| What Can the Two-Relay Controller Do for My Layout? | NEXT |
Three-Rail Innovations' Two-Relay Controller adds ACTION to your layout by operating trackside accessories, cycling layout lights, controlling trains, providing for train safety, and operating track switches.
All this is done using almost invisible connections to sections of track that have one outside rail isolated. You don't need fussy, engine weight-controlled, track clips or large (and expensive) track relays.
| What Trackside Accessories Will the 2RC Operate? | INDEX |
The Two-Relay Controller will properly operate any prewar, postwar, or modern trackside accessory we have run into, including: Block Signals (two and three lights), Semaphores, Crossing Gates, Flashing Crossbuck Lights, Warning Bells, Whistle Stations, Gatemen, Operating Switch Towers, and Operating Watchmen.
As trains move around your layout block signals automatically change from green to red and back to green, semaphores lower and raise, crossbuck lights flash, crossing gates slowly lower and then raise after the train clears the intersection, a gateman pops out of his shack, then retreats back into it, a switchman comes down the stairs of his tower, then returns, bells ring, and more.Want more details? Descriptions of trackside accessories and connection diagrams for Three-Rail Innovations' products are here: Trackside Accessories .
| Cycling Layout Lights | INDEX |
The Two-Relay Controller can also be used to operate billboards, yard lights, floodlight towers, beacon tower lights, lighted stations, or even lights in buildings. Action can be triggered by trains moving into track blocks or independently by the Controller itself. Click Cycling Layout Lights for examples.
| Control Trains | INDEX |
The Two-Relay Controller can be used to switch center-rail train power and control the movement of trains. Relay contacts are connected between the train/center-rail transformer post and the center-rail of the isolated center-rail track block. Click for examples of Train Control .
| Train Safety | INDEX |
When a train layout has more than one transformer circuit connected to different parts of the same track, a train will pass from one transformer circuit to another where the different transformer circuits are adjacent. When the engine center-rail pickup rollers pass over the plastic pin and contact the center-rail of the next track block, with the trailing roller still in the current track block, a SHORT CIRCUIT occurs between transformer circuits. Click to see how to Prevent Short Circuits .
A layout has a track crossover that can have a train approach from either leg. Engineers are occasionally distracted, and trains approaching the crossover collide. Click to see how a 2RC can provide Crossover Safety .
Sometimes the engineer is distracted and routes a train into a track switch when a train is already over the switch. For train safety, the tracks leading to a switch need to turn track power on only when the switch is clear. Click to see how a 2RC can provide Track Switch Safety .
| Operate Track Switches | INDEX |
The 2RC can be used to operate any track switch, provide a non-derailing feature, and inhibit activating a track switch when a train is traversing it.
Trains de-railing because the switchman neglected to throw a switch? Too much wire to run to the switch mechanism? Operating current from O-22 non-derailing function deteriorating your wheels and track rails? Click to see how a 2RC can provide Track Switch Non-Derailing for any electrically operated track switch.
Track switches can be a cause of train derailments when the engineer inadvertently operates a switch control lever when a train is over the track switch. Click to see how a 2RC can Inhibit Operator Mistakes for any track switch.
| Operate Stall-Motor Track Switches | INDEX |
"Stall-motor" mechanisms for operating track switches, typically, don't come with any control device. The layout builder must provide for basic controls and the non-derailing function. The stall-motor mechanism is usually slow to completely operate the switch, so any non-derailing function must be activated well before the train reaches the switch. Click to see how a 2RC can Operate Stall Motor Track Switches .
| What Do I Need to Use the Two-Relay Controller? | INDEX |
You already have a three-rail, alternating-current powered train layout and alternating current trackside accessories. The Two-Relay Controller circuit board requires a fixed-voltage, alternating-current power source (a transformer) of twelve volts.
You will also need one or more additional transformers for powering your trackside accessories, lights, or track switches.
Isolated-rail track blocks are used to sense a train and activate
accessories. Some track systems have no electrical connection between
outside rails, so all that is needed is provide isolating pins in an
outside rail. Most track systems offer a section of track that has one
rail isolated. High-rail tubular track can be isolated by inserting a
square of insulating material between an outside rail and metal ties.
| TWO RELAY CONTROLLER TOPICS | |