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Reversing Loop for a DC Atlas Code 100 Track
Terry sent in this question:
“I am trying to figure out how to do reversing loops for a DC Atlas code 100 track and train that I got for Christmas in 1961. It has an Atlas code 100 brass track. The stamp on the underside of the engine says The Lionel Corporation New York NY and it is a Santa Fa 0594 blue and yellow engine.
I believe I need 4 reversing loops, number 5-8 on my diagram. The switches are labeled 1-4 on my diagram.
All I can find on the internet is products and information on DCC systems, I have a DC system. Any information on where to purchase, what I need, and how and where to do it would be greatly appreciated.
I should also add, the attached layout is what I would like to have. 1-4 would be switched and I assume 5-8 is where I need reverse loops?”
Add your comments below if you can assist Terry.
6 Responses to Reversing Loop for a DC Atlas Code 100 Track
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Unless you want to spend all your modelling time cleaning the brass track, ditch it to a collector or a recycler for the price of the brass. The world has moved on my friend, and Nickel Silver is the metal of choice in 2021. It is slower to tarnish, more scratch resistant and has a lower resistance to the flow of electricity than brass. Also, the Atlas points (switches) have undergone a number of upgrades making them easier to use and there are a variety of configurations to make building a layout more realistic. I recommend that you look at more modern products for greater satisfaction.
Hi Terry.
David’s comments on the brass track are spot on, the maintenance on brass track is challenging.
To answer your question on the reversing loop for DC the easiest way to do this is to use a DPDT toggle switch that is cross-wired to change the polarity of the rails inside the loop. You will need to plastic insulating rail joiners on both rails at points, 5,6,7 & 8. Here is a good article for reference: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/reverse-loops-model-trains-2382604
Good luck and enjoy!
Hi Terry,
What you got there is a figure88 plus two connections 2=4 and 1=3.
I would wire the figure=8 as a continuous loop and wire it to reverser (DPDT) no1,
2=4 to reverser no2 and 1=3 to no3.
3 reversers should do it.
Thanks for ideas
The simplest way to do a reverse loop, would be to find and use an Atlas Controller. They are designed to handle reverse loops, and are not too hard to connect. For your particular track plan, you may need two Atlas Controllers. On the back of the package I believe there is a use diagram, or you may find it in an Atlas catalog. The Atlas Controller is basically a DPDT switch in a convenient easy to use package. As for the brass track, it will still work, it’s just cantankerous to use, and hard to keep clean, the new nickle plated track is better.
You have chosen a challenging track topology ! If you want to see why, draw the layout track with one rail red and the other rail blue.
Reversing loops result in the red rail becoming the blue rail, which needs a special switching circuit to prevent short circuits. (There are automatic switching systems for this.)
It is do-able, but I advise that you get a sound grasp of basic electricity from a basic book on model railroading which covers electrics and reversing loops.