I'm considering a layout plan that includes a short, 4 foot long, straight, reversing section. There are turnouts at each end of this section but for operational flexibility, they need to be operated independently of the AR control. The track plan can be viewed here: http://www.jomrd.com/index.php?page=ShowRecord&ID=82 Scroll down to the first figure. The reversing section is the interchange denoted by 6B and 1E. 3D views of the layout are available further down in the document. Should be a simple install. I'm leaning toward a PSX-AR or NCE AR10. Similar pricing for both. Any reasons to prefer one over the other? I have not purchased a DCC system but plan to purchase a Digikeijs DR 5000. Digikeijs has their own AR but it is more expensive than the two I am considering.
I can vouch only for the PSX-AR, one of which I acquired in 2006 and used on two layouts with different reversing geometries. It worked very well. I still have it, but no use for it currently....or presently, either. There may be a time in the future.
Although I own an NCE PH-Pro 5 amp wireless system, I have no experience with the NCE AR10. I do have four PSX-AR units on my layout, each controlling a straight section of track in the form of a reversing section. All four of the PSX-AR units perform flawlessly and are well documented in the owner's manual. My sense is that ownership of the PSX-AR is widespread on this forum, so there is plenty of opportunity to discuss any issues should they arise.
Rich
Alton Junction
Thanks guys! PSX-AR it is!
You will be pleased. It is quite a reliable unit.
A question about a reversing section with an actual track plan. I have to go change my underwear.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
BigDaddy A question about a reversing section with an actual track plan. I have to go change my underwear.
ROFL, good one Henry!!
Your statement that the reversing section is only 4 feet long is a bit worrisome. A longer train with metal wheels could be crossing both ends of the insulated section at the same time, which could result in a short that the auto- reverser can't handle.
I have a PS-REV, an older version if the PSX-AR. I have a revering section that crosses an oval, so it's the same scenario although it's a bit longer. I have found that these modern solid state auto-reversers are so fast that they generally can compensate quickly enough to keep a train moving over a short reverse section, even with metal wheels.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasley Your statement that the reversing section is only 4 feet long is a bit worrisome. A longer train with metal wheels could be crossing both ends of the insulated section at the same time, which could result in a short that the auto- reverser can't handle. I have a PS-REV, an older version if the PSX-AR. I have a revering section that crosses an oval, so it's the same scenario although it's a bit longer. I have found that these modern solid state auto-reversers are so fast that they generally can compensate quickly enough to keep a train moving over a short reverse section, even with metal wheels.
Good point to have some concern about the length of the reversing section, I have some concern as well. However, it is a small layout so trains would be short, a single 4 axle diesel plus a max of 4 or 5 rail cars (50 footers). It should fit but I would test beforehand. The layout is set up for a lone wolf operation so once the appropriate max train length is determined, an operating rule could be established.
Also, the turnouts at end of the reversing section and their turnout control would be on opposite sides of the layout. Operationally, the train would be loaded into the reversing section and stopped. The operator would then close the entry turnout and open the exit turnout before proceeding. With this operational plan, polarity could be manually changed if on a DC layout but I want a DCC layout. Besides, it's a small layout, I need to make activities take longer!
Hello OldnGrey,
I don't have an answer for you... Perhaps posting in a separate thread will give your question more visibility and more likely obtain answers. Good luck!
IDRick Good point to have some concern about the length of the reversing section, I have some concern as well. However, it is a small layout so trains would be short, a single 4 axle diesel plus a max of 4 or 5 rail cars (50 footers). It should fit but I would test beforehand. The layout is set up for a lone wolf operation so once the appropriate max train length is determined, an operating rule could be established.