Comments on: Manual Reversing Loop Question

By: Fred Wagner

Fred Wagner — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 03:56:37 +0000

In reply to Shaun Pollard. I sure would like to see a picture of that!

By: Sheldon Clark

Sheldon Clark — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 01:53:59 +0000

In reply to Dale Arends. Doesn't this mean you have to reverse the polarity of the loop when you send the train back from the terminus part of the layout?

By: Shaun Pollard

Shaun Pollard — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 23:12:44 +0000

My loop has an independent supply – so as soon as the loco has passed thru the points you can change main polarity and then the points as the end of train goes by.
I also have two tracks running to my loop and back to back points so you can select a different route in and out.By also fitting a bypass track I can have trains coming in on one main – go around the loop and return on the other main.
it looks sort of like a “R” with a connection from the right leg to the loop

By: Roland P

Roland P — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 15:12:36 +0000

In reply to Fred.

Sorry, my mistake. You’re correct, those automatic reversers are DCC.
But one might reconsider using DCC. There should be systems on ebay for low (lesser) money.
I’m using ROCO multimouse and DIGITRAX PR3 as standalone for programming decoders, incl. Digitrax sounddecoders, on my N-scale layout. The PR3 is still cheaper than updating the ROCOmotion software for programming and allows to re-program soundfiles.

By: David Broad

David Broad — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 04:18:39 +0000

You are all looking at the problem from the wrong end. Isolate the loop at the point / switch both rails, Feed the loop from the controller and use the DPDT to change the polarity of the main line, or have a DPDT relay or switch operated by the point / switch motor. That way there is no need for fancy wiring and the controller does not have to be reversed or the train stopped.

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 22:10:06 +0000

In reply to Roland P. Roland, I have been interested in the AR-1 but it seems that while some say it works fine with DC others say it is for DCC only. I sure would like to learn if it does work with DC, as I don't believe I'll ever be using DCC. & I know it would definitely better if the grandsons are operating the train on their own! Thanks!

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 18:40:08 +0000

In reply to Ralph Cunnningham. Ralph thanks for the info! Although I was able to understand the physical wire diagrams, I just couldn't put together when to throw the switches, and in what order! I'm just not as clear as I once was. Thanks!

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 18:33:03 +0000

In reply to David Stokes. David, I do understand that the entire train must be in the isolated section, but thanks for the reminder! I am going to look through the "googled posts" to continue getting the best understanding. Thank you.

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 18:29:31 +0000

In reply to Randall Styx. Randall, thanks a lot, I think I've finally "got it".I am only going to have a small layout, and introducing the start/stop activity should also help me in maintaining my concentration. I have envisioned putting a station in the loop.

By: Dale Arends

Dale Arends — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 17:49:36 +0000

Fred, the idea of a reverse loop puzzled me too at first. The concept leads one to think the track being reversed in polarity is the loop. It isn’t. The track that needs polarity reversal is the entry/exit from the loop. So, as long as the train is entirely between the two isolation points the reversing of the main can be done. Unless your train barely fits within those isolator there is no need to stop the train when you throw the switch.

By: Roland P

Roland P — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 15:01:46 +0000

The easiest way is using an automatic reverser like Digitrax AR-1.
Isolate a stretch longer than your longest consist, and feed power from the AR-1.
The AR-1 is powered from your controler.
When your train is entering the isolated track, the AR-1 will match polarity on its own.
When your train is leaving this section, the AR-1 will match polarity to the track you want to enter.

There are other products available, too.

Advantage:

– no DPDT switch
– no train stop
– two wires to the AR-1, two wires to the isolated section of track.

By: David Stokes

David Stokes — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 07:20:39 +0000

In reply to Randall Styx.

Randall, the isolating block can be anywhere – it does not need to be near a “turnout”, the only proviso is that the section is longer than your longest train. There is no need to stop and start your train, nor fiddle with the controller knob – all you need to do is ensure the double throw, double pole switch wired into your reversing section is set correctly and the train should keep rolling just fine. Fred, please Google “model Train reversing loops” and you will get the information you need