Um, what does this all mean? Is there a place on at Katousa.com that explains it? Thanks - The Grateful Grey One
IIRC, the Kato #4 turnouts can be configured so that the "legs" of the turnout have either: a) constant power (regardless of which way the turnout is thrown) or b) power routed ONLY to the leg that the switch is aligned with I also seem to recall Kato reporting that at least some of the switches had the engraving reversed. EDIT: I forgot to mention, that the options noted above are selected by relocating screws on the underside of the turnout. Obviously, that needs to be done prior to any permanent track mounting. [ 24. December 2004, 17:12: Message edited by: NorsemanJack ]
If you run a simple DC layout, the "power routing" feature would allow you to park an engine or train on a siding and use the turnout to turn its power off - thus eliminating the "complicated wiring" (i.e. a switched electrical block) that would otherwise be needed. With DCC, I would imagine that you would want all tracks live at all times regardless of turnout direction.
Steve: With DCC, I want all the track with full power. You could also run DC with all track having full power as well. Stay cool and run steam.....
Ah, thanks guys. Got it. So, i can run an engine into a siding or stub and power down. Then I can throw the turnout and remove power to it, (or both turnouts if it is a siding. I can then flip the turnout to some other stub and start an engine there. Hmm, Nice and I'll use it but in the end I'll use block wiring augmented by "Power Routing". In the short run that would work nicely. I can work the "inner area" switching cars, move them to the interchange track, move back to the inner area and power down. The mainline train can then come down off the main and pick them up.
Steve: Take a look at John Sing's picture tutorial on how to modify the Kato #4 turnouts so they run without any trouble. Stay cool and run steam.....
