i have a fairly basic track senario, n gauge, two ovals one inside the other the outter oval also has a mid size yard attached the inner oval some passing sidings and a couple spurs. all rail joints that connect the two are double gapped the outter oval is connected to a super empire builder system ( also the command station). the inner oval is connected to a zephyr that has been changed to booster/ throttle capabilities only all is connected through loconet wiring. the question is; if i were to run a train from the inner oval to the outer or vis verse i would need some kind of auto reverse, correct? i know thr zephyr has auto reverse options but if i were to set it to auto reverse it would change the polarity to the entire inner oval, when the train passes over the insulated gaps. which could be bad if there is allready another train running on that oval. if this makes any sense how can i avoid this issue?
Yes, post a plan so we can tell for sure, but if it's JUST two concentric ovals with a coupls of crossovers between them, there would be no need for a reverser. The 'polarity' (phase is the correct term) of the DCC track power needs to match netween the DB150 and the Zephyr, which is a matter of making sure the Rail A and Rail B wires connect to the same rail in both loops. The phase of the track power has no bearing on which way a loco will go, so you can have one running clockwise on the inner loop cross over to the outer and still move clockwise. And crash head on into one already running counterclockwise on the outer loop. The 'beauty' of DCC - cornfield meets ala Gomez Addams are completely possible.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
ok it makes sense each oval needs its own track bus, obviously, and rail A on outter oval needs to be also rail A on the inner oval.