hi.
can you please direct me how can i control 2 trains (HO) so there will be an automatic control. i mean that one train stay at the station one trail.the second comes on the second rail and automatically stops and then the first one start to move and so on.
you can see here what do i mean here
thank you

hi
thanks for your reply.
i have a digital set with a mobile station (60657) and Noch Rosenheim layout (81600)

I have produced very reliable opto couplers which can be place between sleepers of a K-track. its made from electronic components and works in conjunction with a braking module (also produced myself = identical to a Märklin braking module)

it works like this the loco goes over the opto coupler and is triggered bu the slider. the optocoupler pulse activates track 2 while the train runs into track 1 (red signal), we have modified our system by placing the opto coupler at the beginning of the siding and another one close to the signal (which operates the turnout), there is another opto coupler when the track converges into one sending the signal to red again.
I use opto couplers , they are very reliable but only works one way.

John

Ok, nice layout. And it can be easily expanded on either side.

Do you have any special tracks (circuit / contact) and any Signals yet?

https://www.noch.com/en/...out-rosenheim-81600.html

These signals are digital and can’t be controlled automatically by the Mobile Station or by contact tracks. You can control them with Mobile Station or with a special box with pushbuttons, but not automatically. With a Central Station it’s possible. You could also choose another kind of signal that can be controlled by contact or switching tracks.

Old school solution time since digital solutions really won't work here. You'll need a couple of analog, power controlling signals along with a push button controller and 4 contact/circuit/reed triggers.

This isn't a recipe solution but highlights the actions and tools I have used. Your implementation will vary based on your specific track layout. It's also not the only way to do this - it's just one way. I'm sure there are plenty of changes/optimizations that can be applied depending... :)

Signal S1 controls power to track 1, same for Signal S2. Initial condition - both are red via push buttons. Both tracks have an entry trigger and and exit trigger (I used circuit tracks in a small layout years ago to do just this). Train 1 is parked on track 1 and train 2 on track 2.

Push button to switch S1 to green = train 1 departs track 1 and activates exit trigger 1 which turns S1 back to red.
When train 1 arrives, it activates entry trigger 1 which turns S2 green = train 2 departs track, train 1 stops in no power zone.
Train 2 activates exit trigger 2 which sets S2 back to red. When train 2 arrives, it activates entry trigger 2 which sets S1 to green = train 1 departs, and train 2 stops... and so on.

I don't have the relevant Marklin part numbers handy other than the circuit track 24994 and it's curved cousins 24194 and 24294. I used Viessmann signals with a color light control box for the signals, but you can peruse the Marklin signals for the appropriate parts. EDIT: you do have to be careful with placement of the triggers to ensure they are in a powered track section. No power = no signal generated. Same with track power - your train will stop when the slider hits the unpowered section, so plan accordingly!

Please keep us posted!

FINAL EDIT - this all assumes your digital locos will stop and restart correctly when powered is yanked then restored. No lights/sounds/functions without power. Just a thought.

Gene

Can be done using the old analogue signals and contact tracks in the digital environment. The analogue block control simply switches the digital signal and power from a section of track as opposed to switching analogue power. One of the guys here can probably supply a digital copy of the old signal handbook that would show how.

Pin Nuckel does a basic solution using analog control and reed switches and magnets to build a Christmas tree loop with two alternating trains in a series of videos (in German), which could be used if you don't need digital control and just want two specific trains to alternate.

Great resource - thanks for posting. Like I said, old school solution since the MS is a pretty basic digital controller. At least it does switch accessory decoders - IIRC my original MS didn't. Use circuit tracks to control power routing signals for your layout. All the basics are laid out in the signal manual.

FYI - I implemented the switching from the Marklin Magazine article without the dual timers. I wasn't interested in any time delays - just simple on/off when trains entered their respective tracks. Just set a lower throttle speed to look less twitchy.

Cheers!

Gene