If I leave one line connected to the other side of the "split", can I use an SPST on the other lead, or is there some reason I should use the DPDT to both?

Thanks for all your help.

My education continues...

Thanks again.

I was also thinking that perhaps I could pick up power from the other terminal track connector. I have an extra controller-to-track wire assembly - what do you think about utilizing that?

Thanks guys.

I hate to act stupid, but in the case of electrical engineering, well, I am.  

If I connect a switch and wires to the "dead" section of track, where is the power coming from? Am I splicing into the existing wire from the controller to the track?

Quote from: Flare on February 07, 2018, 02:11:16 PM
I would just wire up a DPDT switch to the 'other side'.

Sorry - very new to the hobby. Could you tell me what a DPDT switch is? Thanks.

Well, the Power Terminal with Insulated Gap suggested by Yardmaster did the trick and is perfect for my current (pun intended) needs. My old trolley can now rest quietly on a siding.

I have a related question: what would I need to power the "dead" side when and if I want to extend the track a bit?

I have a Digital Commander set with an EZ-Command controller. I presume I will need another source of power for the "other side" that can easily be turned on and off. What would be an easy way to do that?

Thanks.

Looks like my education continues...

I hadn't heard of a "power routing turnout" but by its name, it sure sounds like it might be a solution. Can it be created/used with EZ Track?

Thanks again, you guys.

In educating myself about model railroading, this thread has been a great lesson. 

Thanks a lot, you guys. Very helpful info.

I appreciate your diagram and info.

Once again, I'm very new at this. So just to make sure I'm on the right track (yes, pun very much intended), since I'm using EZ Track, where would I put the break? Could I just pull out one of the rail connector pins and replace it with the wire to the on/off switch or would you suggest cutting a rail on the track itself?

Thanks.

Thanks, dutch.

A "switchable dead siding" sounds exactly like what I need. What's involved in creating that? Remember that I'm very new at this. 

I'm sure every newbie eventually asks a question about this – so I guess it's my turn. 

I've been enjoying my Digital Commander set (DCC) for a few months.

I recently purchased an older style (DC) Bachmann PCC trolley which runs just fine. However when not running, the lights remain on and the motor buzzes. Since I don't run it very often, I don't want to leave it in that state whenever the layout is powered, although I'd like to have it parked somewhere on the layout. Until now, I've been removing it, putting on a separate piece of track close to the layout.

So I've got two questions.

1)   Is this behavior "normal" when running DC equipment on a DCC track?

2)   And if so, is there a way to create a "cutoff" of some sort so that power can be cut to the a stub on which the trolley could sleep?

Thanks.

Thanks, Len. I'll give that a shot.

Quote from: Len on December 14, 2017, 08:50:59 AM
My solution is to glue styrene strips to the inside edge of the guard rail to narrow the gap, then paint it to match. Others fill the gap with that blue epoxy putty stuff that feels like clay when mixed, then run a car back on forth by hand to create a flange way until it sets up. Still others trim the existing guard rail completely out, then fabricate a new one. And there are still other ways of dealing with it.

I think I'm having the same problem with my turnouts.

Can you elaborate a bit on exactly where you put the styrene? Are you talking about putting it against the black plastic guard rail on the outer edges of the track?

Thanks.

That's a good idea.

My concern about unplugging the controller was that it might lose its memory (i.e. DCC addresses) if unplugged for a while.