Wth my new extension to my layout one part of it requires a reversing loop. does anyone know how to wire and operate a reversing loop? Thanks ------------------ Regards Paul Cassar-# Member number 50 SPAD Investigator #1 ICQ 61198217 http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000
Briefly, you isolate the return loop by cutting both rails. Then you need a DPDT switch to control direction in the loop. You set the reverse loop switch for power to the right and when the train enters going to the right, you can then switch the direction of the main. I always feed power pack power in at one end and wire jumpers across the switch terminals to the other end in an X pattern. Then take track power off of the center terminals. That's the basic idea. There are a number of articles with drawings showing this, but I don't have one at my fingertips. Roger
Thanks Roger, Does this mean you operate the direction switch and your controller direction at the same time? ------------------ Regards Paul Cassar-# Member number 50 SPAD Investigator #1 ICQ 61198217 http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000
Yes. With a reversing loop, you now have two direction control switches. One for the reverse loop and your normal reversing method. Roger
Yet another reason to go DCC. The reversing loop modules are automatic. Neener Neener Neenerrrr. ------------------ When in doubt, empty your magazine. Member #33
Well yes that is a big advantage of DC but the cost at this stage inhibits me to convert too DCC. ------------------ Regards Paul Cassar-# Member number 50 SPAD Investigator #1 ICQ 61198217 http://users.bigpond.net.au/railroad2000
Here is the circuit I have used for my reversing track. It is working just like I hoped although there are a couple of disadvantages of this circuit. Firstly let me explain how it operates. The rectifier keeps the positive rail positive regardless of which direction you have your controller.When a train is on the reversing section all you need to do is change directions on your controller, this will reverse all your blocks except for your reversing track enabling the train to continue in the correct direction. Ok the two disadvantages are: 1. you cannot change directions of the train while on the reversing track (Unless you wire a bypass switch) 2. There is a voltage drop of 1.4 volts when a train is on this section. You can notice a reduction in speed over this section. As my reversing section is over a downhill grade it actually works as an advantage for my layout [ 19 May 2001: Message edited by: Colonel ]
Ok, We got the diagram for a reverse loop but my question is this. I got to thinking of a way to make a double cross over instead of buying a expensive pre-fab. So I got the 4 #6 switches I needed to start out and a diamond crossing. This is for use between my out side main line East bound, and my inside main line West bound. I got everything figured out to the part of controling the diamond crossover "X" I run my trains on the main lines in opposite directions so how can I get the "X" crossing to be unpowered till I want to take the inside train to the outside and vise versa? I want to be able to do this without flipping the direction on my power pack to keep it simple. I know I will deffinatly need toggle switch to put power to the "X" crossing. But is that all? And besides isolating the "X" crossing I know that has to be done. [ 19 May 2001: Message edited by: 7600EM_1 ]
