I think you should start looking at computer control... I know that's not what you really asked for - but I think that's where you'll end up in the long term... Thus saving you some time (and money) to find the solutions for what you wish to accomplish I suggest the solution whíth which you can make all of it (and more) happen.

Although expensive at the start - over time computer control will be cheaper than all the other equipment you will have to buy to accomplish some of the tasks possible with a computer software.

My 2 cents...

No - the MS2 doesn't handle routes (and the way I see it, routes of CS2 could also be better), but there is a possibility to control "it" (actually the trackbox) from a computer! Off-course a CS2 gives more options - but it's still possible.

However - to create such automatic features without using a computer will require quite some different electronic modules such as (IMHO: unneccessary) braking modules, and probably relays as well as a lot of wiring. And this will soon end up in a lot of $$$. And that's where I think going for computer control immidiately saves cash.

Don't know the exact "amount" of tracks being equipped with such electronics to "match up" with a CS2 and computer control, but say 10-15... And you will have the option of a lot more than 15 with a computer software!

But it's still possible without computer! That's just not my field...

I second this, the signal books cover it very well and while I agree about Computer Control, it pays to have a good grasp on analogue automation anyway, especially for block signals.

1: You can still use block signalling with Digital
2: Block signalling will require you to install some form of track detection, and wire the signals for isolation which makes Computer control a lot more versatile.

Back in my very early days of digital & PC control I vowed that I would try wherever possible to prevent any run-past of a red signal by wiring and isolating the adjacent track to that signal. It could be argued that this takes away the 'control' over the layout, but frankly, I'd rather have this somewhat artificial scenario than a collision.

Even in real life we are starting to see more and more railways which employ such a safety device so that if for whatever reason the driver/train does slip through, the train itself is still brought to a halt.

Some years ago now, I held a simple clinic for the MMRC in which I had a long length of straight track, isolated into 4 blocks with light signals. I simply wanted to show one train chasing another to demonstrate the concept. It was simple and very effective.

Good luck with it

Cheers

Cookee
Melbourne

The older 446 Signal Manual is available to download from Marklin USA at this link....

ftp://ftp.marklin.com/pub/Old%20Manuals

Look under "Model Signal Booklet", download all the pages and see how you go - it's about 2.5mb in total but will be a good start.

Easier to answer questions based on what you do or don't understand from this starting point.

Don't be scared off by the older signals and track shown, the basic wiring and concepts have not changed.

You need to create an isolated section in your track - usually by interrupting the center rail at two locations (the start and end of the isolated section)

So if you can imagine a length of say 6 straight track lengths, and the middle two have the center conductor cut at the join with the two left track and the two right tracks....

| = track joins
X = isolated center rail

....|------|-----X-----|-----X-----|-----|....


So there is still power at the left and right sections either side of the "X", but nothing to the area between the 2 "X". And when the train gets to this section it will stop.

Now you take a wire attached to the center rail anywhere between the two "X". If you join that to the center rail OUTSIDE either X, you will have power again to the isolated section and the train will start.

You could simply wire a switch into the connection between the isolated and powered sections and have a very basic manually controlled stop point.

But Marklin Signals already contain a set of switches inside which are open or closed depending on whether the signal is Red or Green. The signal may have red wires coming out from the switch or red sockets you can connect to.

The built-in signal switch replaces the manual switch I referred to above so when the signal is red, the switch is open, no power to the isolated section. Change to Green and the circuit is complete, trains will pass through.

So that is basically how to start and start trains with a signal (manually controlled).

The next step is making the operation of the signal automatic with a passing train. This is simpler, you are simply replacing (or duplicating) the old Blue control push buttons
with track contacts - either the 'flipper' type Contact Track (directional) or with a Circuit track using the isolated outer rail.

I have a newer signal manual here with some good diagrams, I'll see if I can find and scan the relevant pages which should help - a picture paints 1000 words as they say

Hope this helps

Cookee

Two more...

Cookee, thank you so much!!!!

If i need help i will keep you posted!

TKS!!!