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Auto Reversing Question
Richards posts this question for readers:
“When using an HO Bachmann EZ Command Control System Digital Automatic Reverse Loop Module 44912 can standard track be used for a non loop run on DCC. Also any way to build in 4 stops with this or any other module?”
10 Responses to Auto Reversing Question
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Richard I am not sure what you are trying to do here. I don’t think you are going to need a reverse control unit for your regular line. But if you are going to install a reverse loop so to turn the train around then once you switch off the main line then insulate both rails with insulated joiners and where the loop come back into the track the other way double insulate that as well in otherwords switch off from your main then switch again into one direction or the other of your reverse loop. It will then need to connect into the other side of that switch to go the other way. Yu will then need insulators on all four rails. To Power that reverse loop you need to bring power from your main line through the switch of your reverse loop. Feed both rails of power to your reverse loop module unit. from there you will connect to the rails of the reverse loop. Your unit will automatically switch the polarity of your reverse loop[ rails in and out of the loop. Not hard to wire. If I get what you are trying to do then here you are. You can do the same if you switch from the main track (include the switch in your main track power do the same as I said above but you can allow the other end of your loop switch straight back into your main tracks the other way. Wiring is the same. Hope I have helped here As far as the 4 stops I am not sure what you are trying to do here. from Newman
Newman, thanks for your reply. What I want to do is run a Trolley or subway line on a dedicated line for this use only, and will not be using a loop, it will be a straight run back and forth only, no loop.
Richard
How about a system that the train follows the powered rails and at the point of it’s stop it crosses to a dead section (Insulated from the powered track). Manually you could throw the switch that is a double throw double pole to reverse the direction and the dead section would come on with it to send it the other direction and the same could happen at the other end. It would stop automatically because of the insulated rail.
Now for the automatic system I thing you could use an auto reverse board and by using the insulated rail system above them maybe it would work on it’s own without throwing switches. But I am pretty sure there is something that would work like a computer system that would stop the train for a set time like at a platform and when it starts up again would go in the reversed direction. At any rate your stop or turn directions will most likely need an insulated rail to make it stop at a station or at it’s reversing point. one of my videos has a layout that the Chicago EL does just that but it goes farther by sending the train out from the other side of the platform out next.. There was a trolley layout at Train Fest which had 3 different trolley’s and each time the trolley would get back to the platform the next trolley would go also with a stop delay at the other platform on the other end of the line. I will let you know which video it is in . Both layouts seem to be what you might need. But manually sounds like what I told you at the top of this would get you going.
I am building up some wood trolleys of my own but I am in no way close to hooking up a system that would work this like that. But I have a place in mind that I would want to do it like you are saying as I am modeling Seattle Washington Kings station and just befor the trains go into the tunnel under the city there is a street bridge that the wired busses run on over the station tracks which sounds to me that if there is a unit out there that does this them that would be great. I know there is something because I have seen 2 layouts now that have this system working.. from Newman Atkinson
Hi Richard, there are trolley sets that you can buy that contain an auto reverse system. I saw one running on Halloween display at a craft store that had a pin under the trolley that activated a contact switch to reverse the direction. For the intermediate stops you could use a small section of isolated track with an on/off switch to stop the trolley at each station. If you want everything to run automatically, there are probably some electronic timing circuits that could be used to stop the trolley for a short period at each station again using a momentary contact switch at each stop to activate the timer. best of luck with you project, Tim
Thanks Tim, Bachmann makes a set (no Trolly) uses special tracks but is expensive and only runs a short distance, you can get additional track but I understand it must be the special Bachmann track. This is also DC. I have seen it displayed as a point to point, don’t know if a loop would work, not that I am interested in a loop at this time.
Rich
Newman, once again thanks. I have been researching and found that for DCC a Digitrax #AR1 Automatic Reverse Controller will work, but must have a loop. I also found this Circuitron AR 2 Auto-Reverse Circuit, this is for Dc and does not require a loop. Even though my layout is DCC, I Think I will consider the Circutiron because my Trolly/subway will be independent from my main Layout. I am still looking for a solution for intermittent stops, I would really like this option, but could live with point to point.
I went on Digatrax website and they said that you must have a loop.
If I come up with anything else I will post, if you do please post.
Rich
Have a look at layouts4u.net/infrared.html I think they will solve ALL your problems.
ATB.
FJ
F-J, thanks for the info, will look into these very carefully and report back
Rich
Try Tony’s Train Exchange on line, they have a great line of electx ckt boards and an very good documents section … have a great day …
I read this and with the Bachmann E-Z track system I got it as a gift and installed the tracks and the street car Item No.25127 will run in one direction and hit the bumper and spin its wheels but will not reverse. I googled and found a clip from a convention with a Marketing Director showing the same kit, but he indicated cuts in the track? None of my tracks have cuts and the instructions are poor and trying to contact them or spark a chat on their FB page didn’t succeed. Looking at the tracks they are no different than the standard tracks only the power track has wires under the road base, so what am I doing wrong?