Return Loop Wiring

[Colorado Jim]

After many years of pondering I have finally decided on a layout for my "n" gauge railroad.  It has a return loop at each end and I am having major problems.  I using three DPDT switches and I have insulated the blocks but still can't get it to run in the loops.  I think my problem may be in how I wired the DPDTs. I have one set of leads from one end connected to power, the middle leads connected to the track and the other set of end leads cross wired to power leads.  That part I know, but should they be wired "daisy chain" fashion or separately direct from buss?   What am I doing wrong?

[rrinker]

 Each DPDT should get its own power. There need to be 4 gaps at each loop, both rails of both tracks. When a train enters a loop, if you plan to continue around and exit, you need to change the setting on the toggle connected tot he in-between track while the train is completely in the loop. If you have lighted cars, metal wheels, or attempt to operate the mainlien direction switch while one or more pwoered locos is spanning the gap, it will short. ALL track between the two loop smust be powered from the mainline toggle - so if the in-between track is divided up into multipel blocks, they all need to get power from that one DPDT.

 Time for DCC Reverse loops can be made to operate automatically, all you need to do is remember to throw the switch so you don't derail. And one train going around a loop while another is running on the main works fine, no unintended direction reversals.

                                  --Randy

 

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

rrinker

 Time for DCC Reverse loops can be made to operate automatically, all you need to do is remember to throw the switch so you don't derail. And one train going around a loop while another is running on the main works fine, no unintended direction reversals.

Reverse loops can be made to function automaticly in DC too. There are a number of different ways to wire them depending on the desired operation.

I won't say more unless someone is actually interested.

To the OP I suggest you get Paul Mallery's "Electrical Handbook for Model Railroads - vol I & II", it will answer all your questions and show you stuff you never though possible in DC. AND read Ed Ravenscroft's 1973 MR series on his MZL control.

Sheldon

[yankee flyer]

Colorado Jim

After many years of pondering I have finally decided on a layout for my "n" gauge railroad.  It has a return loop at each end and I am having major problems.  I using three DPDT switches and I have insulated the blocks but still can't get it to run in the loops.  I think my problem may be in how I wired the DPDTs. I have one set of leads from one end connected to power, the middle leads connected to the track and the other set of end leads cross wired to power leads.  That part I know, but should they be wired "daisy chain" fashion or separately direct from buss?   What am I doing wrong?

 

I run DCC with a return loop and after beating my brains out trying to get a Digitraxx  auto reverser to work I installed a  DPDT switch to reverse the polarity in loop. Using a remote slide switch to throw the turnout I wired the DPDT so that it was in the same position as the remote throw. That is enter the right side of loop polarity switch is to right. Before exiting loop throw turn out to left and match it with polarity switch to left. I have to throw the "Y" switch so it's a no brainer and I saved my money.

Lots of luck.  

Lee

[Doc in CT]

 I would also suggest reading Allan Gartner's "Wiring for DCC - Track Wiring Part 2"

Doc

[mfm37]

Are you wiring this for DC or DCC? If DC, follow Randy's directions in his first paragraph. There is one huge difference operating a reverse section between DC or DCC. With DC, the next track section needs to match polarity before the train enters. With DCC, you swap polarity (phase) right under the train. Martin Myers