Auto reverser

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

folks,

though I’m a long time modeler I’m rebuilding much of my layout and will be wiring this one for DCC (with DC available as an alternative possibly). DCC wiring and operation is familiar to me from friend’s layouts but I’ve run into a question about wiring a stub end wye. While this wye stub is schematicly a branch off a loop, it’s operationally the main line for one end of the layout And leads to staging.

i’ve acquired a CVP DCC system and have two questions. It has an auto reverse built in but their website says it only works for locomotives with all wheel pickup. So my old brass locos won’t be able to operate there. My first question is do all auto reversers have this same restrictions or could I use another brand with my CVP system? My second question would be am I just better off to use the old toggle switch method, which would certainly work with the oldies as well as DC operation? My prototype is a TT&TO operation with manual ground throws, so flipping another couple toggles isn’t overly critical as I’ll be right there anyway.I would appreciate any input on this.

Thanks,

Benny P.

2

That’s a head-scratcher to me. I’ve never heard of that kind of restriction on any system.

Auto-reversers are interchangeable between manufacturers. You should be able to use anyone’s AR unit with any DCC system. It sounds like your wye will have a significant amount of trackage off of it. With staging attached, it could also have multiple engines running or at least idling, so you will want to make sure your AR unit can support the current requirements of everything you might put on it.

3

Just link a standard DPDT slide switch to your ground throw for the tail track turnout and use that to match the polarity of the tail track to the main the turnout is lined for.

4

That’s exactly how I did mine. Idiot-proof ! [swg]

Mark.