14 Track Yard Control System

Fantastic Brian...can't wait to see progress pictures...

 

Alan

Awesome Brian,

 

I second what Alan said, want to see progress photo's

 

 

Thanks,Alex

What happens if you want two tracks powered up?

I use AIU's to control relays to turn track power on and off in my passenger yard and engine yard. Each one is controlled independently.

 

Admittedly, you could turn too many on and flip the circuit breaker, but I haven't done that yet. I need an idiot to visit me to do it.

 

On the other hand, it's certainly not as visual as what's shown here.

 

Gerry

Gerry, What time should I be there? I have done some pretty stupid things in my days! LOL Dennis PRR2818

Ben:

 

It is one at a time for tracks 1-7 & one at a time for tracks 8-14. I liked this concept as it has never been a problem for me in the 21 track area where the turntable and roundhouse are located. If you need to power two tracks at the same time within the stated groups, I guess you "punt".

If I recall correctly, Linn Westcott did something similar in his book HO Railroad that Grows.

Brian, while I knew that you had a lot of tracks in your passenger terminal, when Jim told me that it was 14 I was surprised. As much current as a long passenger train takes, it's a good idea to make sure that you have it under control. I believe you also told me that they are all pull through sidings? When you are done, you will have an awesome passenger train facility worthy of your fleet of beautiful trains. I too am anxious to see more pictures.

 

Really nice job!

 

Art 

Here are two interface boards that I have built to control blocks via an MTH 50-1004 AIU.

 

The first "Patch Board" makes wiring to the AIU simplified.

 

The second "Relay Board" takes the signals from the AIU via the "Patch Board" and controls heavy duty 2 -pole relays which turn power to blocks on and off.

 

The relay board could also be used with toggle switches for manual control if desired.

 

 

I also have passenger car holding tracks.  To reduce the power drain when these tracks are powered I have a special step down transformer which I can switch into the block (or multiple blocks) to temporarily reduce the voltage on the holding track.  This will "dim" the car interior lamps while they are stationery. 

Brian now that is really a cool device. Hope you will post a lot of pictures at some point of all your layout. I really like what I have seen so far.

Thanks for your comments Bill. We are almost done with the renovation project and last weekend I was at a point to put the trains back on the layout. That really felt good after having them idle for so long.

 

We are now working on the train station complex. The 80" train station is installed, the parking lots are done except for striping, the main road is installed & the grass is in, and we planted 25 trees today. Starting to look really good. I have street lights coming, more trees, and four fountains for this area. Then we will be done! Pictures coming as soon as we are finished.

I have a 3 track yard.....

Wow Brian that all sounds wonderful.Lots of nice features. I really think the lighting adds a very special touch to the layout. Looking forward to seeing more progress.

Brian.....I am hoping that you documented the renovation as it would be really nice to see the progress over the time period.  I am especially interested in what you decided as far as your train shed....

 

Thanks,

Alan

Can't wait to see the progress pictures.