Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Reverse Loop Switching
Don models N scale and asks:
“Some time ago I saw a circuit which used a double break in each rail, the small isolated piece of rail would then go live when a metal wheel hit it, which would trigger a latching relay to set the correct polarity on the loop track. It proved almost impossible to cut and solder to that tiny bit of track. Any ideas or do most people use infra-red train sensing? Any other thoughts? Thanks.”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
Hi Don simple solution use a Didgitrax AR1 follow wiring instructions problem solved. I have two reverse loops on my layout wired with the AR1 I get no shorts or stutter the loco just passes over smoothly and all that happens is a click from the AR1 to tell me mission accomplished simples. Good luck Graeme
Don,
There are a number of manufacturers of Auto Reverser’s to control reverse Loops or Wye’s. They all work, the difference is in the speed at which they react to polarity change. Faster is better if you are using DCC with sound. The slower ones will be more likely to have your loco sound reset as it crosses the gap. If you are not using sound then let price be your guide.
Hi Don as I was saying Didgitrax AR1 is easy to install I have sound on my loco’s also cattle sound on some freight cars. The AR1 is also adjustable and @ $31 Australian it’s cheap. Good luck Graeme
Hi Graham
Digitrax AR1 is the best we have 5 of these on our club layout and we use NCE hand piece and these work well we have had no problems apart from resetting the load current once set up We have sound as well and we never have any trouble with them.
Happy Railroading
Thanks for all your thoughtful replies. Looks like my best bet is to save up for a pair of AR1’s. Prefer DIY but in the end it has to be reliable!