Try connecting the LED in _parallel_, not in _series_

Dear RJ,

I'm not sure I fully "get" the schematic you've provided, but if you want to know if there is power to a given track, irrespective of whether there is a loco sitting on that piece of track, try:

- wiring a pair of LEDs back-to-back (so that one of them will light up no matter what "polarity" the track power is)
- add a series resistor to the above LED array (reccomend starting with a 1K or 1000Ohm 1/4Watt resistor)
- solder it _accross_ the power feeds to the track section in question

IE instead of the LED is in _series_ with the loco/motor,
we are wiring the LEDs (and dropping resistor) in _parallel_ with the loco/motor

The above should work for either Analog or DCC, and cause no ill effects to either.

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr

Thank you Prof Klyzlr for

Thank you Prof Klyzlr for your assistance.

No good at drawing electrical diagrams, use simple paint program.

1. Back to back. please explain.

I have LED's with two (5 mm) wires and with three (3 mm bipolar) wires. advise which to use.

2. Not to sure what is meant by "solder it across the power feeds to the track section in question".

The SPST is for turning off the power at the siding, to store non DCC locomotive, future use when have DCC.

RJ

Does this help?

Note connections to short and long leads on LEDs.

Yes very much

Alan thank you for the drawing

Pictures make a lot more sense when it comes to electrical systems for me.

RJ