Joined
·
1,696 Posts
I'm getting closer to laying track, been reading.
I note there's a method of wiring called 'common rail', which means one rail (apparently the inside one) is considered 'common' or 'ground' in electrical terms--of which I'm familiar. I instantly saw the advantages of this method, but what are the pitfalls, if any? My layout will be PP.
Also, this question's been bugging me for a year: Gaps in the track rail. So that one 'block' can be isolated from the next. I get it, that far. Now, what happens when a metal wheel momentarily bridges that gap, and let us suppose the 'hot rail' or the outside one (from question above) happens to be set accidentally to the 'reverse' direction? Am I missing something pretty basic, here? Are there electrical lockouts or signals? or should there be? I don't mind installing signals to indicate 'hot' track. I am inclined against electronic circuitry. (Don't want to fool with it). Which promotes another question: using 'track polarity reversing' to change directions, how can one also have 'common rail'?
Also, suppose the following scenario: I am puddling along in my Critter, dragging a couple of skips. I leave Block 1 and enter Block 2, which is A) either dead, or B) energized in the proper direction/polarity. If A, the engine stops. (Assume all plastic wheels and slider shoe pickups, it's simpler). If B, it continues on and all is well. Thus, is it good practice to set all the electrical switches along a chosen route First, or set them as the train approaches? This is a relevant question, because my layout will be subdivided into areas where I will physically move to control things locally, so to speak. I envision all the electrical circuitry and controllers to be confined to the trackside structures and track for that area alone.
Thanks,
Les
I note there's a method of wiring called 'common rail', which means one rail (apparently the inside one) is considered 'common' or 'ground' in electrical terms--of which I'm familiar. I instantly saw the advantages of this method, but what are the pitfalls, if any? My layout will be PP.
Also, this question's been bugging me for a year: Gaps in the track rail. So that one 'block' can be isolated from the next. I get it, that far. Now, what happens when a metal wheel momentarily bridges that gap, and let us suppose the 'hot rail' or the outside one (from question above) happens to be set accidentally to the 'reverse' direction? Am I missing something pretty basic, here? Are there electrical lockouts or signals? or should there be? I don't mind installing signals to indicate 'hot' track. I am inclined against electronic circuitry. (Don't want to fool with it). Which promotes another question: using 'track polarity reversing' to change directions, how can one also have 'common rail'?
Also, suppose the following scenario: I am puddling along in my Critter, dragging a couple of skips. I leave Block 1 and enter Block 2, which is A) either dead, or B) energized in the proper direction/polarity. If A, the engine stops. (Assume all plastic wheels and slider shoe pickups, it's simpler). If B, it continues on and all is well. Thus, is it good practice to set all the electrical switches along a chosen route First, or set them as the train approaches? This is a relevant question, because my layout will be subdivided into areas where I will physically move to control things locally, so to speak. I envision all the electrical circuitry and controllers to be confined to the trackside structures and track for that area alone.
Thanks,
Les