Does anyone know if Atlas n-scale turntables have a self-reversing circuit built-in to the design or is a separate self-reversing device needed for a DCC set-up? What about the Walthers turnout?
It is unclear from all the published data.
I'm pretty sure the Atlas N-scale TT is the same design as the HO-scale one. That does have a split-ring inside the unit which takes care of the reversing for you. You will not need any additional circuitry for this.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I think you still need an auto-reverser to avoid a short when the engine rolls on or off the turntable, dont you?
The Atlas turntable has each stall marked either A or B. As long as you wire all the A tracks with one polarity and the B tracks with the other polarity, and wire the center posts for the turntable track itself correctly, the whole system will work without any additional circuits.
I have the N scale version of the Walther's turntable and no addtional reversing units are needed. There are two areas 180 degrees apart that are "dead" zones, that's what prevents short circuits. So I can run my 2-8-2 forward onto the turntable, turn it 180 degrees, and drive forward off the turntable going in the opposite direction as before without flipping any switches. I can't tell you how much I like this turntable. Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention that I run Digitrax on my layout.
Scott
Thanks for the info, I tend to agree with you. However, earlier I got an email direct from Walthers who states "The track polarity is not self-reversing, a reverse module will be needed."
Do you have the 130' model (#933-2616) (~$350) or the 120' model (933-3203) (~$35)? That may be the difference,
I have the good one, the 130 ft. built-up version (motorized, indexing, the whole nine yards). I have had it for several years. I think now they have a "DCC version". I have the older one, but it works just fine with my Digitrax system. As I mentioned on another thread, I have to use the controller that comes with the turntable instead of being able to use my throttle, but that's okay for me. I want to be right there anyway when I am using it.