Insulated block switches

All i can think of is that perhaps the SPDT type is more common, or less expensive?  For turning on and off sidings in the manner used in the video, SPST will work just fine.  With the SPDT you could wire in a red and green light if you wanted to, to show which sidings are powered.  

Another option I like, for conventional control, is to use a rotary switch for each siding, letting you choose which of several transformer controls you's like to use to power the track.  This method may benefit from an additional on/off switch as well.  

I have 6 sidings with 6 SPST switches and they are working just fine. Just make sure you get switches with at least a 10 amp rating (or rated for the maximum amperage you will be using) so you will be covered for anything you might put on the track.

OK, I watched the video. Mike is a pretty smart guy, but he kind of messed up this discussion with the use of the SPDT. Totally unnecessary in the scenario he described.

The purpose of an SPDT would be to select between two power sources for that track. The center leg would go to the center rail of the track, and the other two contacts would would connect to the different supplies.

If that is not your intention, an SPST would be fine.

We used SPST toggles for all of our block power on/off tracks. All the engine service tracks, sidings, storage tracks, spurs, and reverse loops sections. Any track where we could park an engine or train and turn the power off to it... SPST is all ya need.

If you have a large layout,you may benefit from using relays,shown here

LINK

Dale H

Yes, he mixed in some cab control technique with his explanation. Most operators will only want to connect spurs and yard tracks to the same power as the yard lead, so SPST will work for most.

I appreciate the responses to my post.  I've wired a couple of houses and several cars so I'm not a total Gumby on the subject but the video just made no sense.  I will continue with my plan to use SPST switches on the layout.

SPST switches are probably the same price as SPDT switches. Often switches are purchased for multiple applications with some of the contacts unused.  Perhaps in the video that is what the fellow had in his parts drawer. You could use the extra contact to light up an indicator light to show the block is not powered. You may also want to switch a passing siding where one or the other is powered but not both.

Dale H