Reverse Loops

[cprfan]

Perhaps I am reading the DCC column wrong in the August issue of MR, but the way I read it, the writer is saying with DC I am required to enter the reversing section, stop the train and throw two switches before I can procede through the reverse loop. This is my interpretation of the text and not a direct quote. The direct quote follows:

" On a DC layout, a locomotive enters the isolated portion of the reversing section, in this case a loop, and stops. (Note: if your train includes cars with metal wheelsets, the entire train needs to be in the isolated reversing section.) Next, the engineer changes both the loop's DPDT reversing switch and the throttle's direction switch. Throwing both switches allows the train to continue moving forward out of the loop and aligns the polarity of the reversing section with the main line."

This makes no sense to me. I learned how to wire a reverse loop from reading Linn Westcott many years ago. Only one switch must be thrown and there is no need to stop the train. How was such an error allowed to crop into the magazine? It has the potential to scare newcomers from building reverse loops into their track plans by making them believe that a reverse loop is a difficult and awkward ordeal if one is not planning on using DCC.

Greg Williams
[e-mail]

[cprfan]

Perhaps I am reading the DCC column wrong in the August issue of MR, but the way I read it, the writer is saying with DC I am required to enter the reversing section, stop the train and throw two switches before I can procede through the reverse loop. This is my interpretation of the text and not a direct quote. The direct quote follows:

" On a DC layout, a locomotive enters the isolated portion of the reversing section, in this case a loop, and stops. (Note: if your train includes cars with metal wheelsets, the entire train needs to be in the isolated reversing section.) Next, the engineer changes both the loop's DPDT reversing switch and the throttle's direction switch. Throwing both switches allows the train to continue moving forward out of the loop and aligns the polarity of the reversing section with the main line."

This makes no sense to me. I learned how to wire a reverse loop from reading Linn Westcott many years ago. Only one switch must be thrown and there is no need to stop the train. How was such an error allowed to crop into the magazine? It has the potential to scare newcomers from building reverse loops into their track plans by making them believe that a reverse loop is a difficult and awkward ordeal if one is not planning on using DCC.

Greg Williams
[e-mail]

[Anonymous]

You are right, you only need one switch.

[Anonymous]

You are right, you only need one switch.

[Anonymous]

There are two ways to skin this cat. There are three elements: main line, reverse loop, and engine. Do nothing, and the main line wants to keep the train in the loop. Reverse just the loop, and the train backs up. Ditto if just the engine is reversed. Reverse both loop and engine and the train continues around the loop. Reversal of the engine while in the loop causes it to run in the opposite direction on the main line. That works. The other way is to reverse the main line while the train is in the loop, so it is ready to carry the train in the direction opposite to what it had when it entered the loop. That also works. The first method would be necessary if there is another train running on the main line such that reversing the main line would reverse that train too. This is another way to run two trains at once without installing blocks.
Steve Jones -- old guy, new member.

[Anonymous]

There are two ways to skin this cat. There are three elements: main line, reverse loop, and engine. Do nothing, and the main line wants to keep the train in the loop. Reverse just the loop, and the train backs up. Ditto if just the engine is reversed. Reverse both loop and engine and the train continues around the loop. Reversal of the engine while in the loop causes it to run in the opposite direction on the main line. That works. The other way is to reverse the main line while the train is in the loop, so it is ready to carry the train in the direction opposite to what it had when it entered the loop. That also works. The first method would be necessary if there is another train running on the main line such that reversing the main line would reverse that train too. This is another way to run two trains at once without installing blocks.
Steve Jones -- old guy, new member.

[BR60103]

You need at least 2 reversing switches. The most convenient way is to have one for the reverse loop and one for the rest of the layout. Set the reverse loop direction before you enter it, then change the "rest of the layout" while you're in it. Your best bet is to use these 2 switches to set train direction and then use the power pack switch to reverse the loco for switching and such.
Since you will probably have two reverse loops, I suggest a separate switch for each loop, although you can get away with one.
Using a separate switch just for the loop will work, but requires the stop or that you be able to flip both switches at once.

[BR60103]

You need at least 2 reversing switches. The most convenient way is to have one for the reverse loop and one for the rest of the layout. Set the reverse loop direction before you enter it, then change the "rest of the layout" while you're in it. Your best bet is to use these 2 switches to set train direction and then use the power pack switch to reverse the loco for switching and such.
Since you will probably have two reverse loops, I suggest a separate switch for each loop, although you can get away with one.
Using a separate switch just for the loop will work, but requires the stop or that you be able to flip both switches at once.

[Anonymous]

I agree with you, Greg. I read Westcott's book several years ago, too (are we divulging our ages?), and I've wired my two reverse loops accordingly. This stopping the train in the loop to throw toggles is a new one on me. I think MR is gonna get a lot of feedback on that article.

Nat

[Anonymous]

I agree with you, Greg. I read Westcott's book several years ago, too (are we divulging our ages?), and I've wired my two reverse loops accordingly. This stopping the train in the loop to throw toggles is a new one on me. I think MR is gonna get a lot of feedback on that article.

Nat