video 1.0 Vimeo http://vimeo.com/ James R. Ingram http://vimeo.com/jim17701pa 0 <object width="640" height="480"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4481976&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4481976&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="480"></embed></object> 640 480 571 A.SUMMARY: Part 2/3, S gauge 2-track automatic switching block, using American Flyer turnouts and automotive relays. B. LINKS: * #660 Pt 1/3: vimeo.com/4476398 , Pt 2/3: (this video) , Pt 3/3: vimeo.com/4487094 . * For drawings for this specific unit, use link at track2.com/info//208 . * For other AutoControls videos, use 'channel' vimeo.com/autocontrols, or visit the AutoControls.org "VIDEO INDEX PAGE". ~~~~~~~~ C. CONTENTS: * Pt 1/3: (1) Intro, (2) Principles of 3-train operation, (3) Why do this, (4) review of system, (5) Observing operation from rear of yard. * Pt 2/3: (6) Attaching magnets to rolling stock, (7) Mode 2: Automatic block only (2 trains) (8) Mode 3: Automatic siding only (2 trains), (9) Mode 4: Block & siding both off (1 train) (operating like a simple piece of track) * Pt 3/3: (10) Using DCC for this video, (11) Why blocks when using DCC, (12) Ramping up & down with DCC, (13) Possible changes for future units, (14) same system, using 3 diesels, (15) Bloopers. ~~~~~~~~ D. SUMMARY: This three-part video shows the operation of an S gauge automatic switching block, showing it controlling 3 trains on the same track. The 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. * Note this video is a continuation of Video #659 which shows the details of operating the switches for a 2-track automatic passing siding, and from Video #658 which shows the details of operating a single-track automatic block. The automatic switching block combines the function of an automatic block and automatic passing siding into one unit. ~~~~~~~~ This iMovie video was assembled 5/4/2009 by JamesRobertIngram.com (aka AutoControls.org, aka Track2.com, aka RailVideos.org). http://ts.vimeo.com.s3.amazonaws.com/110/131/11013178_200.jpg 200 150 4481976