Hi, to all. I am working on building my L-shaped @11x7 ft switcher layout. I am using the MRC Prodigy Advanced Squared DCC system. Turnouts are manual with ground throws. I enjoy the switching tasks and find the focused attention required interesting. Question: Can anyone advise me as to how I could add an autoreverser to this layout? The 'inside' of the "L" (closest to the operator) is open right now with no track or scenery. It could take a run of track with would follow the inside L shape from one end to the other. Though I enjoy switching, it could be desirable to show off the layout on occasion with a continuous run via autoreverser. My track is all Peco Flextrack with Peco turnouts (five number 6s). How could an auto reverser be added? Could this be a part of my DCC controlled trackage? Would a separate track; not connected to my DCC controlled track be required? Hoping to learn options for the easiest way to do this. I have two DCC Athearn Genesis MP15-AC switchers. Really, one is adequate for the layout and the car spots I have; but it would be neat sometimes to have the 2nd loco busy on the layout while I ran the working loco (in an 'auto pilot' mode). My DCC and electrical knowledge is pretty elementary. Heretofore, my most advanced electrical task has been to start adding soldered feeders to my layout! Please offer remedial guidance. Thanks a lot! 123mike
Sorry, that's not what a DCC Autoreverser does. These units reverse the polarity in parts of the track where a train is reversed end-to-end, not reversed in direction.
Oddly, what you want is something better done with DC. If you have room for a second line, completely isolated from the first, then there are commercial units that will do this for you. Keep your DCC engines for switching, and pick up a DC unit (engine, trolley, RDC car or such) for this line.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Take a look at Tam Valley Depot DCC Train Shuttle.
Here is the link http://www.tamvalleydepot.com/products/trainshuttle.html
Jack W.
Mister B, I stand corrected. Yes, autoreverser in DCC would not be the direction reverser I have in mind. My language should have been relative to 'shuttles' instead of 'autoreversers'.....although it is a automatically reversing shuttle that I have in mind....lol. I'm looking for the most economical way and easiest way to do this (to shuttle a single loco back and forth, automatically, on a single piece of track). If I had a DC loco that would be proper for a modern industrial yard, I might go the route of a separate track line controled by a DC shuttle set up as you suggested. The DC option is one for me to consider though. I've seen the trolley shuttle Bachman offers. Thanks for this feedback.
Jack, I'm very pleased to be introduced to Tam Valley Depot! Gee, they actually have a DCC shuttle set up and I think it's fairly priced at $79! I studied and printed the materials that Tam Valley offers. Apparently, all I need is their DCC shuttle, some wire, and track. Think this is at my skill level. The shuttle also can give station stops along the route in addtion to the end reverser. The DCC Athearn Genesis MP-15AC I plan to use has never been programmed. I think the factory address of "03" will put me in the DCC shuttle business with little more than placing the switcher on the new section of track (that will only be connected to Tam Valley's DCC shuttle electronics and won't be connected to my switching DCC system). Thanks, Jack......I appreciate it!
Mike
And I've learned something new, too. The Tam Valley gadget is something I've never seen before, but it's exactly what you want for your project. If I wanted to automate my subways, this would be a neat way to do it.