Help Cannot find MR article

[John Busby]

Hi Guys

Does any one know which Model Railroader had an article on an "N" gauge triangle in a tight spot that was wired using very simple wiring and a couple of diodes.

The idea was a no fuss loco turning  as long as you did not mind going round the triangle the same way all the time.

I am thinking of using the same idea on the GRR and need to find a copy of the article

To find out where the diodes ect go and are there any other drawback's to the idea.

regards John

[Rene Schweitzer]

John,

I have emailed MR about your question. Unfortunately, I am not as familiar with the back issues, so I'm not able to help.

[dwbeckett]

That sounds like a "Y" to me. So standard wiring of a "Y" shoud work and give you bi-directional travel. 

[John Busby]

Hi dwbeckett

If a "Y" is a triangular formation of track requiring three sets of points to create it and is used for turning locomotive's then that's what it is.

It's that divided by common language thing again.

As the one I am considering is so small being mono directional is not concidered a problem and I already have a few diodes.

Nothing bigger than a Bachmann 4-6-0 will get round it and even that might be pushing it a bit.

Just cannot find the article I thought I had

regards John

 

[dwbeckett]

You will need some kind of automatic (lgb1203) or manual (DPDT switch )current control. Diode's by themself's will not work. You will only be able to enter the tail section or exit the tail.

[Rene Schweitzer]

John,
Jim Hediger at Model Railroader emailed me this. I hope it helps:

I cannot find this circuit, but maybe this will help:

However, there’s an easy way to handle a wye if you have a powered turnout on the tail track.

Insulate both rails of both routes leading into the tail track. Wire the DP-DT contacts on the switch machine so the common terminals connect to the tail track rails. Then connect one pair of the DP-DT contacts to the left approach track. Connect the remaining DP-DT contacts to the right approach track.

When the switch is thrown to the left, wire the DP-DT contacts to feed power into the isolated tail track from that side.

When the switch is thrown to the right, wire the DP-DT contacts to feed power into the isolated tail track from that side.

Now, the engine will run smoothly through the approach track, through the switch, and into the tail track.
With the engine stopped, throwing the switch will change (reverse) the power feed so the engine can move out on the opposite approach track.

No diodes are involved, so you can enter the wye from either direction if the switch is lined for the movement.

[John Busby]

Hi Rene

A wiring diagram would be handy.

I am having a bit of trouble visualising it.

regards John

[toenailridgesl]

I'll e-mail you a diagram, John