As a train leaves the station (at the bottom of the picture), it can continue either straight or diverge to the left (and under an elevated section of track). Going straight, it goes up a grade and merges with the elevated track as it descends. The now-merged track then continues down-grade where it crosses under a pair of elevated tracks. As you continue 'round the curve, the track goes up-grade, crossing back under the pair of elevated tracks, before reaching a turn-out. The diverging leg of this turnout goes up-grade to join the elevated track which goes behind the station (continuing either around the room, or up the no-lix to the 2nd deck). The straight leg of the turnout goes down-grade to re-enter the station.
As you can see, this forms a reversing loop. It is an intriguing way to fit two reversing loops in a small space in an interesting way (at least I think so). However, I am wondering what your ideas are as to how to wire this ? I will be using DCC (I don’t know yet which system), so I plan to use an auto-reverser of some kind. I would appreciate any input.
Notes : This is in N-scale. Curves are generally a minimum of 18" radius. Grades (indicated by the heavier lines) are a maximum of 2%. Bridges (or overpasses) are indicated by the “fuzzy” lines. While the turn-out geometry and dimensions are based on Peco medium turn-outs, I will be using a mix of # 5 and # 7 turnouts and # 2½ wyes. I am running modern-era passenger trains.
There is one common section of the loop at the top. It looks to be about 5 feet long, with a turnout at each end. For N-scale, that should be long enough to hold an entire train, so I would isolate that section and put the reverser there.
You could wire the two paths out to the main line as part of the reverse loop too, but that would possibly give you a conflict when running 2 trains. Since you’re running passenger trains, I assume that the cars may be lighted. This means that you need to assume that the passenger cars will also flip reverser circuits when they cross over the insulators.
Nice to see more “people movers” out there, by the way.
Depend on the length of your trains, I would make the reverse section include the two turnouts that border the single track section, since you probably have to insulate them anyway. Extend it beyond the turnouts as far as required to get a whole train in. If you run short enough trains, just make it the single track section.
This would apply to a DC layout as well.
That is the section I would put under automatic reverser control.
The second reverse loop isn’t as easy because I don’t know that it is long enough for a full train to fit. Reguardless, I think I would put it on the fourth track from the top counting at the first light red? vertical mark. You might have to restrict train length or simply route longer trains to the other reversing loop.
The other option would be to modify that track and make it longer by joining the inside of the loop further around to the right.
At the moment, my passenger cars are not illuminated; but that is something I was hoping to one day do.
I’m puzzled. [%-)] Why would I have to insulate the turn-outs ? As for train-length, I’m talking about modern (1990’s-present) passenger cars. The longest train I am planning for will have about 6-8 cars.
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QUOTE: Originally posted by Texas Zepher
That is the section I would put under automatic reverser control.
The second reverse loop isn’t as easy because I don’t know that it is long enough for a full train to fit. Reguardless, I think I would put it on the fourth track from the
Timothy: I was assuming electrofrog turnouts. If you’re using insulfrog, it may not be necessary to gap them, except for the reversing loop.
The bit about train length: you don’t want the locmotive leaving the reversing section while the last cars are still coming in. Any metal wheels at the back of the train will flip the module for entry while the loco will flip it for exit. Lots of clicks and clacks and eventually it tries to go both ways at once. My choice would be to put the gaps as far past the turnouts as possible, without getting past the next turnouts. Unless you want to bring a second train right up to the turnout to wait.
I am using Atlas Custom-line turn-outs. While the frogs are metal, I have the option of powering them.
What if you use metal wheels (which I plan to use) but do not illuminate the cars ? Does that pose the same problems ?
I was thinking of incorporating most (if not all) of each of the 4 tracks that enter the loop as part of the reversing loop in order to make it as large as possible. I’d probably put the detection circuit(s) near the beginning of the grades that enter the loop. Doing that would make the reversing loop about 10 feet long (more than long enough for any of the trains I have).
Timothy: the reverse loop module is activated by the short cause by metal wheels bridging the gap going into the reversing section. If you just have single metal axles in plastic sideframes you might just get away with it.
I like your last comment; it’s what I would do.
There are no detection circuits for the reversing module; it just senses a short circuit and flips over. If you have a short for some other reason, you can hear the module clicking for a while.
I see two reversing loops in the picture provided. Of course the crossing/bridge/turnout at the upper right is a bit confusing… Another interpretation leaves the outside curve off the orange bridge hanging into nothingness. Is that red mark up there a turnout?
Wouldn’t that grade be split between both diverging tracks and therefore remain about the same (overall as it is now)?
Is there anything that says the elevated level has to remain at 2" and the lower at 1". With the entire loop to work with, why can’t the bridge near the orange be higher?
After the further explainations I am certain I am not understanding this layout diagram.
the red marks are the planning software’s way of indicating which way the turn-out is thrown;
the reversing loop is accessible from two tracks (one at 0" elevation; and one at 2" elevation) instead of the usual one;
the outside curve off the orange bridge you refer to continues up a two-turn no-lix to an upper level which is why it seems to be “hanging into nothingness”.
Using my standard 2% grades, the tracks reach the same elevation at the point where they merge. Moving that point would do nothing to make the reversing loop longer. It would only move the merging point and change the length of some of the grades.
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QUOTE:
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QUOTE: To remind you : The tracks leaving the station (at the bottom of the picture) are at 0" elevation. The elevated tracks leading to the reversing loop are at +2" elevation. The elevated tracks go downhill to meet and merge with the station tracks (w
OK, I understand the problem. We are using the term “reversing loop” in different ways. I see now, you are actually refering to the curvature of the track, I was speaking generically of the electricity loop that must be reversed whether the track it is connected to is curved, straight, in a real loop, wye, or turntable.
Re-reading everything with this new understanding - I would put the automatic reverser in the actual loop of track that is common. From turnout to turnout inclusive. This should be long enough for any lighted train.
