of the shelves in the foreground pose a risk of being hit by a wayward knee?
