I have had a reverse loop exiting a staging yard connected by a PSX-AR for a couple of years. Today, in order to do a project, I had to empty the staging yard of its 8 trains (8 tracks). From the reverse loop they enter a helix up to the layout. To save time I brought the first few into the helix, no problem. Then I stopped a train after it entered the reverse loop at the end just before it exited the reverse loop into the helix sector. So, then next train to leave the yard and enter the reverse loop shorted the reverse loop Breaker (PSX-AR). I thought because the first train wasn't straddling into the helix sector I'd be ok. So, my question is, do I need to completeply move that first train out of the reverse loop and into the helix to prevent the second train from shorting? BTW, the helix is completely isolated (both rails) and connected to a PSX breaker
If one train is completely within the reversing section, not straddling the gaps, then another train should eb able to cross the gaps. The problem could be reaction time of the AR vs the regular breaker side, or inrush that the AR can;t handle with more than one train in the section. Both things are adjustable on the PSX and PSX-AR. Slightly slower reaction time on the regular breaker might do it.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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As they say in the NFL, "Upon further review . . ." I started thinking about what happened, and I now I think I know what the issue was. The second train wasn't the problem, as Randy indicates, it's that the first train had not fully vacated the reverse loop. I was confused as to where exactly the gaps separating the end of reverase loop and the staging yard (the divergent route of a turnout) are. So with the first train spanning the gaps, no problem, until the second train entered the reserve loop at the other end. Sound about right to you?