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I’m making a small change to my layout by taking advantage of space behind one of the walls of my train room.  To do this I’ll need 2 switches to take the train off a main line, go behind the wall and back thru the wall to the mainline again.  Is there a way to wire a Ross switch with DZ1000 motor so that both switches operate together,  so when the first switch takes the train off the mainline the second switch automatically moves to a position to bring the train back onto the mainline ?  The same would be required for the reverse direction as well.
 
I’d appreciate any assistance in this matter,
Mike Miller         
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http://vid175.photobucket.com/...project/VID00014.mp4   Click on the link to access an operational testing video of the switches pictured.   Note two switches operating at the same time.   Switches are activated via a Lionel SC-2 controller/ Handheld Cab-1/TMCC.  Switches are also wire for non-derail, note the chatter until the 44 tonner switcher clears the non-derail sections of track. 

 Best I can do for a video link at the moment. 

Sorry

 Mike CT

Last edited by Mike CT

If you wire both switches for automatic non-derailing operation, you'll only need to switch one switch and the other will take care of itself.

In fact, if you only go in one direction, you only need to wire a pushbutton to the one that the train takes to leave the mainline. The return switch will take care of itself with just a motor and non-derailing wiring.

When you wire up both switches to operate as one and want to park a train  on the siding , you have to be a little careful that the train is completely in the siding and the both switches lined back normal before another train can use the track  with the switches on it  .  in other words a train can't use the track between the switches, or pull up to the switch were the opposing train enters the siding.( Like a meet.) If you're only running one train at a time.. it doesn't really matter. 

Mike,

Can both switches operating from 1 controller also be wired for non-derail ?  Would non-derail wiring be necessary or does operation from 1 controller accomplish the same thing ?  

You would wire each for automatic non-derailing operation. However, if they were wired to the same, single controller, when one auto-switched, the other would, as well.

what if the train can go in either direction.  I have a reverse loop in the layout. 

Then you'd still wire both for auto-non-derailing.

Interesting to note when wiring a cross-over pair, there is no need for  the non-derail function on the small cross over section, the other switch is already in the correct position.  Still very important on the two straight track sections.

Note the two isolated rail section.  Styrene strips were used to fill the gap. the wire being attached is an input wire to trip the switch motor to the correct alignment. (Non-derail)

Wire attached, without removing the switch from the layout module.  Railroad tie Brown paint touch up is applied to both the styrene and the wiring after completion.

On occasion the two short pieces of track pictured, touch at the frog, and have to be separated.  Note the small piece of white styrene at the frog. 

 

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