Wiring a reverse loop

[Anonymous]

Hi All,
Ok im haveing a bit of a problem grasping a reverse loop. I would like to add a loop to a N scale layout. first i am not using DCC its DC only first ? i have is when the engine enters the loop as it comes out will the engine pause as it comes out of the loop or will go through with out slaming to a stop as i flip the toggle switch? plans,pictures,notes,any thing that could get me straight on this please...:(((

[Anonymous]

Hi Phillip, Reverse loops aren't tricky at all but there are several different ways to do it depending on what type of wiring scheme you are using. If you can pick up one of the books on model railroad wiring at your hobby shop and use the method that best fits your situation...Vic

[Anonymous]

Hi Phillip,
I have a good size reverse loop in my layout. I use a Atlas twin switch to control it. It will stop going thru the reverse loop if you don't throw the switch. I have insulating rail joiners in four different locations. It will stop at those locations if the switch is'nt thrown. To make it all thru the reverse loop I need to throw the twin twice. The Atlas wiring book explains about all types of reverse loops and is inexpensive. Good luck,

[BR60103]

Since you're using good old DC for your power, the trick is that you have to reverse direction on your main line while the train is going through the reverse loop.
The normal way to do this (and the Atlas controllers have it) is to have separate direction switches for the main line and the reverse loop. Set the reverse loop direction switch for the direction you want to go around the reverse loop. While the train goes around the reverse loop, you change the main line direction and the reverse loop turnout (track switch) and the train runs smoothly back onto the main line.
You will probably want to have separate direction switches for each reverse loop, although you can get away with just one controlling all the loops.
Note that we don't touch the reverse switch on the power pack; use it only for switching operations or ignore it.
If you run more than one train at a time, you need to duplicate the direction switches for each power pack.

David

[rogerhensley]

David gave you a pretty good answer. It takes separate reversing switches for both the main AND the reverse loop. You can see more about this and other tips and suggestions at the NMRA web site in their Beginner Pages at http://www.nmra.org/beginner/

It really isn't tough. You just have to do it. :-)

Roger

Roger Hensley - [e-mail]
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