If I have simple mainline track and one right hand turnout for siding then how do I include the turnout in my block? Will it be part of mainline block or the siding block? How to decide.
I would think the turnout would either be its own block, but most people do not wire them because it increases the cost (additional sensor circuit), or part of the preceding block. The logic here is that if the train is coming from the right on the main or the siding below it, if the block ahead is occupied then it simply cannot go past the turnout anyway and the turnout should show occupied. Alternatively, you could then exclude the turnout detection altogether. On the other hand, if the train is approaching the turnout from the left, then it is occupying the preceding block and the turnout, and has a choice to go straight or diverge, pending which track is free. Once again, you could exclude the turnout as it does not contribute to the choice of route (straight or diverging).
Thank you I think it makes sense. But. My next question is how can I divide my tracks in blocks. I have very small layout and I m wondering if I can create blocks and if yes how and where. I m sharing my anyrail drawing. Its a 2 x 4 feet layout.
From my understanding, blocks are sections of the track between turnouts (aka Control Points - CP), and are at least the length of a longest train. Also, they are usually guarded by signals which control the traffic movement.
So you decided against DCC? Without it, you'd probably want to make the figure 8 a separate block so you can run two trains. All sidings can be part of the outside loop block, or you can make one or two a third block (and maybe a fourth) to park extra locomotives on. With DCC, you'll still want the figure 8 separate and wired through a reverser.
I am using DCC++. so that's not a problem. I am thinking it this way. please see below and also see attached image. Block 1 will be main line Block 2 will be the part of inner 8 loop but since it has reverse section I decided to split it in 2 blocks Block 3 part of inner 8 loop Block 4 (short) diverging for going to main line Block 5 for siding Block 6 for small yard Block 7 for Parking Engine etc. let me know if I need to modify anything if it looks ok
If you are using DCC then you only need a block for reversing loop. The entire rest of the layout can be one block. You should put in multiple feeders, but it doesn't need to be a separate block. If you are using DC, then you need a block for any place you want to control a train or engine separate from the rest of the layout. For example, unless you are going to store an engine or train in those tracks, they can be part of the yellow block. The only reason you would need to make them separate is if you are going to park an engine in those tracks.
Since you are using DCC, this is not conventional DC blocking to drive trains from one electrical "block" to another, correct? It would seem to me you want blocking to create train detection, possibly utilizing train automation in the future, no? If that is the case, then consider the longest train you plan to run, and number of trains you will have running at any time. Trains need to fit in any of the designated blocks, and avoid overlaps or potential collisions (head-on, or rear-ended). Thus whatever principle you use to control the traffic flow e.g. automatically for example via Rocrail, or manually by an operator though ABS (Automatic Block Signaling) needs to be able to stop them in time, and at the right control points (turnouts). Assuming what I wrote above is true, then you need to decide what kind of a block detection system you wish to use. To be honest, this being a compact layout (2'x4') the expense of implementing commercial block detection with all the blocks you coloured in could run higher than the building of your layout and the entire fleet that would run on it. Though, that should not discourage you. If you wish to use this layout as a platform to learn about block detection, signaling and train automation, you can do all those things on the cheap with some DIY inclination. Perhaps give us more details about your intention with this layout?
Yes you are right its not conventional DC I am using DCC++ (arduino base station) and I am looking for train automation where trains can automatically run based on schedule. for software side I want to use JMRI but I can look for other solutions like Rocrail if they are more suited for automation. I am not sure if I need electrically isolated blocks for this or it can be done with sensors? (right now I have hall sensors (latching and non latching both) which I can use. I dont have current sensors right now and looks difficult to buy because of lockdown) I want to run 2 trains continuously(my longest train will fit in block 5 other trains will be shorter). one will run on outer loop and one on the inner loop (8 shape). there will be third train waiting on station (block 6). as per schedule that train will run and the other already running train will get parked there so thats the rough picture of automation i have in mind. I am on budget and dont want to invest a lot in this small layout. but i am open to do all experiments on DIY basis. the term "Block detection " is used in train world to describe the segments of tracks that can be occupied at one time by one train. so thats what I want to achieve whether you call it block, train detection or occupancy detection it dosn't matter I want to run trains automatically and for that I am ready to do whatever it needs to be done. I also want to thank this community who is there to help us. thanks a lot to all the replys.
You could make your own current sensors - there are couple of choices there as well (diodes vs coil based). But, you will need to connect each block of track to a sensor and then wire the sensors to your DCC++ command station. Rocrail would be a better choice for train automation than JMRI, in my opinion. It will allow you to program individual locomotive properties (start and stop times) so that the system knows when and where to stop each train. I did not spend much time analyzing your layout diagram, but at a first glance it appears you have several reversing sections. In order for reversing to work correctly, the entire train needs to be able to fill that section of the track, otherwise you will create a "race" condition between adjacent blocks (head of the train in one block with one polarity, tail in another block with another polarity, potentially causing a short circuit). Being on a budget is fine, you would proceed in stages: by designing/blocking an electrically sound layout diagram and then committing the track down to the board. Wiring all the blocks through terminal boards so they are all equally powered, and being able to run some trains to keep the interest going. Then create your layout in Rocrail and build your first occupancy sensor, connecting it via DCC++. Once you see how it all operates together, adding more sensors is an exercise in "rinse and repeat" at that point. You can go as fast, or as slow, as your resources permit. Creating an operating scheme/schedule in Rocrail involves a learning curve and you also need to program all of your locomotives along the way. It is all doable and others have done in in the past so there's plenty of primers out on the web. You can check Rocrail forums for specifics on automation with it, but there are many forums and blogs that deal with occupancy detection, sensors, signals, etc, for any budget.
