Help meeee please. I am new to modeling and am setting up a track to keep my son , wife and I busy for the winter . I have encountered what I call a set back but I am sure it is a rookie problem . I have a reverse loop and need to know how to wire it . Please help … any diagrams . I see this as being essential whereas I have made a 4x8 layout and have already constructed my second level and run all my track as such ( I know …rookie ) Any help is deeply appreciated . Shorted in NS[V]
Are you using DC or DCC for your control?
Ken.
DC ,thanks
Well that’s easy, get a Double Pole Double Throw switch, the two wires from the controller go to the bottom two terminals and the loop. Then one short wire goes from the bottom left term to the top right term, another short wire goes from the bottom right term to the top left, to form an X. then the two centre terms on the DPDT sw go to the main line.
Train enters loop from one end ( switch will have to be set right or it will short ) when train in loop flick the switch reversing the main line ready for train to exit loop.
Clear as mud?
EDIT OH yeah as below, insulate both rails both ends of loop!!
Ken.
I INSULATE MY REVERSE LOOPS ON BOTH RAILS GOING IN AND OUT OF THE LOOP. WITH THE WIRES RUNNING TO A TWIN REVERSING SWITCH TO CHANGE THE POLARITY OF THE LINE THE LOOP COMES OUT TO. DIFFICULT TO EXPLAIN WITH OUT A PICTURE. HOPE IT HELPS
Now I will have to translate that into rookie lingo and then add a second reverse loop. i will be adding a figure 8 in the bottom section
Will that not add another possible short ?
Here’s a page on the NMRA’s web site http://www.nmra.org/beginner/wiring.html that might help you - it has some diagrams one of which is a reverse loop…
Enjoy
Paul
Check with Atlas.com ( not sure about the address but ) they make a controller that makes this extremly simple. You Local hobby shop should have one too.
The answer to that is yes it will…I just made my lower loop and once again it shorts out
Now do I have to use two separate switches ?
Thank you all for the advice . I will continue to muddle through and will ask questions as I go . Night[8)]
You should be able to control the polarity of both the main line and the reversing loop. That means you should have two DPDT toggles one for the main line and one for the reversing loop. If you add another reversing loop, add another toggle. You want to be able to match the polarity to which ever way the loco is entering and exiting the loop. As the train enters the loop, the toggle for the reversing loop has to set to match the polarity on the main line. While the train is in the loop, you throw the main line toggle to reverse the polarity on the main line. If the train enters the loop the other way, the toggle for the loop has to be thrown the other way. You will still have to throw the Main Line toggle while the train is in the loop. (This is one of the reasons I love DCC, much easier to wire.) Remember one DPDT Toggle switch for the Main line and one for each Reversing Loop.
EVERYONE’S RIGHT.
To 'translate into Rook-eese :
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Treat reverse loops as separate / independent blocks.
Each requires a DPDT switch. 2 wires 2 'throw’s - A or B.
Yes, Atlas makes one. I believe they call it a “controller”. -
Use 2 insulated rail joiner’s on BOTH end’s.
The ‘loop’ should accomodate a TRAIN LENGTH or MORE (to minimize short’s). -
You set the loop polarity to RECEIVE your train; and REVERSE the polarity of the main line (on your power pak) when inside the loop.
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You do this EACH and EVERY TIME you enter a Reversing Loop.
When entering new territory you need to learn the laguage so that “Polarity” and “DPDT” means something to you, and you can converse with other’s. It comes with usage.
- PRINT this out for referral.
DEAL with your figure 8 crossover when you get there. It may depend on WHOSE you are using.
Welcome aboard.
Right now im im d.c mode i was going to do that but the thought of throwing a switch every 2 mins didnt sound enjoyable ,so i didnt do it
Carl…
You could automate it with a track sensor and a relay to throw the polarity, I did it with a reed switch and magnet on the loco, I had four reed switches and two relays it set the entry exit polarity automatically.
Ken
There are some commercially available unit’s that can be had. I don’t know how good they are since I’ve heard they operate on detecting the short cicuit before your power supply does.
If you convert your Reversing loops to a ‘Dog Bone’, or ‘a Continuous loop’ you wont have to be concerned with any polarity changing , and can watch it go 'round, and around, and around your 4X8.
I bet your son tires of it before you do. - Better to have something to do.
Now HOW do you keep 2 trains from colliding at a figure 8 grade crossing. (A). Most RR’s posted a signal tower with an operator controlling traffic. Best answer: don’t run 2 train’s.
send me an e-mail and i’ll send you an attachment containing the diagram wiring for a reversing loop drawn in microsoft word…I can also send you a lot more diagrams of special wiring situations too…chuck