I would like to know if it is possible to build 1 reverse loop that could handle tracks entering the loop from 2 opposite directions (one train would be in loop at a time of course) and then return back. My example would be a north bound track entering the loop and returning back going south and also a south bound track entering the same loop and returning back going north. I have laid out the track and 6 switches to do this, however Can this be done electrically and what components would be required. Thanks for any help
A picture or diagram would help. LIONS do not do DCC, but if it will do DC correctly then it should do DCC correctly too.
ROAR
If it’s a single loop, you should be able to do it with a single DCC autoreverser.
But, they devil is in the details, and one of those is the track configuration and how the turnouts are located. For that, I’ll ROAR with the Lion and suggest a diagram. We’re not particular or fussy. Draw it with a pencil, scan it or take a picture, put it up on Photobucket or wherever and post it.
The key to getting it right is where you make the breaks in the track to isolate the loop.
I have a picture scanned on my computer but still trying to figure out how to attach it.
I have one single loop with 4 switches on the loop for a total of 4 enters and exits within the loop. 2 of the switches go to another (5th) switch outside the loop for north bound trains going into the loop and the other 2 switches go to another (6th) switch outside the loop for south bound trains going into the loop.
Its like taking 2 seperate reverse loops going opposite directions and combining the 2 into one loop (sharing one single loop)
You cannot “attach” it on this forum.
You have to post it to a third party server like Photobucket and then link it to this thread.
Can you email the diagram to one of us and we can post it for you?
Rich
That would be great. What address do I email picture to?
I will send you a PM with my email address.
Rich
I think I understand what you are talking about without a diagram. Insulate both rails on each leg of turnout #5 and turnout #6, and have everything between those turnouts as one block connected to the output of the auto-reverser.
Everyone,
richhotrain is helping me out by sending a diagram. I appreciate everyone’s help thus far. Thanks much
I sent you a PM with my email address. Still waiting for you to email the track diagram.
Rich
richhotrain,
I sent you a email last night and just now again. You might want to check your spam. My email address is vieredy@cox.net if you want to send me an email I can just reply to if needed. Thanks again for all your help.
Ed
Ed,
I guess my computer didn’t like your scan so it dumped it into Spam. Sorry about that.
Attached is your drawing. You can certainly use one auto-reverser to isolate a single reversing section of track. It is all in the wiring as to where you create the reversing section and how long you need it to be.
Rich
Those two turnouts at the upper right portion of the circle would be one way to do it by gapping the end rails of those two turnouts, assuming that gives you enough length. But there are other ways to do this as well.
For example, you could make the entire circle a reversing section by gapping the rails of those four turnouts just outside the circle.
Rich
So treat it like one reverse loop, with only one auto reverser. I am also understanding that your saying gaping only one of switches outside the loop and not both switches outside the loop. By the way, I am using Digitrax DCS100 system and if that is the case I will get an AR1, and not borrow a district from my PM42. I also have a BD150 that I am using as a booster, so I could also use the internal auto reverser in that. My main concern was if I needed 2 auto reversers for this and if what I drew was possible.
Thab
Thanks for your help
Ed
One way to do it is to gap the rails as shown in the first drawing below.
Another way to do it is to gap the rails to make the circle the reversing circle as shown in the second drawing.
There are some other ways as well if you want the reversing section in a different position.
One auto-reverser will do it, and the Digitrax AR-1 is perfect for that purpose.
If you wanted to manually reverse the polarity, you could simply install a DPDT switch.
Rich
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Rich,
This is almost right. Move the dots to the other leg of those turnouts and make THOSE sections the isolated reversing sections. I don’t think you want the whole loop as a reversing section and it would need to be gapped other places to work like in your diagram.
Yes, you only need one reverser for this, as you’ll be going through it one way or the other, but never both at the same time. In DCC, set it up with decoderized turnouts, then program a Macro for each of the ways you’ll go through to make it a one-button function.
Mike, I was having a difficult time posting two alternative solutions just as you were posting your reply.
Take another look at my post before yours and tell me what you think.
Rich
Mike, are you objecting to making the entire circle a reversing section because it won’t work or because two locos might be entering/exiting simultaneously?
Rich
Rich … I have a loop similar to your drawing.This loop surounds my downtown section of the layout. It has a double track main line entering from one direction with the loop providing the ability for trains to return from where the came on the opposite mainline track.
The other two entry points are from the Union Station section with multiple tracks. Trains can be turned by pulling them through the loop. A passenger train departing Union Station begins its trip by going around the loop. Next, it enters the main line headed for points beyond.
I am using an MRC auto reverse for this, and most of the time it works okay. My system is an MRC Prodigy Wireless with an MRC power booster.
Garry, I am reading this fast so maybe you mentioned it, but which part of your track work forms the reversing section?
Rich