RE: Q: I have converted my 10’x12’ layout from cab control and block toggles to DCC.  . . . .

Sounds like an answer from 50 years ago.  I don't know anyone in my model group who has/had a power supply running in every block.  Train control would be absolutely nightmarish.   There was an old hobby shop owner who was proud of that fact but that was eons ago - even in scale time.

There would be basically no difference between a short on a DC layout than one on DCC, possibly other than the fact that the DCC may take a few extra seconds to reset.

The answer recommending power districts using block control such as the Digitrax PM42 or the Tony's Block Protectors would be the way to go.

ken

Sounds like an answer from 50 years ago.  I don't know anyone in my model group who has/had a power supply running in every block.  Train control would be absolutely nightmarish.

Ken:

I think you may be misunderstanding - you don't use any more boosters/power supplies than usual - the secret is you cut gaps to isolate shorts.

Once you cut the gaps, you feed any number of "train blocks" from a single booster, and you add short protection to the feeders to each train block.

The technique of the gaps and short protection to the feeders works fundamentally the same whether you're using light bulbs or block protector boards.

I will say, however, the light bulbs are a lot cheaper, and nearly as effective. My Siskiyou Line has been using the train block - light bulb method of short protection since 2000 and it works great. This is not theory or an idea that's half-baked - it works, and works well.

The layout before the light bulb protection was the nightmare. Just ask anyone who operated on my layout in those days ... "alright, who shorted the layout?" was heard regularly. Now, narry a wimper when there's a short because it only affects the guy who caused it.

Anything BUT a nightmare.

Responding to the reader question about the use of natural materials for scenery.  On my current layout, I've used nothing but real, natural materials.  My ground cover is a layer of bagged top soil, baked in the oven at 350 degrees for one hour, then sifted through a kitchen strainer.  On top of this, I place a layer of dried leaves (readily available from outside this time of year) that have been run through an old coffee grinder.  I glue both layers down using the standard "wet water" and diluted matte medium technique.

My trees are clippings from pine craft brooms (sold at most major craft stores).  I'm modeling early winter/late autumn in Northern Minnesota, so I want bare "dead" trees.

You can see some of this scenery on my blog:  http://dmirhillcitysub.blogspot.com/2011/04/not-out-of-woods-yet.html

This is the paragraph I was referring to:

Under cab control, you split the layout up into train length blocks and each block is powered by a different power pack or power supply. If you have a derailment and it causes a short, only that train (and its power pack) is affected.

If anything, I would use rotary or other block switches to help isolate when there is a short.

I do understand your DCC solutions to gap and use power blocks and lamps and such.

Ken

I believe the author means "connected to a different power supply" implying what you are saying about the rotary switches. Initially I read the paragraph the way you did but realized it must just be the sentence wording. Can you imagine trying to run trains if you had to jump from rheostat to rheostat as the train moved along?

This is the paragraph I was referring to:

Under cab control, you split the layout up into train length blocks and each block is powered by a different power pack or power supply. If you have a derailment and it causes a short, only that train (and its power pack) is affected.

Ah, okay.

What I meant was:

- You are running two trains on a cab control layout.

- Each train is in its own cab contol block.

- Each train is being independently controlled by a different power pack that's connected to that specific block via some means (like a toggle or rotary switch)

- If you get a short, only that train is affected and only that power pack shows a short because of the isolated blocks.

The connection between power packs and blocks on a cab control layout can be changed by using a toggle switch or rotatry switch on each block. I was speaking of the moment when you are running two or more trains on a cab control layout - at that moment each block with a train in it is connected to a different power pack.

I just want to thank Joe for the photo on the Q and A article. It is always good to see your work published. I've been very lucky to have many of my photos published in different part of the world. And every time I feel humble.

Here at least I feel that I have contributed something to the magazine and the group. This is a fantastic group of not only railroad modellers but many professionals in different fields that shares their expertise  and knowledge with the rest of the group. To me this is a great place where we can get a real answer to any questions that we have. So again it feels good to contribute a little thing to this great group.

Nick:

You're welcome - and thank you. Your picture illustrated the concept perfectly, so we pulled it from your forum post and used it because it was such a good illustration of how natural materials can be used.

"...........You can see some of this scenery on my blog: http://dmirhillcitysub.blogspot.com/2011/04/not-out-of-woods-yet.html"

For those of you that haven't see Tracy's work you need to look at it - reminds me of Mike Roses mud season work.  It fits right in with everything everyone here is showing off.  I have been following his work on another forum and it's just inspiring.  As much as I like seeing your work on the other forum, it sure would be nice to see you do an article for MRH. The produce terminal has been my favorite so far.

Joe/Charlie "we" need to shame Tracy into an article..................

Steve

Look at another blog from Tracy on "Turn That Weed Upside-Down" - now that is ingenius (or clever or insightful or whatever). I'm going to try that.

(Steve - I got confused - you said "on my blog", but isn't this Tracy's blog or are you hosting a forum that Tracy is posting on ?)

Bill I cut n pasted that line from his post.  I went ahead and add quotes to make it an read better

Steve

I've been kicking around the idea of submitting an article.  I have a few out to various print publications already, and one in the hopper that I was going to send to RMC.  I may reconsider and submit it here instead.  Something will be coming your way soon.