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Block
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A block is a section of track, usually controlled by signals, where only one train should be in operation.
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[edit] History
In analog (DC) systems a block was a defined as an electrically isolated section of track. This allowed each section of track to be separately powered and hence each block to power and to run a single train. This method also resulted in fairly complex electrical switching when a train moved from one block to another.
[edit] Creating blocks
Electrically isolated blocks are created by gaps in the railway. These allow a section of track to be electrically isolated.
(Explain the process of cutting/gapping rails, wiring, etc.)
[edit] DCC Blocks
With DCC, blocks are only needed when you want to split up the track for the following reasons:
- Separate power districts so as not to overload a booster,
- operational signaling,
- when a track section loops back on itself, such as a Y (is that the right term??), and need to insert a reverse sections.
- block detection so you can determine where a train is,
- transponding so you can tell what train is in a specific block.
Block are not needed to control the actual trains. That is handled by the decoder inside the locomotive.
[edit] See Also
Track work - Main article on track work.
