I am just getting started in MR again and now everything is DCC operated. I am installing a figure 8 track. It is actually an oval track with a left and right spur with a track connecting them. But when I made the final connection, the train refused to run. As soon as I took out one section of track from the spur line the train started up again. Would I need to put in insulating connectors and how so I can make the spur track and the layout run completely? Thank you for all your help. I apperciate all the great advice I get here.
If your spur track connects to the main at another point make sure it's not looping the train back in the opposite direction. If you're in doubt mark the track plan on a sheet of paper using red and blue pencils or pens. Red rails should always touch red rails and blue rails should always touch blue rails. If not you have a short where one color touches another.
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Yes, I think from your description that you've created a reverse loop. In DCC, these can be automatically controlled by using an auto-reverse unit, or you can do it the old way with a toggle switch. I'd recommend the auto-reverser. After all, that's what DCC is for - letting you run the trains and forget about running the track.
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nativetrucker I am just getting started in MR again and now everything is DCC operated.
I am just getting started in MR again and now everything is DCC operated.
Not True, there is plenty of DC still on the market.
nativetrucker I am installing a figure 8 track. It is actually an oval track with a left and right spur with a track connecting them. But when I made the final connection, the train refused to run. As soon as I took out one section of track from the spur line the train started up again. Would I need to put in insulating connectors and how so I can make the spur track and the layout run completely? Thank you for all your help. I apperciate all the great advice I get here.
I am installing a figure 8 track. It is actually an oval track with a left and right spur with a track connecting them. But when I made the final connection, the train refused to run. As soon as I took out one section of track from the spur line the train started up again. Would I need to put in insulating connectors and how so I can make the spur track and the layout run completely? Thank you for all your help. I apperciate all the great advice I get here.
As others have stated, you have created a "reverse loop" and it is causing a short circuit. You should have gotten a short circuit signal from your power pack even before attempting to "throttle up" the loco.
If you can post a track plan or diagram, we can look at it for recommendations.
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Not sure how to post a track plan but am absolutely sure about the reverse loop. I have never seen a short circut signal on my power packs. Still trying to figure them out. But there is only a power light on this power pack. And this train for some reason will not run if I use the other power pack. Thanks for all your help so far it is nice to have people I can talk to who know so much more about this then me.
nativetrucker Not sure how to post a track plan but am absolutely sure about the reverse loop. I have never seen a short circut signal on my power packs. Still trying to figure them out. But there is only a power light on this power pack. And this train for some reason will not run if I use the other power pack. Thanks for all your help so far it is nice to have people I can talk to who know so much more about this then me.
After reading your post, You said you are running Dcc.. Now I'm curious as to why you have two power packs???
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Frank
nativetrucker Not sure how to post a track plan but am absolutely sure about the reverse loop.
Not sure how to post a track plan but am absolutely sure about the reverse loop.
You can either use a computer program to "draw" the track plan or take an overhead picture. Once you have a graphic/image, you can upload it to a web site like "photobucket" and then post it here so we can all see it.
nativetrucker I have never seen a short circut signal on my power packs. Still trying to figure them out. But there is only a power light on this power pack. And this train for some reason will not run if I use the other power pack.
I have never seen a short circut signal on my power packs. Still trying to figure them out. But there is only a power light on this power pack. And this train for some reason will not run if I use the other power pack.
Hmmm...doesn't sound like you are using a DCC "power pack". What are the brand names/model numbers of the power packs you are using. Sounds like you have locos that are DCC Ready, if so, we'll explain that too once we figure out exactly what we're dealing with.
nativetrucker Thanks for all your help so far it is nice to have people I can talk to who know so much more about this then me.
Thanks for all your help so far it is nice to have people I can talk to who know so much more about this then me.
If you are quite certain about the reverse loop, then do as you stated and install insulators or some other non-conductive material in that section.
For some reason when I got the second ready to run layout it came with its own power pack and altough I have tried to run both trains with one power pack it does not work. Even after trying to get the other power pack to recognize the other train.
nativetrucker I am installing a figure 8 track. It is actually an oval track with a left and right spur with a track connecting them.
But when I made the final connection, the train refused to run. As soon as I took out one section of track from the spur line the train started up again. Would I need to put in insulating connectors and how so I can make the spur track and the layout run completely?
By the time that I got down to TZ's reply and the attached track diagram, I had visualized the same track configuration. If that is what the OP put together, then he has definitely created some reverse loops.
But, things are worse than that. Does he have DCC or DC? Sounds like he bought a couple of DC powered train sets.
Why two power packs? Good question.
This could prove to be a challenging thread.
Rich
Alton Junction