Thanks to Mick and Greg. I loved the video. I think I will go with 2 x LGB reversing loops, one at each end of the road...no wiring involved. I'll just flip the transformer switch in the middle of the loop.
Thanks to all who responded.
Yes, thanks for the correction. I did mean DCC although I have seen mention of MTS as well.
I believe the original poster is interested in the electrical way to make a reversing loop work.
The video is of Matt Doti's layout I believe in Colorado, and is battery powered, so no electrical work on the track, and no reversing loops.
I'd advise a single unit reverser, rather than a built up set of switches and contacts, just for simplicity and weather resistance.
Regards, Greg
Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.
Click here for Greg's web site
G'day,
There is a great video of an out and back layout you would probably be interested in. it is at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAcfGnp_vc8&feature=player_embedded
(This is also posted on this website under User Videos, but I can't figure how to insert the link)
Try and contact the guy who posted it, maybe he can offer some advice.
I have a layout which runs on DC only and I have a reverse loop built in. I have to change the power on the track which the train is about to enter to prevent stalling/shorting. I can draw you a wiring diagram if you need it.
Mick
Chief Operating Officer
Northern Timber Company - Mt Beenak
BTW I think you meant DCC (Digital Command Control) not MTH. MTH is a company (Mike's Train House) who makes their own version called DCS.
Thanks, Jim. I'm not quite ready to take the batttery plunge yet, but I can see your point!
Thank you, Greg. LGB has a reverse loop module 55081 I'm going to research.....
There's lots of ways to do it. You can do it with some LGB switches and contacts. There's a number of discussions on MyLargeScale that outline this.
You could also get an auto-reverser that operates on DC (and DCC) that will correct the track polarity when coming out of a reversing loop.
Contact Massoth about the autoreverser, look for posts about reverse loops on MLS.
I'm only into garden rail for about a year now but I have the same type layout due to a small area/yard and I ran track power for about a month and said this is nuts, and switched to battery. On a Home and Back with about 250 feet of total track, I am running three trains at once with an Aristo revo and have never looked back and don't plan to. Thinking about a little switcher for the 4th one too.
Jim
So for my G scale train (LGB and Aristocraft track), I have decided I want to do home and back again, i.e., a long single line with turn-around loops at each end. I don't have MTH yet, that thing where you can run multiple trains on one track. Is there a way to build the loops that actually works? -- I know there are some products out there, but wonder if anyone has real-world experience.
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