There will be discussion on whether the club should approve the funds to

build a G-scale automatic block system, similar to the one that you have seen operating at some previous displays.

I am sending this email, with the permission of the President, Jeff Johnstonbaugh,

as he intends to put this on the agenda for the 3/28 club meeting in Williamsport.

Photos -- There should be attached 7 images (5 photos, 2 excel sheets) in this email, about 124 Kbits total download.  (My apologies to dial-up people, but I couldn't get these compressed much smaller).

This system allows 3 trains to be operated on 1 track -- instead of just 1 train -- by combining an "automatic block" and an "automatic siding".

• The "automatic block" only, can used to allow 2-train operation by using the block signal where 1 siding is not used at all.  We routinely use this mode, shutting off the siding, to change trains.
• The "automatic siding" only, can be used to allow 2-train operation by alternating sidings.
• This system can also be completely "shut down" (so that it acts just like a piece of normal track), to allow 1 train operation.

The proposed unit has a separate control unit and track unit (described below).

Tentatively the track unit part would be constructed by Henry Halverson, to best fit in with the other track sections he constructed.

The control unit part could be constructed by also Henry, or any members who would be interested in doing it.  I could construct the unit if necessary. However, most members of the club are much more talented then I am at constructing things.

Plans -- A written set of instructions for both the control unit and track unit can be provided.  Complete plans for this 2-track unit also can be viewed on the internet on the "Ingram Autocontrols" website ( http://www.track2.com/ingram ) . Look for sections D1, D2, and D3 under "2 Track Yard" in the left menu bar which describe the 2-track unit.

--