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EZ-Track Turnout reverse polarity issue

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  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 23 posts
EZ-Track Turnout reverse polarity issue
Posted by Paul1261 on Saturday, December 28, 2013 9:16 PM
I have a EZ-track rectangle layout( DCC control) with a top and bottom Diagonal turnout in the layout. hence the polarity issue. I purchase a Bachmann 44912 EZ Command Automatic Reverse Loop Module and I am lost in the wiring of the unit. The instructions are a little light in detail and based on the diagram I may need two modules? Help. Thanks
  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Monday, December 30, 2013 6:33 PM

This is the wrong forum.  You need to ask this in Model Railroader forums.

However, to answer directly, you have two turnouts with the diverging routes allowing a track between them that cuts diagonally across your loop.  Either one of the resultant teardrop halves comprises a reversing loop, which I think you appreciate.  To deal with the potential fault at either end of the diagonal, which is where the fault will take place, simply power the diagonal track between the two turnouts with the reversing unit.  Do not use metal joiners to join that diagonal track to either turnout's diverging route.  In other words, you should leave a small gap between both turnouts and each end of the diagonal, and power the segment that is gapped with your reverser.  It can get its feed from your control unit directly.  It will pass the current and DCC signal like any wire will, but its circuitry will detect conficts at either end and switch the rail power quiclkly.

Note:  I am not familiar with your reverser, but I would expect it to be digital and to work as virtually all others currently marketed do.  Also, your train must never be longer than the distance between the two sets of gaps at each end of the diagonal segment. 

One final tip -  you would be smart to paint the last 1/4" of either rail at each end of the segment you are reversing with a clear nail varnish.  Two metal tires crossing two parallel gaps has been known to throw digital circuitry into a tizzy.  By painting the one rail tip, you only have one gap being closed by a metal tire at a time.  You will have to touch up that varnish occasionally.

-Crandell

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