An automated layout will have track blocks, adjacent track blocks powered with different transformer circuits, track crossovers, and track switches. Track switches need to be operated. A layout can benefit by implementing special powering effects and by operating trackside accessories when trains are in specific track blocks. The Train Block Controllers has eight configurations for operating different track elements, track switches, and special layout features.

Two separate track blocks are controlled, designated "Block One" and "Block Two." The controlled block is powered when a train enters the track block and the "following" block is clear. Once powered, a block remains powered until the train leaves the block. The "Two Track Blocks" configuration is used when the controlled block and its "FOLLOWING" block are powered with the same train/center-rail transformer circuit.

Each of the two controlled blocks are independent, can be anywhere on the layout.

One track block is controlled, designated "Block One." The controlled block and the following block are powered from different transformer circuits.

The controlled block is powered when a train enters the track block and the "following" block is clear. Once powered, a block remains powered until the train leaves the block.

A train entering the controlled block is powered from a designated transformer circuit. When the train reaches the block following the controlled block, power for the controlled block is changed to the train/ center-rail for the block just entered to keep the train pickup from shorting the two different transformer circuits. Power for the controlled block is restored to its designated transformer circuit when the train leaves the controlled block.

Two separate track blocks are controlled, designated "Block One" and "Block Two." Only one block is powered at a time.

Each block is constructed from a "leading" and "trailing" track block segment. The "leading" block segment is coasting distance or longer and precedes a crossover leg. The "trailing" block segment is at least as long as the truck span of any engine or rolling stock and follows the crossover.

The controlled block is powered when a train enters the track block and the "FOLLOWING" block is clear, and there is no train in the other crossover leg. A waiting train will proceed when a train in the other crossover leg clears the "trailing" block segment.

Train routes through a track switch with two-track-routes to one-track-route are block controlled.

The two leading track blocks are designated "Block One" and "Block Two." The trailing "Block Three" follows the track switch.

When a train enters either leading track block, the block is powered when the track block following the trailing "Block Three" is clear and no train is proceeding through the switch from the other leading track block. When a train is holding in both leading track blocks and the following track block becomes clear, either "Block One" or "Block Two" are selected randomly and one train will proceed through the switch.

The switch is operated either by its built-in non-derailing feature, by a TBC configured for "Switch Auxiliary," or by a 2RC controller.

A train route through a track switch with one-track-route to two-track-routes is block controlled. The TBC does not operate the track switch.

The leading track block is designated "Block One." The trailing track blocks following the track switch are are designated "Block Two" and "Block Three."

When a train enters the Block One leading track block, the block is powered if the track blocks following BOTH trailing blocks are clear. The train route through the switch is determined by the switch setting and controlled strictly by an operator track switch control: the TBC does not operate the switch. Operator switch action is inhibited when a train is over the switch.

A train route through a track switch with one-track-route to two-track-routes is block controlled. The TBC operates the track switch.

The leading track block is designated "Block One." The trailing track blocks following the track switch are designated "Block Two" and "Block Three."

When a train enters the Block One leading track block, the block is powered if either of the track blocks following the switch trailing blocks is clear. When only one following block is clear, a train is routed to that block. When both following blocks are clear, the route through the track switch is randomly selected.

The track switch is operated by the TBC controller which selects the route for the train.

The TBC "Switch Auxiliary" configuration is an optional companion for a TBC configured for "One-to-Two" or "Two-to-One" Track Switches.

The TBC "Auxiliary" configuration operates relays by combinations of interconnect signals and Block Outside-Rail inputs.

The TBC "Auxiliary" configuration can be used to operate trackside accessories from TBC Interconnect signals, implement "power passing," select from two power levels for train speed control, select power for track switches, and other features to enhance automatic train layout operation.