I have a double track main line that in the middle there is a double crossover that creates a reverse loop in both directions when the crossover is switched , can any one tell me how this gets wired up thanks brian moretti your help is very much appricated my phone is 1 920 606 8117
There is more than one way to wire and gap such an arrangement depending upon a number of factors.
How long is the entire layout and how long is the track work on either side of the double crossover?
Is it really a double mainline or is it a dogbone track arrangement looping at each end?
Could two trains cross straight through the double crossover at the same time?
Need more information to give you a definitive answer to your question.
Rich
Alton Junction
Trackspike,
I realize this is your first post,,,Welcome to the Forums,,,If at all possible,if you can provide a sketch of your track plan,it would be very helpful to others in assisting you..Include the system you are using,whether it be,DC or DCC...If you do in fact have a double track mainline,one train running one direction and another going the other direction,when you switch the crossover,if you do not have the turnout insulated properly,you will create a short,,,that from your description,is what is happening..
Cheers,
Frank
Welcome aboard!
I second the recommendation about the phone number.
At the bottom of your own post, you will see a little pencil icon in that gray-blue bar. That will allow you to edit the post and remove the phone number. Then we'll help with the wiring.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Hi Guys, I'd like to join in on this discussion, as I have adoublrcrossover separationg dog bones on opposite sides as well. I posted this question on TrainBoard, and got a lot of good advice, some of which I've incorporated, but I'm still not totally cleat on exactally how to hook up the wiring.
I'm working on final plans for modifications to a train club N-scale layout.
The first attached file shows the present three-level layout with dotted lines representing the location of grades that enable movement between levels. The design allows switching between either DC or DCC operations. DPDT center off switches at the beginning (lower) and end (upper) points of the inclines that connect the three levels insolates the three power packs (one for each level.) The center off switch positions connect to short track sections with insulated rail joiners at each end. Having to go through the center off switch position prevents inadvertantly shorting between two power packs. This is all for DC operation. In DCC operation, a DPDT switch allows switching from any level's power pack to a Digitrax Zephyr. This arrangement allows our club members to choose whether they want to run DC or DCC equipment for a given operating session. This all works perfectly well.
On the top level is where the double crossover divides the teo dog bones as shown in the second drawing.
Now, for the time being, ignore the wire from the DPDT switch that would connect the "DC" terminals of the switches to the power bus. IE. the layout would be wired for DCC only. That being said, do I have all of the wires connected correctly for DCC operation? If not, which connections do I need to change?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Don
I wired up a friends layout that is a folded dogbone with a double crossover in the middle. I used PSX-ARs for each loop. I insulated all four rail ends of each loop from the double crossover. With the Kato double crossover you have to leave a short track section on the ends of the crossover to attach the track feeders (a 62mm piece would be OK) since the double crossover has to be fed from both ends. Attach the feeders to the DCC bus and keep the polarity AB-AB on both tracks. Attach the reversing modules (2 needed) that you want to use with the input to the DCC buss and the output to their respective reverse loops.
Hello. I just got my PSX-AR from Tony's trains and the instructions are a little hard to figure out. I have a DCC layout using the NCE system in HO and have a double reverse loop. It looks like I can control 3 reverse loops with this board. I will only use two of them for now (reserving the third for a future wye). How long is your short track sections (I'm guessing you have 4 of these, one at each entry and exit to the loops)? Do I have to program each engine while in the loop so the module can identify it and do I have to re-program each engine in the second loop area? And what CV should I be programing in after each engine? Any help will be appreciated. Tony's trains have not returned my e-mails.
The PSX-AR reversing modules do not detect the decoder, they detect a short circuit condition when the loco crosses the IJ's entering the loop and instantly changes the tracks polarity so the loco can continue into the loop. You do not have to program the locos in the loops. How are the reversing loops arranged?. Is it a dogbone style layout with a loop at each end? The AR's have connections for four wires. The two input wires go to the DCC buss and the two output wires go to their respective loop.
Ok on the not having to program the engines, but I don't have a dog bone. What I have is a large extended oval with an X in the middle. I put cuts at each end of the X (four places) and on each leg one side works fine but the engines stall when crossing the other end and start making clicking noises like it is trying to read something, and if I give it a little push it starts to run again.
Thanks Retsignalmtr. I can't figure out how to attach my drawing. Don't know what to put in the box that pops up when I select the image ikon. I would like for you to see my drawing tell me if the layout as depicted work.
JWK Railway Ok on the not having to program the engines, but I don't have a dog bone. What I have is a large extended oval with an X in the middle. I put cuts at each end of the X (four places) and on each leg one side works fine but the engines stall when crossing the other end and start making clicking noises like it is trying to read something, and if I give it a little push it starts to run again. OK. From your description you have an oval with a figure 8 in the middle? The oval is the main. The reversing sections are the two routes through the crossing in the middle. Cut the gaps at each end of the X. Each input of the ARs connects to the main buss and the outputs connect to their respective reversing section.
Donstaff Thanks Retsignalmtr. I can't figure out how to attach my drawing. Don't know what to put in the box that pops up when I select the image ikon. I would like for you to see my drawing tell me if the layout as depicted work. Don Send me a PM and I will send you my email address. Remember the ARs that work on DCC will not work with DC.
JWK Railway Ok on the not having to program the engines, but I don't have a dog bone. What I have is a large extended oval with an X in the middle. I put cuts at each end of the X (four places) and on each leg one side works fine but the engines stall when crossing the other end and start making clicking noises like it is trying to read something, and if I give it a little push it starts to run again.
Donstaff Thanks Retsignalmtr. I can't figure out how to attach my drawing. Don't know what to put in the box that pops up when I select the image ikon. I would like for you to see my drawing tell me if the layout as depicted work. Don
I don't know how to post a sketch on here. I only know how to add drawings through e-mails. Sorry.
I would like to say I'm sorry for taking up everyones time, I looked at all my wiring again and saw I connected two wires in the wrong spot. Switched them and now the reverse loops work fine! Thank you all for your comments. They helped when I traced my wiring.