Model train lovers of all ages and skill levels will be the first to inform you that operating their layout is a blast with simply one locomotive circling the tracks. Those same modelers will also scream to you the excitement of handling 3 or 4 scale model locomotives traversing their rails.
To grab hold of the throttle and speed up one train, slow down another, and keep a third from slamming into them both, you must embrace cab control techniques and wiring required to make it tick! Power packs that AMP up power, toggle switches that choose your train of desired control and throttle cabs are the crucial tools needed in dodging your own disastrous bullets!
Solving Problems of Operating Multiple Model Locomotives
Independent control of separate trains requires you connect each model train to a separate power pack through different blocks of track. Blocks are electrically isolated sections of track divided by insulation in your rails.
Switches are used to connect however many switches you have directly to the tracks via a wire from the switch to the track. Then the toggle switch reaches out to one of the cabs with an additional wire. There is a common connection or wire between however many cabs you support and the rail opposite your switches wire on the tracks. These wires are also many times referred to as the Block Feeder and Common Feeder.
Your switch will also have a wire called a common connection that interlocks each individual cab, creating a web of well disciplined electrical communication. The cab is responsible for informing your trains engines which way to run and how fast to get there. The magic of this electrical orchestra can only be accomplished if the switch is also connected to the opposite rail of its Block Feeder.
As a model train conductor you're aware of the dangers in running multiple locomotives around a single layout. Be on the look out for out of control locomotives bad track switches. Bad timing is also of concern as an improperly planed turnout or a simple passing in the yard could yield grave results if not on your toes.
That's the basics. We hope this information is useful and keep tuning in for more on model trains and model train electronics. - 30326
To grab hold of the throttle and speed up one train, slow down another, and keep a third from slamming into them both, you must embrace cab control techniques and wiring required to make it tick! Power packs that AMP up power, toggle switches that choose your train of desired control and throttle cabs are the crucial tools needed in dodging your own disastrous bullets!
Solving Problems of Operating Multiple Model Locomotives
Independent control of separate trains requires you connect each model train to a separate power pack through different blocks of track. Blocks are electrically isolated sections of track divided by insulation in your rails.
Switches are used to connect however many switches you have directly to the tracks via a wire from the switch to the track. Then the toggle switch reaches out to one of the cabs with an additional wire. There is a common connection or wire between however many cabs you support and the rail opposite your switches wire on the tracks. These wires are also many times referred to as the Block Feeder and Common Feeder.
Your switch will also have a wire called a common connection that interlocks each individual cab, creating a web of well disciplined electrical communication. The cab is responsible for informing your trains engines which way to run and how fast to get there. The magic of this electrical orchestra can only be accomplished if the switch is also connected to the opposite rail of its Block Feeder.
As a model train conductor you're aware of the dangers in running multiple locomotives around a single layout. Be on the look out for out of control locomotives bad track switches. Bad timing is also of concern as an improperly planed turnout or a simple passing in the yard could yield grave results if not on your toes.
That's the basics. We hope this information is useful and keep tuning in for more on model trains and model train electronics. - 30326
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For more information on scale model locomotives visit Daryl's Website surrounding model trains, you may also stop in to read thomas the wooden toy train engine reviews.
