Hi, all, I'm just about done putting my trackage down on my 8 X 21 foot layout. One question that comes to mind when I think about wiring the layout is, when people use block control, do they switch in both the + and - leads into the block, or just one rail? I think Atlas' premise of cab control is using common rail (i.e. switching just 1 rail). Any insight other than get DCC? thanks Shaummy
It is possible to use a common feed on one rail and just use gaps on the other. I used this on a small railroad years ago. Now with more complex trackage, I prefer to isolate each block and trackage within a block so I gap both rails and then have to run wires to the control panel where I use DPDT switches. There are good books on this subject, I found one in my local library or you can get one at your local hobby shop.
I gap both rails as I have two places where the tracks double back and I have to change polarity on the tracks. I use DPDT switches to control this Dick
My layout is based on common rail and I only gap one rail. A word of warning if you are using more than one cab (controller) you MUSt use seperate transformers to operate the layout otherwise two controllers using the same transformer will result in a short circuit
