Out and Back article by Kevin S

[Camaro1967]

I just read in my new GR issue the article by Kevin Strong on Out and Back reversing units.  This is very good timing for me, since I am rebuilding my layout, and will have a 80ft reversing line with an RDC for now.  This article is very helpful, but I have lots of questions.  I know Kevin can't endorse any one unit, but it don't appear that any one is perfect.  My first question however, is where does the electronics  go, on for example the split jaw unit. Is it out by the track.  If so is it weatherproof, or can it be back by the transformer.  Also, if you don't run too fast, is the stop now feature still hard on the gearboxes.

Thanks

Paul

[Greg Elmassian]

Always best to keep electronics out of the weather, sun, etc. I don't think any of them is weatherproof.

If you run more slowly, the stop now feature is less wear, but still hard on the gearboxes.

Think like a car, doesn't it last longer the better you treat it?

What is the savings in a cheaper unit as compared to a motor or gearbox replacement?

The answer should be pretty clear.

Greg

[kstrong]

At the risk of painting with too broad a brush, generally speaking, most automated controls operate from a central point, kinda hands-off. In many cases, it'd be easy just to have the control electronics mounted there. On the other hand, some of these systems require wires going to all the track sensors, so it might be more practical to locate them inside a lineside building that's a bit more centrally located on the railroad just to save having to run dozens of feet of extra wire back and forth. As Greg correctly points out, none of these controls are weatherproof, so they'd have to be protected by something.

As for which system to choose, I'd look first at what you're looking to run. In your case, an RDC is prototypically speaking a very large piece of railroad equipment, and would most likely take a few minutes to speed up or slow down. If you're looking to replicate that prototypical operation, then I'd look at the systems which allow for smooth starts and stops. If you're running a trolley, eggliner, or some whimsical thing where it's more likely they could start or stop more quickly, then the instant systems would be suitable. If you're pulling/pushing a train--especially a heavy one--I'd definitely go with the momentum-based systems so to avoid the possibility of derailments caused by sudden stops.

Later,

K

[piercedan]

I cheat by adding a 3 to 4 ohm resistor in an additional section of track before the diodes to make the engine accelerate slowly and it slows the train before crossing the diode to stop it.  Others have used diodes.  My system is the Aristocraft reverser.

I have a LGB cow engine with 8 2 axle cars with metal wheels and R1 curves running on this since 2002.  Lubed the engine once.

[Camaro1967]

Thanks guys, you give me more to think about. Fortunately for me, I am still in the very early stages of this line, so I can plan the best way for the equipment.  Maybe the large RDC isn't the best for this job.  We will see.

Paul