Trains in Opposite Directions

[Anonymous]

I have two ovals (HO scale) and I'm trying to figure out how to get two trains moving in opposite directions......I've tried every wiring plan (I think), but somehow I can't get it to work....maybe a basic question, but I could use some help! Thanks!

[dave9999]

Well,
Other than DCC or wiring two separate blocks and running them with different power
packs, the only other option would be to wire one of the locos backwards. In other
words switch the pick-up wires to the opposite sides.

Personally, I would opt for the two cab system(if I didn't already have DCC) Good luck
Dave

[johncolley]

If you are using regular DC and the ovals are not connected, just change the wires on one oval. DC is set up so right hand rail is positive going forward. so set your locos in the direction you want and make sure the right rail is positive from the power pack.

[dave9999]

John,
Good point. I was looking at it as the loops being connected by turnouts.
Paintguy1971, are they connected? Dave

[cwclark]

if you are going this far and have no plans to put in DCC, you might as well get another power pack and wire for cab control..it's a lot more fun that way too!...chuck

[dehusman]

Or wire a DPDT switch in the leads to each track and then you can reverse either track independent of each other.

The bottom of a DPDT switch has 6 contacts for attaching wire. Solder a wire from the upper left contact to the lower right contact (skipping over the center contacts). Solder a wire from the lower left contact to the upper right contact (skipping over the center contacts). Solder a wire from the Upper right (or upper left) contact to one wire from the power pack. Solder a wire from the lower right (or lower left)contact to the other wire from the power pack. Solder a wire from the upper center contact to one rail of one loop. Solder a wire from the lower center contact to the other rail of one loop. Now by flipping the toggle back and forth you can change directions on the train on the loop connected to the DPDT switch. If you buy a DPDT center off switch, then when you put the toggle to the center position, the train on the loop will not move. If you do this to both loops and use the DPDT switches (not the direction switch on the power pack) to control the directions of the trains, you can control the directions of each loop independently, but you still won't be able to control the speed independently. In order to do that you will need another power pack.

Dave H.