THE BIT TO REMEMBER
A locomotive only responds when its DC section is connected to a controller.
What is a section?
A section is a length of track whose electrical supply can be controlled separately. Insulated rail joiners or gaps prevent an unwanted electrical connection between sections.
Some points route power
Certain points can make an unselected route electrically dead; others do not behave the same way. Never rely on appearance alone. Identify the exact point range and read its instructions.
Plan before adding switches
Draw the railway and mark where trains should wait. Then mark feeds, gaps and switches. Keep controller outputs electrically separated and switch off before changing wiring.
A REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
Park one locomotive in a siding, set the point or section switch to isolate it, then drive another on the main line. The exact method depends on the point and wiring design.
Your next step
- Mark every place where a locomotive should be able to wait.
- Identify the exact point type and whether it routes power.
- Use the manufacturer’s section-wiring guidance.
- Test each section with one locomotive before adding another.
Read the original instructions
Reviewed 7 October 2026. These beginner notes do not replace the instructions for your exact model.
Hornby · Analogue layout wiring and isolated sidings ↗PECO · Wiring the Layout Part 1 ↗