Operator B has to wait until operator A has cleared a block in order to toggle control of the power in that block from cab A to cab B. The only downside to cab control is that two locomotives cannot share the same block at the same time. In this manner, the two operators can follow each other around a layout, flipping toggle switches to align the blocks to cabs A or B as needed. While this is occurring, a second operator using cab B can operate his locomotive elsewhere on the layout by connecting the blocks he’s using to cab B. Following this pattern, the operator can move his locomotive from one end of a layout to the other. Just before he enters a third block, he again connects the new block to cab A. Now the two blocks are electrically united to cab A and the locomotive seamlessly moves from the first block to the second. So while a cab control layout visually looks like a continuous track, electrically it’s several independent track sections that line up with one another at each end.Īs an operator using power pack A moves his locomotive through one block and approaches the next block, he uses a toggle switch to connect the second block to power pack (cab) A. Each block is independent of all the others, so a train in block A can be operated by power pack A, and a train in block B can be run by power pack B.Įach block starts and ends with a plastic insulated rail joiner or a narrow gap cut through the metal rails. With cab-control wiring, a layout using two power packs is divided into several electrically isolated sections called “blocks.” One such block is shown in fig. With two direct- current power packs, single-pole double-throw toggle switches, and hardware-store wire, you can divide any layout into electrical blocks that will allow two trains to be operated independently. This milepost can be reached with cab-control wiring.
The initial goal of a new model railroader flush with locomotives, track, and rolling stock is to operate two trains on his layout at the same time, each with independent speed and direction control.
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