Reverse Loops

[ncscaler]

I have two reverse loops using MRC reversers. Trains enter the loop through Kato switches. There loops are insulated properly and the trains enter and exit in both directions. The problems that about half way around the loop the locomotive begins to lose power and comes to a crawl.  Power comes from 16G bus sobered about every three feet, loops are longer than the longest train.  Layout size is small, loops have radii of 16".  Any ideas of what's causing the slowdown?

[Steven Otte]

What scale do you model in? In N scale, a 16" radius is quite generous, but in HO scale, anything smaller than 18" can cause binding.

[richhotrain]

If the two reverse loops are insulated properly and the trains enter and exit in both directions, as you say, then there should be no problem with the reverse loops since they are set up and operating properly.

You also indicate that power is provided from 16 gauge bus wires with feeders dropped evey three feet and the layout is small, all of which indicates that power is sufficient to avoid serious voltage drops.

Can you test the voltage under load in each reverse loop? The answer would be instructive.

Rich

[hornblower]

Maybe your loco engineer prefers to stay drunk and is getting pissed at having to sober up every three feet! (Sorry -- I couldn't resist!)

[BigDaddy]

to the forum  Your first few posts are moderated, so there will be a delay. 

I'm in Steve's camp, guessing your handle is North Carolina not some version of N scale.  What locos are you running?

[BroadwayLion]

In both reversing loops? ???

Might be an issue with your reversing circuitry.

 

Otherwise I would lay the blame on faulty rail joiners.

LION solders all of the rail joiners of him.

 

Do you have other locomotives to try through the loops? Maybe some of the geometry of the locomotive and the track might be an issue.

 

LION NEVER has problems like that. 48 Wheel pickup solves all issues, and him does not even bother to power the tracks on the switches of him at all. All are quite dead, Train crosses them with no problem at all.!

LION uses not elektronik, him understands not the machinations of little black chil;s glued to little green boards. Him uses relays to rout current, and him also has relays to operate signals and even run the trains of him. No throttles or reversing switches on the Route of the Broadway LION.

Here is relay room of lion:

 

ROAR

[richhotrain]

ncscaler

I have two reverse loops using MRC reversers. Trains enter the loop through Kato switches. There loops are insulated properly and the trains enter and exit in both directions.

If the OP's statements are accurate, the reverse loops are gapped and wired correctly. Otherwise, the trains would not enter and exit in both directions.

ncscaler

The problems that about half way around the loop the locomotive begins to lose power and comes to a crawl.  

That clearly suggests a voltage problem, so I would want to test the locomotives under load inside the reverse loops.

What the OP does not indicate is whether the locomotives begin to lose power and come to a crawl in the non-reversing portion of the layout. So, we cannot rule out motor issues, or wheel binding as Steven Otte suggests.

Rich