Wiring a Wye

[mitcher]

Hey gang! I am planning to build a 5' x 10' layout using basic 2 rail wiring. I want to add a wye at one corner to use for a branch line and extend it to a staging yard. The wye would allow any train to enter the layout going in either direction.

Does anyone know of a good resource for a wiring diagram? I have checked MRs download articles but the information is not very specific. The same goes for the Kalmback books advertised.

I would appreciate it if anyone could direct me to a specific resource.
Thanks!
Bob Mitchell

[dgwinup]

Basic Wiring for Model Railroads. Probably from Kalmbach, I don't remember (and too lazy right now to look it up!)

Or Atlas' book on wiring will have what you need. (Is that the same as Kalmbach's? Not sure. Still too lazy to get up and look!)

Most hobby shops will have a copy of basic 2-rail wiring. They are almost always listed on eBay if you don't mind the wait.

If you'd like, I can look up this information in my library, scan the pertinent data and e-mail to you. (Gee, maybe I'm not that lazy after all!) That will get you what you need, but buying the whole book will answer your future questions, too.

Let me know if I can help.

Darrell, quiet...for now

[dehusman]

Make the reversing section the staging yard. Connect the reversing switch to the turnout connecting the two wye legs to the staging yard. That way, no matter which direction you enter or leave the staging yard the polarity is automatically correct for the leg you have chosen.

Dave H.

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dehusman

Make the reversing section the staging yard. Connect the reversing switch to the turnout connecting the two wye legs to the staging yard. That way, no matter which direction you enter or leave the staging yard the polarity is automatically correct for the leg you have chosen.

[#ditto]
Wyes are easy following this rule of thumb: Make the reversing section whichever leg of the wye is a dead end (as dehusman says the staging yard). Just insulate both diverging branches of the turnout serving the dead end. Put a direction switch into both sections (one for the main and one for the reversing section), or a DCC auto reverser on the dead end and you have it.

[claycts]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Texas Zepher

QUOTE: Originally posted by dehusman

Make the reversing section the staging yard. Connect the reversing switch to the turnout connecting the two wye legs to the staging yard. That way, no matter which direction you enter or leave the staging yard the polarity is automatically correct for the leg you have chosen.

[#ditto]
Wyes are easy following this rule of thumb: Make the reversing section whichever leg of the wye is a dead end (as dehusman says the staging yard). Just insulate both diverging branches of the turnout serving the dead end. Put a direction switch into both sections (one for the main and one for the reversing section), or a DCC auto reverser on the dead end and you have it.

What about a wye with no DEAD END , My wye is hot in all three directions. Main1, Main2, Branch a real working junction. Just pick a leg and make it as long as the longest train? (DCC operations)
Thanks for the information
George P.

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by claycts
[What about a wye with no DEAD END , My wye is hot in all three directions. Main1, Main2, Branch a real working junction. Just pick a leg and make it as long as the longest train? (DCC operations)

Oh, I guess I was deceived by the statement, "the wye would allow any train to enter the layout going in either direction."

Yes, without seeing the actual plan, I would say pick the leg with the least through traffic on it. That way with DC there is less electrical switch flipping and with DCC the circuit isn't constantly being activated.

[claycts]

Thank you Texas