Hey all, I'm building an N-scale double main layout, around the walls style. This is DCC. There are two double crossovers in the scheme. I would like to add a way of reversing direction, and wondered if it could be done as a long siding? I've never wired a reverse loop before, but it looks strait forward enough. Can a reverse loop have two turnouts, or am I creating a short here? Everything I've looked at shows ONE TURNOUT with the reverse loop coming back to the same turnout. I've attached a simple diagram. Can anyone tell me if this will work, or am I missing something? Thanks!
It all works quite well. You can use a reversing module, or use the turnout at the bottom to control the polarity of the reversing section
OK, thank you Suzie. I will use a module for sure. Was just a bit unclear on the whole idea. Anyone see any problems with this? I'll insulate both ends, of course. It would be very useful as a long siding (more or less). Obviously, traffic would need to halt on the inner track of the double main for the reverse train to exit. This should be fun.
Hi. I can't get your thumbnail pic of track plan to open up. But it doesn't really matter. A reverse loop is a reverse loop. If I am seeing it correctly IN the thumbnail, if you're running clockwise on the inner track you can go past then back through the switch which starts that bubble track at bottom. When you come out the upper switch you are now reversed and facing counterclockwise. Problem is polarity. First put 4 gaps in rails; 2 on each end of this track right near each switch (OK, turnout). Once train is fully in between the 2 switches you will have a DPDT toggle switch connected to it. On back of toggle you will have to solder two wires criss crossing one another: one wire from the terminal at end of toggle (the skinny end) on the bottom right corner to the terminal on the upper left corner. Now run another wire from upper right to lower left terminal. Next run long wires from the 2 remaining terminals along the long edge of the toggle sitting in the center of the 4 you just hooked up. Find a place convenient to mount the toggle switch at bench edge. Run each long wire to any two rails adjacent to one another NOT in the reversing section. These two give you the juice. When train is In the same said track throw the toggle. This will match the rail polarity of the track past the switch track (top) you will be exiting through. And because you are DCC you don't even need to stop the train whilst throwing the toggle switch. You can label the toggle handle, on the wood, Northbound/ southbound (N / S is fine). The direction we went just now toggle will be thrown to N, northbound (backing through makes no diff. The train is still progressing northerly).. If done correctly you will now have a cheaply ($1.75 +-), easily installed reversing loop control. A Hexfrog Juicer will do this for you, hands free, but is about $35-$45. just for one single reversing section. But, if $ is no object, then buy a HF Juicer.. Good luck. ..M, Los Angeles
The reason why so many examples are of the single turnout type is that they are a very common and easy reverse loop to make. You have drawn the second most common, which is the diagonal across an oval (albeit your diagonal is rather twisty, which is cool). I use the PSX-AR units for my reversing sections.
Yes Rick, I guess it is a diagonal-across-an-oval. I will use a commercial module. I figure this can actually be used as a long passing siding, more or less.
