Well here goes. I have the layout designed but would appreciate if someone with more experience could take a look at it and help me point out reverse loops. I understand the concept but in reality it is messing with my mind. I have looked at this layout and decided to seek some help before i screw it all up! Thanks in advance to anyone who can assist.
Hi, Welcome to TrainBoard. Only one that I can see, on the left side 7 & 8 squares down from the top. You will want to make your reversing section as long or longer then your longest train. Attached are two suggestions as to where you may want to put insulated gaps. Hopefully I did not get them wrong . If I did please someone correct them. One other thing I notice is, if your grid lines are on 12 inches and this is not a walk around layout, the 30 inch bench work is going to make for a long reach to get to the track running along both the right and left edges, especially the yard tracks. Hope this helps, Gary
I believe that there are only two gaps needed, and they would be the two large ones lowermost in Gary's first diagramme. All other tracks coming toward them could be treated as oriented to what is above those points.
In Gary's diagram, you will need all three gaps. If you leave the leftmost gap out, the whole railroad will be one section via the long way around. Actually the best place for the reversing section would be the track running diagonally across the left hand loop, as any train reversing it's direction would have to traverse that section. Only problem is it's likely too short, violating the "longest train" rule. That being the case, I'd go with Gary's recommendation.
That was my first thought since it would be the simplest and would require only 2 gaps. It would work if he is running only one loco and there are no metal wheels on the cars. Other then that he could be violating the "longest train" rule on a regular basis. I myself have a short reversing section on my layout and I have to be very careful about what I run on that section and it is a big pain in the neck when I forget. I really need to rewire and make the section larger. Sorry I digress. I did not suggest the short section because as I stated in my first posting "You will want to make your reversing section as long or longer then your longest train." and from my own experience, a short reversing section is a challenge. It appears that the double track on the left side is the longest being 17 plus feet long making the left image the better of my two suggestions. Gary
As I said, appreciate the help. Got the layout wired (using the recommended 3 gaps diagram) and have one slight problem. The middle gap I put in, by the wye turnout, seems to be causing a problem. When the train gets just past the gap it stops and the controller flashes until I take the train off the track. I assume I have a loopback still. So I am reaching out to you who have more experience than I do, any suggestions? Thanks.
