I am not quite sure on how to wire a reverse loop. My loop is basically just that a loop the feeds back into the switch. I am going to be running dcc and don't want any hasitation entering into the loop. My plan is to add plastic rail joiners just before it runs back into the switch. After I wire up the dcc I will add an auto reversing unit? I just want to make sure that this sounds ok while I am laying track. Any thoughts? Ben
Yes, use insulated plastic joiners on all four rails exiting the frog side of the switch. Wire the track in this section through an automatic reversing unit. I've had great experience with DCC Specialties PSX-AR auto reversing units.
If it's a simple reverse loop with no other entrances/exits, you could also use DPDT switch machine contacts (or a DPDT relay controlled by same) to switch the phase of the loop in unison with the turnout position. Not as sexy as an AR unit, but quite a bit cheaper. You can replace the above with an AR unit later if desired.
Yes, you will want to insulate the two rails just after you enter the reverese loop and immediately before leaving it. You want the insulators on both rails pretty much aligned. I personally like the Digitrax AR-1. It has a street price of around $25. You can indeed use DPDT switches, but most of the time you will be guessing as to which way to throw it. After installing the auto reverser, I wouldn't even consider using a DPDT. Regards, Vic Bitleris
Unless you are on a very strict budget, the auto reverse unit is the way to go. Mine works flawlessly every time--no hesitation, no problems with sound, regardless of speed or type of engine. Can't even tell it's there.
Thanks for the replies. If I have a loop and inside the loop I have a siding or 2, should I put the insulated joiners after the last switch pass the last siding and before the track enters back into the the end of the loop switch. Basically should I insolate the entire loop including the sidings or just the piece of track from the switch to switch. Thanks Ben
If the siding is completely contained within the loop (i.e., doesn't connect with anything outside the loop), then it does not require being isolated. Just connect it to the buss coming from your AR module
Right now I use an Atlas Twin for my reversing loop. My setup sounds like your and it works pretty well, I just flip the switch before the loco gets over the plastic rail joiners and then flip it back before it gets back to the switch track I've been thinking about getting one of these: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXBE89 Can anyone tell me if they have any experience with them?
