All:

My layout PRR Panhandle Division has 8 power districts, 4 of which (the mainline and a passing siding) are controlled by a TPC400 (in case I want to run conventional). Photo 2 shows the main track plan (color coded for districts); Photo 3 shows the hidden yard. The TPC400 and the other 4 districts (all yards) get their power directly from one of the two PowerHouse 180 watt transformers that supply power to the entire layout. I want to be able to shut off power to the yards and just park locomotives there.

My questions:

• Does the BPC take direction from the TPC or the other way around? From what I’ve read, it looks like the TPC sends power to the BPC which then distributes it among blocks. Photo 10 show the TPC/BPC manual
  
  
• The TPC controls 4 power districts (3 mainline segments and the hidden storage yard) on the layout. However, it is the other power districts (the yards) that I need to control through the BPC. I want to be able to shut power off to the yards. How should this be wired?

Thanks,

George

George

The BPC is just basically an off and on switch. It's controlled by the cab 1 or cab 2. Track power is sent from the tpc to the bpc. Program your blocks 1 thru 4 on one bpc. Your next bpc will start at 5, this is in your insturctions.

Bill

It is my understanding that the BPC is actually 4 single throw double pole switches essentially a 4PDT with a center off. Essentially each output circuit can be switched between one of two inputs with a center off or neither input. Thus, if you use two BPC's, you could control each of your eight blocks and connect any block to either of your power sources - TPC 400 or 180 brick. The through and out buttons on the CAB-1 select which power source; but, if you hit the through (or out as the case may be) twice the BPC is in center off. This is the way I use by BPC's. The foregoing works with the IC Control version of the BPC but will also work with the newer Lionel models as the commands are made with the 1,2 and 0 keys rather than the Through and Out Buttons. If you have the Lionel version of the BPC you just use the 0 key after addressing the appropriate Block (Power District) to turn it OFF. RW Green

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rwgreen,