Power Districts V. Blocks

John,

This is the power district set up for the PRR Panhandle Division.  I run TMCC, but originally the layout was blocked for conventional operations.  

And it was originally and courteously done for me by Rich Melvin (c. 2000). 

It's probably not much help, but try to make power districts (or blocks) a uniform or nearly identical size.  Sometimes, making a siding a block is just obvious.  Yards are other obvious blocks.

Maybe others can provide more useful information.

George

I use the words power district and blocks to describe how I’ve wired my layout, but my use of the words may not be correct. I know many here use power districts to break up a large loop of track into smaller sections, each powered by their own transformer (or handle), so they can run multiple trains without over stressing a single transformer. Blocks are usually discussed as switched sections of track, normally sidings or engine tracks, and there can be several blocks per power district. Switched tracks are important in command control to cut power to a “shut down” engine so its electronics are not running all the time.

My layout’s power districts (PD) are all track powered by one transformer, and usually limited to one channel of a TIU. Switched blocks are only used where I want an engine or lighted car to sit unpowered.

One PD powers my turntable leads and all turntable tracks, each one switched as a block. Because of the multiple sections of track used exceeds the guidelines for a single TIU channel, I use two channels powered by one PH180 brick for this. Since I’m running only one or two engines at a time in the PD, a single PH180 is adequate.

Another PD powers three separate small industrial sidings and leads, with one siding its own block because a small switcher will be parked there.

Each mainline loop is one PD, and they each have a block at the passenger station where a passenger train will be parked when not running.

Anyway, this is how I use power districts and blocks on my command layout.

Also, this is an interesting question for the photo album forum.

Good point by Ron.  Power districts are typically powered by two or more power sources.  This is to help with multiple trains with larger power draws.  The idea is to have the power consumption of large trains (2 motors, multiple lighted passenger cars) distributed across multiple power sources.

My Power Districts are not that way.  The mainline consists of 3 mainline segments plus a passing siding.  They should be split across my two PH-180s, but they are not.  They are all supplied by 1 PH-180.  The other supplies power to the 4 remaining districts (yards / sidings).  I have not done this the "right" way because I have a single TPC400 for the mainline so that I can run in conventional mode.  I might rethink that when I rebuild the layout - either add another TPC400 or abandon conventional altogether.

George

I do.  I have 70+ blocks in 6 power districts; I use DCS, but my layout was originally designed 25 years ago for conventional.  Having toggled blocks gives great flexibility of operation and diagnostic capability, such as for locating derailment, finding causes of signal degradation, continued operation before correcting a derailment, better electrical distribution, etc.

Isn't this thread in the wrong forum?

Oh yeah John, I have something like 70 of them, each with its own polyfuse to protect it. There are only 6 power supplies, but each one powers 12 - 15 districts. For me, the key is to only allow one train per district. Using can motored engines, keeps the current draw down, and it is highly unlikely that any combination of active districts will result in overloading any one supply, i.e. the trains are spread out sufficiently.

Running two rail conventional DC and DCS I have no idea how many toggles there are.  60  or so now and 5 more panels to complete.   But, on a large layout, IMO,one can not have too many.

Try to find a derailment or other short with hundreds of feet of track and scores of turnouts.  You must be able to easily isolate a problem.  I have 8 power districts which lets me travel with my train or sit in one place with all blocks switched to one controller.

If I were to start over with a blank slate I would have battery RC, a handful of engines and keep it simpler.

A big layout can be like a blinged out woman, Bragging is hollow if it is too much work.

  I have a little of everything. Districts, blocks, dead track and voltage drops, switched, relay triggered, timed. Some drops followed with "dead track" sections for a loco, to keep cars and (hopefully) the whistle tender behind it powered. 

   Not enough switches to pull off the single throttle trick for the throttles on the graded loop...but I hadn't really thought about it much yet since adding three throttles and voltage drops either. Look Ma! No hands!