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Jeff, At a minimum the blocks should be no shorter than your longest train . Maximum length can vary. I always try to break blocks into logical operating order. In other words, where should the blocks be to make operation easiest?? On the CSW, my yard was blocked from the main, for instance, so that switching operations could occur at the same time mainline movement was taking place. The main was broken into several blocks, each about 3 feet in length, some longer, some shorter. It depended on what activities were occurring within the block. If there was a lot of train stoppage in one block (i.e. a station) then that block was short. That way other trains could keep moving right up to that block, where if they had to they could wait for the line to clear. All turnouts and branches were run on seperate blocks too. Does any of this make sense?? I guess the thing to think about in placing blocks is: how many trains will you be running on the same line, and how much activity do you expect in any given portion of the layout ? Good luck, and Happy Modeling!! John
------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!
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. Maximum length can vary. I always try to break blocks into logical operating order. In other words, where should the blocks be to make operation easiest?? On the CSW, my yard was blocked from the main, for instance, so that switching operations could occur at the same time mainline movement was taking place.
? Good luck, and Happy Modeling!!
