59. Model Railway Block Detection - A First Look

[@aleopardstail]

nicely explained this, I use the MERG DTC2 & DTC8 modules here, but its all pretty similar as a black box. the fun bit is when you start to realise you can now not only drive trains and drive the layout, but have the layout help drive the trains even without automation stuff like this is golden for hidden tracks

[@trainsofthought5071]

Thanks. 😊 One of the biggest things for me with it is the hidden tracks. There are a number of them on the layout and some are really tight in length. I don’t know how I’d do it without occupancy / block detection other than wait for the ‘clunk’. Thanks for watching.

[@peternorris6438]

Very helpful thank you

[@trainsofthought5071]

Thanks. I’m trying to make complicated stuff simple - I don’t always succeed and certainly done know everything either. Railway people are a good resource - electronic people like me only know the basics not the magic! 😜

[@carimz]

In the first circuit, where you wire in the LED, are you in fact creating a short circuit detector?

[@trainsofthought5071]

Sorta kinda - YES! 😊 In trying to simplify for understanding there is a danger of OVER simplification but yes, that’s the basis of a ‘track circuit’ which relies on detecting a short circuit initially. Thanks for your question and there are a number of GOOD comments on this one from others. Lots to learn here for sure. Thanks for watching.

[@carimz]

@trainsofthought5071 Thank you

[@railwaymechanicalengineer4587]

TRAIN DETECTION & EUROPEAN SIGNALLING = TCC ! "Block detection" is unfortunately an American "electrical term" that conflicts with the Term used on European Railways/Model layouts known as "Block Signalling". The USA primarily uses a signalling method (CTC Central Traffic Control) deemed in Europe to be an unacceptably dangerous method. The British model railway term is "Track Sections or Sectioning." What you may not be aware of is that you actually have the basis of a "Track Circuit" which if connected through Relays can be used to make British type 3 or even 4 aspect colour light signalling function just as in real life !!!! Which is to provide an "interface" between moving trains and the signals they pass. Known as TCC (Track Circuit Control). Again a British model railway method of using a real life railway electrical method for various types of Signalling control, including "Track Circuit Block, Absolute Block or even Permissive Block" & others ! Which is where traditional 12v DC wiring methods leave DCC in the dark. Indeed no "chips" necessary, and therefore a fraction of DCC costs !

[@trainsofthought5071]

Thanks for the more ‘in depth’ view of it. Yes, I’m aware of the track circuit principle and also the way it can be used to change signals. I haven’t kept up with the more recent changes but certainly understand why the European/UK systems are so much better than the ones I see around here. (I live in the Atlanta area.) I’m trying to ride a very basic thing with this channel but totally welcome higher level input. (I might even learn something - so THANK you! 😊) Fortunately we are dealing with model railway systems and not the real thing but certainly there is some catching up to do with rail systems in various places around the world. I really appreciate your input. Thanks. and thanks for watching.

[@railwaymechanicalengineer4587]

@@trainsofthought5071 No worries ! I actually developed "TCC" (for Model railways) in league with the then British Railways Southern Region Chief Signalling Engineer (Mike Sargent), back in the mid 1970's. Primarily for advanced "Club" exhibition layouts, as we were both members of a large (150 members) Club which had over 50% of its members being BR staff.! Copying real railway methods has some seriously good cost saving advantages for our Hobby !

[@trainsofthought5071]

…and would I LOVE to have been a part of THAT group! 😊 These days, mostly we seem content to leave the magic to ‘black boxes’ instead of figuring out how things work to a level that allows innovation, invention and advancement. My reason for building such a large layout was to try out some control systems. I have burned myself a few tiles with getting too clever too!! I have a point in one of the ‘blocks’ and it causes all kinds of issues for me. I’m determined to get it to work but it’s been a game. Sometimes I wonder why the real world can’t jsut pick one way to work though. The Underground a prime example where different signaling systems are on adjacent lines and sometimes newer isn’t better! Thanks for your input and thanks for watching.

[@railwaymechanicalengineer4587]

@@trainsofthought5071 I'll let you into another secret, with regard to "Black Boxes" (Digital chips in models) The best & most expensive such chips, still have a built in limited life expectancy. Which when compared to an RS Supplies 1 Million actuation rated 2 or 4 switch Relay at around £5-£7 is both significantly cheaper, and has a longer life. Relays are of course what used to be used before they "invented" the Digital Chip. The chips main advantage is that it is smaller. But on a model layout, signalling and its associated electrical control method are not in need of being "small". Indeed Relays are a lot easier and stronger to solder too, unlike microscopic "Solid State" PCB type boards, which is what a "chip" utilises. Indeed I only use PCB Board on my layouts as the "Sleepers" for my handbuilt points & track !