My new proposed layout

QUOTE (miksterr @ 28 Jun 2008, 18:42) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi all,

I have made some updates to our layout.I am wondering if anyone can assist with feeder placement? I will be installing a BDL 168 or 2 for occupancy detection. We will also be using RR&Co software. The reverse loop is sorted as i have setup a test and it works perfectly. I would just like assistance with blocks and where to insulate and feed power. All points are peco electrofrog too.

The layout is quite small (8' x 4') but it is really a good test for me, the software and a good way to learn for the next level/size layout when that comes time.

Best regards,

Michael.

***Hi Michael

Be sure to modify the points for proper operation and frog polarity switching if possible..... previous threads show how.....

here is your layout marked with minimum feeds and track gaps. Gaps are red, feeds are blue. Each means gap or feed in both rails....

Richard

DCCconcepts

QUOTE (john woodall @ 28 Jun 2008, 20:21) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hi Richard,

I realise that your wiring diagram is for the minimum number of feeds (ie one per block, but I am curious as to why you did not suggest a seperate block for the four spur tracks, and also not having a seperate feed to each of the four tracks?

Cheers

John

***Hi John

basically because Mike said it was a test layout...

Yes, I was conscious of mikes asking for basic need not optimum. if it was a long term project I'd have definately added them, and in thinking about it may be wise anyway...... good habits tend to stick!

QUOTE (miksterr @ 28 Jun 2008, 20:21) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Thanks Richard,

This looks clear enough...I was just looking at the feeder plan you drew up for me for my first layout!

I am just wondering about the BDL 168...I am going to have to break up the track more..at least 16 blocks including the 4 sidings. I was unsure where to best put blocks...as in, a logical place.

I was thinking all of the turns just where they start to bend (6) the sidings (4) the loop (1) and the 5 or 6 short straights between the turnouts.

Mike.

Hi Mike

in that case definately take up Johns comment and make each siding etc a double break + a pair of feeds. There's no need to cut off the points from the blocks so as long as both tracks are gapped at both heel tracks, the turnouts can become part of the blocks that lead up to to them....

Richard

QUOTE (miksterr @ 3 Jul 2008, 19:19) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Ok, i have finalised my layout and have come up with this for a start on blocks.

I would like to know..is there enough coverage?

Do i need to link up the gaps where he 4 sidings are?

I intend to use Railroad & Co software . a BDL 168 for Occ detection into a Loconet system / into RR&Co.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg299/m...ayoutblocks.jpg

***Hi Mike

detection should mirror usable sections - in other words, if it is to be at all useful it must also reflect track conditions, so.... any section should include a turnout that it ends at the toe of. Unless you do that any real operational instruction will be unprotected and meaningless for interlocking and signalling etc....

For example, I think that section W1 should be split at the mid curve point, lower part to include turnout S1, upper part to include turnout N1.

section/block S1 to be split into two at the curve midpoint and each finish at the heel of turnouts S1 and N1

that means the outer loop is STILL 4 blocks butthey are more logically used as the turnout condition will better dictate train passage.

Hope that simple explaination will make sense.....

Richard
DCCconcepts