I am building reverse loop staging yards. Do I need a reverse loop module (MRC) for each track or can I use one for all the tracks?
If you will only be running 1 train at a time in the staging yard, then 1module is enough. The situation where you get into trouble with these things is when you have two locomotives crossing the protected boundary at the same time, each requesting the opposite polarity. This could, of course, happen even in a simple single-track reverse loop. The more boudaries you have, the greater the chance of a problem.
On the other hand, if it’s staging then you should be able to live with the occasional hiccup. A nice thing about some of the reversers (I use the Tony’s Trains model) is built-in circuit-breaker protection. If you happen to derail an engine or car while breaking down or making up trains, you won’t shut down operations anywhere else.
Thanks for the reply and the info. I’m planning two four track yards for a loop to loop layout. It sounds like I can get away with a module for each yard then.
Are the entry and exit for the yard single track? If it is, you can get away with one module. If you have a couple of tracks coming into the yard, you may need a couple of units or risk the multiple hiccups.