Arnold D. Cribari posted:CoastsideKevin posted:lehighline posted:Fourth, to answer your question, on the ZW there is are 2 rings, one between the A handle and the B handle, the other between the C handle and the D handle. One each are a pair of black and a red marks. With all 4 handles down (no voltage) look where the zero marks are on each side. One will line up with the red, and the other with the black. Lets say the A handle line zero lines up with the red mark (could be the other way around). The B will line up with the black. Same thing on the other side. When you cross from one circuit to the other, just match the marks for the A and D handles. You might be off a bit, but you will be close enough not to have an issue. You will need insulating pins on the center rails of the crossovers. Whatever you do, DO NOT pull the insulating pins from the common rails of the switches! Those are needed to operate the non-derailing function of the switches. Depending on exactly what you want to do with train operation, a SPDT may or may not be necessary.
Chris
LVHR
Great advice on the ZW - I was wondering if that were possible, but wasn't sure. I would be fine with that solution (and may go that route initially), but I worry about my two little ones running the trains and not syncing up the voltages and causing some damage or worse, a fire. I like the idea of a solution that is a bit more foolproof, such as adding a toggle to run the whole mess from one side of the Z.. but I just don't exactly understand how to do it.
Thanks again and I look forward to tuning into the community!
Kevin, I also welcome you to this Forum, which has been a source of joy, happiness and valuable information since I joined it one year ago.
One comment about your idea of adding a toggle to run both loops of track "from one side of the Z," I believe if you do that, one drawback would be that you won't be able to independently control the 2 trains, one on the inner loop, and the other on the outer loop, of track.
I have a 25 year old conventional layout with tubular track and 022 switches, and 2 loops of track interconnected with switches in two different locations. Each loop is independently controlled, one from the A Post, and the other from the D Post, of a ZW, and I use fiber pins at the point between the switches where the 2 loops meet.
When I am running one train through the switches where the 2 loops meet, I set the voltage so its approximately the same on each loop, and I have never had a problem. Be that as it may, I can certainly understand your concern when young children are running the trains, especially if there may be occasions that you are not supervising them. Arnold
Thank you, Arnold. Glad you hear you have successfully used that system to transfer between loops, too. I think the idea with the toggle is that you set it up so one side of the Z controls both districts for only as long as it takes for the entire train to crossover. Then, toggle to the other side and you’re back in two train, manual control mode.
By the way, I have been watching all the activity on your thread Postwar Paradise and very much enjoying it. That’s what I came here for! Will also try to post a little video to add to the fun.
All best wishes,
Kevin
