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This AutoControls.org Video #660 is essentially a continuation of the
previous Mar 21 Video #659. This "Automatic Switching Block"
combines an "Automatic Block" (1 track) plus an "Automatic Passing
Siding" (2 tracks), to operate 3 trains on 1 track.

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1. THE LINKS:

*Video Part 1: http://vimeo.com/4476398

*Video Part 2: http://vimeo.com/4481976

*Video Part 3: http://vimeo.com/4487094

*Wiring Diagram:
http://track2.com/info/208

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2. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION:

If you can visualize a loop of track, with a 2-track siding and a
train parked on each siding -- with a 3rd train traveling on the
mainline until it enters one of the siding, and then one of the two
parked trains exits it's siding -- that's how this system works.
The logic is flawless. The CHALLENGE is keeping all the hardware
working properly -- turnouts throwing properly, trains not stalling
nor uncoupling nor derailing.

The previous two videos used DC current. This video uses North
Coast Engineering DCC, since two of the locomotives have the older
SoundTrax decoders which will not run on DC like most decoders will.
These simple block systems will work for engines running on AC, DC,
or DCC (but not battery power).

"Reduced Modes of Operation": Toggle switches allow the block or
passing siding or both to be "powered down" for operating just 2
trains, or the whole unit can be "powered down" so it acts just like
a simple piece of straight track to operate 1 train. This is
demonstrated in Part 2.


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3. WHY USE THESE CONTROL SYSTEMS:

I've had people ask me, "Why would anyone want to do that"?
The three main reasons I can think of are:
a) It allows 3 different trains to be displayed on the same loop of
track (sometimes 4 if you have a long loop),
b) It's something DIFFERENT for the public to watch; what with trains
continually pulling in and out of the yard,
c) It allows the locomotives to "REST", since each train is running
only about 1/3 of the time.

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4. THE S-GAUGE COMPONENTS:

This system uses magnets on the bottom of the locos/cars to activate
a reed switch, which activates an automotive relay, which then throws
the American Flyer turnouts. Automotive relays are used to handle
the large amounts of current (estimated about 6 amps) required to
operate a pair of American Flyer switches. Reed switches also
control the RR-Concepts-operated block.

Thanks to Mark Anderman for coming up with the wiring diagram,
showing how to wire the automotive relays to control the American
Flyer switches.

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5. FIRST BUILT 1992 IN LARGESCALE:

We first built this "automatic switching block" in 1992 in
LargeScale, using LGB components. You can build such a device in
LargeScale using stock LGB components -- reed switches in protective
enclosures (track contacts) that snap into the track, DPDT relays
that plug into their switch machines, magnets that snap on the bottom
of their locos, and track sections with gaps for blocks with screw
terminals to easily wire everything up.

It's a bit more challenging in S gauge, because nothing is designed
for multi-train operation. You CAN do it with original American
Flyer parts using the pressure-sensitive track trips as demonstrated
by Dennis Oberholtzer and Mark Anderman in an earlier video, but it's
kind of "tricky".

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Thanks. - Jim Ingram VMS/Land 570.322.7597
http://SusquehannaSgaugers.com -- http://AutoControls.org
Williamsport PA <=> Macintosh G4/OS 10.4
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