reverse loop and helix

[WardR]

hello all, I have been working on a problem regarding reverse loops this is another idea, the plan is to be able to allow the train to return back into the helix after running the main deck. I have no idea where these isolation points would go? any help would be appreciated

 

thanks

 

ward

 

[Paulus Jas]

hi

2 possibilities

Paul

[richhotrain]

As you have drawn the track diagram, I see a lot of operational difficulties, but that would be the subject of a separate thread.

The only reversing section in your track diagram is the connecting track from the bottom of the helix to the inner track of the double mainline.

Rich

[WardR]

Thanks Rich,

 

I have been milling this over in my head a bunch of times even considering a hidden reverse loop that can be an ption to turn around a train. heres the actual layout that i thought of, but it seems to complicated. I would not know where to put the gaps for isolation.

 

[WardR]

I numbered the switches and the co in the middle is a crossover

[richhotrain]

As you have drawn the track diagram, you have two reversing sections, one at each point where the figure 8 returns to the mainline (on the left and on the right).  The two points are numbered 57 and 58 on your drawing.   If you gapped the rails where the figure 8 track rejoins the main line at those two points and also at points 51 and 52, you would effectively isolate the entire reversing section.   In other words, gaps the rails at the divergent end of each of those four turnouts.

Rich

[WardR]

Thanks Paul, I have been going crazy trying to find a way to get the train to go back down the helix without a reverse loop, but that does not seem possible with a 1 track helix. I wanted to minimize the problems with multiple locos running in and out of reverse loops,  my other option was to put a hidden reverse loop under the main deck to give the train and option to turn around. the redesign you laid out i am not sure where the actual reverse loop is i  assume to the right, if i was to use that plan, can you tell me where I would puit gaps in the rail and what part is the actual reverse loop section? thanks again for your help and commecnts much appreciated!!!!!I understand the reverse loop itself but get confused when there are multiple switches going into the loop.

 

Ward

[cv_acr]

What is the reason you're putting the oval all the way around the outside of the helix? Get rid of that, it doesn't seem to provide any purpose. (If you want to keep the double track oval, then Paulus Jas's second design would be one to go with, not one that has the connecting track of the reversing section going directly into the helix.)

If you just want to be able to turn at train and have it go back up you only need one switch. Get rid of all the switches in the helix, and just have the helix lead straight into the loop. If you want staging tracks down there, you can put double ended tracks inside the loop (note that each track will then be forming it's own reversing circuit).

This is basically the concept used for the staging yard at my club:

Alternatively you can put it a bunch of stub-end staging tracks and put the reverse loop off to the side, but then you will need to back trains in or out of the staging tracks in at least one direction.

[WardR]

thanks for all the info is great! really helped clear up a few things, the reason i have that loop going around the back was just to save me time later on, i want to have a dual track coming out of that area for show and allow dual tracks going around the main deck area i would alternatively add sidings. how do you control all your reverse loop sections with toggle or automatic? i got confused when there are several switches coming out of the loop i assume everything up to that point needs to be isolated. i see your diagram shows all of those lines actually becoming multiple reverse loops.

 

thanks again!!!!

[cv_acr]

The club layout is DCC controlled, and we have an auto-reverser controlling each reversing section.

There are independent reversing circuits (on each level) on each of the three lower (on the diagram) tracks in the staging yard, and trains can be moved to or from any of the 6 tracks without issues.

[WardR]

Hi paul,

 

 

Usding this plan 2 on the bottom where would i need to gap things?

 

thanks allot for your help!!!!

[IC_Tom]

Does anyone still have the two images that were posted?

I'm planning a center peninsula helix with two levels above a staging level (3 levels total).  On the mid level, the single-track helix will have an exit/entrance to go up (to the top level) and an exit/entrance to go down (to staging).  A double track loop around the helix serves as the peninsula mainline and will have a reversing crossover leading up to the helix peninsula. Otherwise, I can't turn the trains on the mid-level.  I'm planning on a long-leg wye on the staging and top levels, but the helix will block most of that on the mid-level. (This probably applies to the staging level, too, but I'm hoping to work that out.)

This will put the mid-level of the helix inside a double-track reversing loop.  Is that an issue?  If the helix is isolated from the reversing loop and mainline, how is that wired?  I'm using DCC and am planning on auto-reversers.