Where to put auto-reverser(s)?

[rsovitzky]

Normally, I would not have a problem with this. But in my infinite wisdom, on my new/first layout, I cam up with trackage that is basically a dog bone. But on the 'shaft' of the dog bone, I have back to back crossover turnouts - to get from either track to the other (it looks like a double-track mainline here). These create reversing loops when thrown. What I am having a problem with is where the heck is the so-called NON reversing portion of the track? Granted, there's a few inches of track between turnouts on one track. Is that the extent of the 'normal' section?

Sorry I do not have a visual at this point...

[Texas Zepher]

What I am having a problem with is where is the so-called NON reversing portion of the track? Granted, there's a few inches of track between turnouts on one track. Is that the extent of the 'normal' section?

Yes, That is one way to do it; however, there should be one on each track.  The one you described and the track parallel to it.

[selector]

If I were you, I'd discipline myself to trace out the two rails from an entry point of a loop until one of the rails meets itself for the first time.  Then, you should go back and gap the two rails just beyond the last turnout leading into the loop (IOW, on the loop side of the turnout), and gap each rail just before the point where the rail returns to itself.  Your reverser mechanism or DPDT services that gapped section only, but gets its own feed from your booster or base station.  It is the only way to figure out how to get the largest loop for long trains and to keep from confounding yourself and the wiring system.

[howmus]

Your reverser mechanism or DPDT services that gapped section only, but gets its own feed from your booster or base station. 

Actually you can run a feed directly from your main bus to the reversing unit or the DPDT toggle.  It does not have to be a seperate feed directly from the booster/base station.  You do have to put the reversing whatever between the bus and the reverse loop. 

[selector]

True, Ray, and I have mine set up exactly that way.  I should have taken the time to flesh out my reply better.  You have the option of feeding the reverser directly or feeding it from the nearest bus component. Either way, the auto reverser, itself, must feed only the gapped section comprising the reversing section.