Conventional Block Section Question

You don't need to use a second transformer, a toggle switch will suffice just make sure it can handle the current.

However, if you are planning on exchanging a mainline engine for the one on the siding, you will need to have a block in which to park it before you drive the engine on the siding onto the main.  This can be accomplished either by dividing the siding into two blocks, resulting in a total of three blocks: mainline, siding block one, and siding block two, or simply dividing the layout into two blocks.

You might also post your inquiry in the electrical forum, those guys have forgotten lots more than I know and they can be a big help.

Pete

Just information. The Lionel FasTrack Book ( By Robert Schlecher, mixed reviews) has good detail in it about block sections with easy to understand pictures. I would not buy the book for just that information. If you have access to one it will help you a lot in that area.

Larry

The easiest way is to use a common toggle switch found at any hardware store,these are overkill even for command voltage, and power with your main transformer. You need only to isolate the center rail. Depending on the radius of your fastrack switches, you may not need the block section. 0-60 and larger radius fastrack switches have( integrated block sections) a fitter with a broken center rail with a jumper wire underneath. Just remove the jumper wire and you have your block. Some members have even made their own block sections by cutting the center rail with a dremel, you just need to make sure you go deep enough to completely break the rail.

I guess i need one of these:

https://secure.atlasrr.com/ato1/itemdesc.asp?ic=6927&eq=&Tp=