Hi People. Im up to wiring my layout.. Have run a train right round it using controller and alligator clips to make sure there are no bumps, hassles, or nightmares! I am a pleb when it comes to electrics. My 4yr old probably has a better chance of getting this to work. I am Not using DCC. The story so far and what we have. The Layout as mentioned earlier thread, Plan 74 from 101 Trackplans, which has been modified a 'little'... Dual CDA Controller unit Man that has NO idea about wiring up layout, with soldering iron in hand, and solder in the other, and 100mtrs of wire to blow, and lots of coffee, with a short temper when things go pear shaped. My expectations is to be able to run 2 trains around my layout at once. Ok, now we have that out in the clear (as mud).. I have taken 2 photos of the layout, and marked on the images where I have put blocks, and where I have wired in the power - So Far.... Can someone tell me if this is correct so far? PLEASE!!! I have it clear in my mind how to wire it up, to use with one controller, but my brain has farted totally on trying to do it with the Dual controller. Unless you put a second wire to each blocked section for the second controller, but that seems messy as hell... Please tell me that there IS an easier way. Photo1. The layout with Blocks and Powered sections marked in colors. http://members.optusnet.com.au/~biggus2/pics/nscale/may04/helprequired.jpg Photo 2. The view from the left of the first photo of the lower section of track hidden in the first. http://members.optusnet.com.au/~biggus2/pics/nscale/may04/sideview.jpg Photo 3. The Controller Im using http://members.optusnet.com.au/~biggus2/pics/nscale/may04/CDAcontroller.jpg Can someone tell me (or if you live in east melbourne I will pick u up, and buy you dinner for a week if you come over) how I go about this, and if its possible.. It must, Ive seen 2 trains running on layouts at clubs, and shows for years! I have read the book about wiring up layouts, but I got lost 1/2 way through the index, let alone the pages... They sometimes assume you know a lot of stuff.. Thanks people Take care Bruce. Station Master of NFI railroad. [ 20. May 2004, 15:51: Message edited by: virtual-bird ]
Virtual, I am not much of an expert in matters electrical either, although as a chemical engineer I could design you an entire working chemical plant. My advice is to take a deep breath and relax. Its really not all that big of a deal. I switched to DCC some time back, because it is easier, but good old block wiring works fine. It sounds like you want to run with one of two cabs. The old trick is to use what they call double pole double throw switches (dpdt). These accomodate two wires (one for each rail). There are three pairs of leads. Usually, you can run the central pair to the track. Run the pair from each controller to the other sets of connections. DPDT switches usually have a slide switch. The center position is off from both inputs. Sliding to one side or the other allows the input to come from one or the other controllers. You already plan to use traditional blocks, so you should be okay. I suggest you check some back articles in Model Railroader for their project layouts or for some introductory articles to basic wiring. I recall a number of both which give pretty clear simple instructions for basic two cab operations. Your local hobby shop or a local model train club might also be a good source of support. I would love to take you up on dinner, but Melbourne is just a little too far from Houston to make it work. Good luck.
Bruce, In a nutshell, in order to run two trains you need to be able to switch the power to the track from one output from the powerpack to the other for each block. You can do this using a DPDT switch for each block. The normal way to do this is to put a control panel near the powerpack with a diagram of the layout on it, and switches mounted on each block. A DPDT switch has 6 contacts on the back, two rows of three. mount the switch vertically, with three contacts up and down, and the two contacts side to side. Connect the wires from the track to the center pair of contacts. Connect the power from the powerpack throtle 1 to the bottom pair of contacts and the power from throttle 2 to the top pair. Be sure that + and - are on the same side of the switches in all cases. Under this setup, when the switch is in the up position that block will take power from throtle 1, and when the switch is in the down position it will be powered by throttle 2. I've always wanted to visit Australia, but never got closer than Singapore. Have passport, will travel. July is pretty open. Buy me a ticket from Memphis, TN (and back) and I will come wire it for you.
Bruce...My layout is wired the way you want. I have a double track main line and dual controls. Both tracks have insulated blocks. When I first started laying track, I had only one main line open. By installing DPDT switches on my panel for each block, I could run two trains at once by switching the two controlers back and forth between control 1 and 2. I also have a single controler for the switching yard. Now with both tracks installed I can run trains in opposite directions and even switch tracks by switching the DPDT switches back and forth in each block...Be sure to get the DPDT switches with center off. As far as wireing them, Peter has the right idea. I used to have pics of my control panels but my external hard drive crashed (permanent) and I lost all my stuff on it. If I have time, will try to take another photo this evening. If not will have to be next week as I am going out of town for the weekend.
Thanks people.. Don.. I dont have any back issues of MR but it was a thought, I went to newsagent lookin for some train mags, and there was little to choose from. Also was going to try the club! But that was last night, and going to the club on birthday just WASNT going to happen! Shes not a bad parole officer, but yea that was stretching it a bit far. Houston to Melbourne isnt that far, I went to Sydney to Via LA and Denver to Aberdeen Sth Dakota to meet my wife! PeterZ, Thanks for the very good description. I am a little confused. I have the concept right, I can see that working, its actually how I had it 'planned' in my mind. So I could come out of the controller into one of those 'strip connector things'(in the helprequired photo), to the switch, to the track, does that sound right? Trying to figure out how to have multiple wires from controller and keep it tidy... Other option is 15 wires to each controller screw! The sad thing is when Ansett Airline collapsed, I lost enough frequent flyers to have flown you out free... Dick. I also thank you for your input... Now I know it can be done, I can go to bed, (its 10am here, Ive been stressin all night about this!) I know about losing stuff, I lost an 80 Gig HD several mths ago, was shattered when it happend, that was my porn and MP3 collection!
