track issues (polarity)

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Hi folks Im looking for some input…My father and I (both adults) are putting a garden together. we laid out a nice track with two turnouts (HO scale, life like power loc) when crossing the second turn out the track switches polarity due to where the tracks intersect each other. meaning the inside track falls across the outside track when it ties back in. we have isolated the track to prevent short circuits of course but we cant get the train to reassume the right direction of travel when it crosses polarities. wth all the modern technology I figured there was a relay or switch I could wire in to make it work. We will have to drop in a 3 turn out to allow the train to change direction again but for now this is where we are. any ideas picture enclosed…thanks in advance.

http://groups.msn.com/WoodstockHOTrains/hoingsstartintotrains.msnw

this link should take you to the msn train site where my pics are posted

2

You have created a reverse loop. The trick is to flip the polarity over the rest of the layout, while the train is in that short cutoff. A double pole double throw (DPDT) switch, is the simple solution. Actually you will need two, one for the cutoff and one for the rest of the layout.

As you have already noticed, you can only change direction once without backing up. You will need a second pair of turnouts to form the second cutoff, and one more DPDT to control it.

If you have questions about how to wire the DPDTs you can email me directly, and I can send you a diagram.

3

thanks I was leaning that way I had read something similoiar with wye turnouts.
I was looking on how to email you directly but couldnt see how. I have a dpdt diagram but how to put it in circuit I am uncertain of…whats the best way to attach wires to track solder it seems to melt the track bed a bit? erics_inbox@hotmail.com