I need some help with a double wye at the entrance to my yard. My layout is atlas # 29 the Central Midland. The following is the link to atlas. The wye is to the left of the page. It runs into the throat of the yard. The yard consist of all pieces of track that terminate...no loops
http://www.atlasrr.com/Code100web/pages/10029.htm
Now the problem I am having is how to wire the the double wye for DCC. Do I use four auto reverse modules for each of the tracks entering the yard???? Or can I use one auto reverse module and simple connect it to each of the tracks. Mind you my layout is only operated by myself and my kids not a lot of operators. Besides auto reverse modules what are my other choices. If I use a DPDT don't I still have issues with Polarity and power in the whole yard itself?
My second issue is then what to do with the yard...Once the polarity is switched??? Do I simple treat the yard as a hole auto reversing block??? Maybe feed power to it through the auto reverse modules??? I am using a Digitrax empire builder and I would like to avoid having to buy a new booster for the yard. Will enough power safely filter through the reverse module to run a yard
Lastly what happens to loco's in the yard when the reverser changes the polarity for trains coming in or out of the yard?? Do they need to be stopped or can they be moving.
Thanks,
Chris Kelley
Sorry my link didn't work...
Break it at the red lines and attach the auto-reverser to everything left of the break.
I'm assuming that the loop that drops down through the yard does not actually intersect the yard, but passes above or below it.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Okay so I only need one auto reverser??? and power wise this should not be an issue granted my power needs are limited...I only have two Locos at the moment.
Correct. Make sure that you wire the parallel tracks the same so that you won't have a short where they join.
RRcrossing Besides auto reverse modules what are my other choices. If I use a DPDT don't I still have issues with Polarity and power in the whole yard itself?
You need a reversing unit designed for DCC. Do not use any kind of hand operated switch. I think you may need a second reverser if you plan on having trains on the northbound and southbound Y tracks simultaneously(right side of drawing). If not, then one reverser will do it.
RRcrossingMy second issue is then what to do with the yard...Once the polarity is switched??? Do I simple treat the yard as a hole auto reversing block???
Yes, Treat the whole yard as a block.
RRcrossingI am using a Digitrax empire builder and I would like to avoid having to buy a new booster for the yard.
You can just buy a reversing module. However, if you anticipate running more than 6 or 7 locomotives you may want to buy another booster with built-in reversing.
RRcrossingWill enough power safely filter through the reverse module to run a yard
The full 5 amps will pass through the reverser. Ask yourself, "what is in the yard that consumes power?" If you have a lot of lighted passenger cars this could require additional power.
RRcrossingLastly what happens to loco's in the yard when the reverser changes the polarity for trains coming in or out of the yard?? Do they need to be stopped or can they be moving.
Nothing happens to any of the locos. Since the DCC power is alternating at a high frequency, the locos do not respond to the phase reversal. This is because the decoders rectify the alternating energy, converting it to DC to operate the motors. This process continues unchanged before and after the phase reversal. Most times you cannot detect the reversal. Locos can be moving or stopped - no difference.