'Wiring Trouble"

[Anonymous]

Thanks Ravenstar,
I will try moving the isolated points away from the turnout and see if that works.Don I will send you and Seamonster a sketch of this section of the layout along with a picture of the problem area.
Thanks guys
TrainsRMe

[dwRavenstar]

Heya trains,

A reversing loop doubles back onto itself, ie the train winds up on the track it approached the loop from only it's travelling in the opposite direction. Somewhere along that loop; after leaving the turnout and before returning to it; you'll need a section of track that's at least as long as the longest brace of locomotives you expect to run through it.
A basic wiring book will show you how to hook up the block switch polarity for the reversing section. In simplest terms you use the entrance line power supply as the source supply for the reversing section. While the locos are on the rev section you swap the polarity (direction) of the power source supplying that section or block. About simultaneously you reverse the polarity (direction) of the approach (now exit) track.
The best bet, as per personal experience and past rewiring, is to place the isolation points for the reversing section at least far enough from the turnout as to allow zero dual contact with the two individual power sources; at least the length of the loco brace being used.
A scant $10-$15 will get you a digital multimeter. Nothing fancy, just the simplest of basic capability for measuring AC & DC voltage, Current and Resistance. You'll probably find that the most useful of these is the Resistance or Continuity function. Track and electrical common connections will measure zero ohms of resistance, indicating continuity of the circuit between those two points. Points that are to be isolated from each other (the opposite sides of the track rails for instance) will measure infinite resistance, indicating complete isolation and lack of continuity of the circuits.
Always make sure that the power is OFF and no locomotives, wires, screwdrivers, lengths of solder or the cat's tail are providing a connection between the tracks when measuring for continuity. [:D]
Since you're using Atlas products their book will be your best source for help, offering techniques for both their own products and discreet toggle switches in their explanations.
Once you have the wiring done and everything is running properly you can tell your spouse and friends that you're now an electrical engineer (when you're holding the controller at least) [^].

Good luck in your efforts and always keep the three most important words used in wiring in mind........Patience, Patience and Patience!!!

Dave (dwRavenstar)

[Don Gibson]

YOUR DESCRIPTION is too vague on and answer's too numerous to guess what you are doing. You need a primer on electricity or ' How To Wire A Railroad'.

However regarding YOUR first question: If your engine/track leave's the mainine and return's to that same switch via a loop - with engine pointing a different direction - it IS A REVERSING loop.

IF you are using ATLAS switches, you need to learn about POLARITY.

Go buy a RED and BLUE magic marker's and mark all the OUTSIDE rail with the RED and all the INSIDE rail BLUE. THIS is POLARITY. Red is hot (+) Blue (-) is not. These must remain separate.

Be aware that Atlas swiches (turnout's) have imbedded wires connecting ' like' rails (inside to inside and outside to outside). If one of your engine's HOT side wheel's touches any rail from the ( - ) side, you'll have a SHORT.
NOW, you might be able to spot the problem..

[Seamonster]

I can't quite picture your trackwork in my mind. Could you possibly post a little sketch of the trackwork showing where the short occurs?

[Anonymous]

[?]Hey my MRxRing friends, I have a question, I hope you can help.I have a High tower bridge (UP & SP mainline)with a branch line (BNSF) My first question, Is that a reversal loop? Beacuse my loco would stall at the switch, I would pu***he loco only to have a short on the branch,So I insulated the track at the turnout then wired it with a Atlas reversal switch only to have it short again [:(]the reversal wires are conennected about 7 inches from the turnout!!
What can I do to fix this, I hate to think I build this bridge with the Keddie wye bridge in mind only to have this Problem[xx(] I need good advice[;)] Thanks TrainsRMe