Reverse loop wiring for Dummies

[gdelmoro]

Hi all,  I'm new to the forum so please forgive me if I don't post correctly.  I have a dual main line layout with 2 reversing loops.  The main lines are divided into 10 isolated blocks each controlled by a DPDT switch and one alternate (reverse) loop is 1 block and the other is 2 also each controlled by a DPDT.  Transformer A has a reverse loop switch built in and works fine.  Transformer B is wired to 2 DPDT switched (Main) and (Aux).  One wired to the Mainline blocks and the other to the reverse loop blocks.  Transformer B also has a Direction switch.

Should I have the Mainline DPDT or just use the transformer direction control for teh main line?  I have a short somewhere.  When the train enters the reverse loop it shorts.  no mater how I move the directional switches it does not matter.

[zstripe]

Gdelmoro,

To The Forums.

Sounds to me, that you did not use insulated rail joiners to isolate your reverse loop. You need one on each rail, from the start of your loop to the end.

If you could draw a simple diagram and post it here, it will be extremely helpful, to any one helping you to wire it correctly.

Frank

Edit: See if this will help you:

http://modeltrains.about.com/od/track/ss/Reverse-Loops_2.htm

 

[gdelmoro]

[quote user="zstripe"]

Gdelmoro,

To The Forums.

Sounds to me, that you did not use insulated rail joiners to isolate your reverse loop. You need one on each rail, from the start of your loop to the end.

If you could draw a simple diagram and post it here, it will be extremely helpful, to any one helping you to wire it correctly.

Frank

Edit: See if this will help you:

http://modeltrains.about.com/od/track/ss/Reverse-Loops_2.htm

 

 

Pretty sure I did.  The loop works with the other transformer with the built in reversing switch.  I'll check anyway.  Thanks for the link and response 

[gregc]

 

you need to be able to change the polarity of the reversing section with respect to the mainline.

ideally, the polarity from each throttle can be reversed (using a DPDT) to the mainline and to all reversing sections.

you can less conveniently for each throttle use just one reversing (DPDT) switch) to the reversing section, but then the loco needs to be stopped in the reversing section and both the throttle direction and the reversing switches need to toggled.  Toggling both switches maintains the polarity in the reversing section, but changes it on the main.

[gdelmoro]

AH Now I remember why I have 2.  Haven't touched the wiring in years.  Thanks

[gdelmoro]

Thought I would get back to all those that helped me.  The blocks were isolated.  Turns out the Main Line Reversing Switch on Cab "B" was wired to an Aux (reverse) block!  No explaination.  Had to remobe all the wire ties and individually trace all the wires on teh back of teh control panel to find it.

Works great now.