WardR That is correct, so the issue comes into play , what happens if we have 2 engines going into the loop at the same time? I know that may be slim that they hit the same spot , but if we are using cars with metal wheel sets this becomes possible, if the trains enter and exit the loop at the same times would we not have a short? and if so how do we handle that sort of situation. all the diagram's for reverse loops show only one way into a reverse loop and the gaps are cut on the turnout going in, so the chances of 2 trains shorting cannot happen cause they would collide at the switch, so one has to wait, but when we have multiple ways into a reverse loop how do we control this situation?
That is correct, so the issue comes into play , what happens if we have 2 engines going into the loop at the same time? I know that may be slim that they hit the same spot , but if we are using cars with metal wheel sets this becomes possible, if the trains enter and exit the loop at the same times would we not have a short? and if so how do we handle that sort of situation. all the diagram's for reverse loops show only one way into a reverse loop and the gaps are cut on the turnout going in, so the chances of 2 trains shorting cannot happen cause they would collide at the switch, so one has to wait, but when we have multiple ways into a reverse loop how do we control this situation?
Now that the track diagram has been explained more fully, I am not sure that we have answered the OP's question about two engines entering the loop at the same time.
If I understand the track diagram correctly, two trains can enter the helix at the same time, both moving from right to left and can only exit from left to right. A head on collision can be avoided by having each engine use a separate "loop" on the helix.
Is this correct?
Rich
Alton Junction
If at any time there are two trains at the points of isolation, entering or exiting, there is the possibility of a short. maybe a house rule of one train at a time is needed. One train could enter, park on the inner track and let another train enter, park on the outer track or exit the loop, and then the first train could be moved. In any case both trains should not be at the exit or entrance points at the same time.
If the loops were gapped at the frog ends of the turnouts entering into them, would not the problem be solved by installing a reverser for each loop?
maxman If the loops were gapped at the frog ends of the turnouts entering into them, would not the problem be solved by installing a reverser for each loop?
Yes, exactly, that is what I was building up to.
max and rich, good solution
floridaflyer max and rich, good solution
You too, and Soo Line Fan as well.
I think we were all converging on a practical solution at the same time.
richhotrain maxman If the loops were gapped at the frog ends of the turnouts entering into them, would not the problem be solved by installing a reverser for each loop? Yes, exactly, that is what I was building up to. Rich
maxmanWow, a couple guys on this forum potentially all agreeing on something. Must be there's going to be a zombie apocalypse soon.
That's okay, we are ready for the zombies................................
Jim
WOW,!!
We have,''Dragon's and ''Godzilla'', on another Tread,now ''Zombie's'',how could we lose? LOL''.NICE one Jim..
Cheers,
Frank
Too bad Tyco is gone, they would have made a zombie train similar to their GI JOE and Transformers offerings.
This is Lionels contribution.
I think the most simple and elegant solution is to only create a short (just longer than the longest loco running) reversing section in each loop (anywhere in the loop).
Just make sure the gaps wont allow bridging of metal wheels (and metal side frames if necessary).
In this way trains can run in either direction in the loops and there can be no shorts ( except if two lone engines straddle the reverse short section or two trains are nose to nose on that section) which is extremely unlikely in normal operations.
doublehelix I think the most simple and elegant solution is to only create a short (just longer than the longest loco running) reversing section in each loop (anywhere in the loop). Just make sure the gaps wont allow bridging of metal wheels (and metal side frames if necessary). In this way trains can run in either direction in the loops and there can be no shorts ( except if two lone engines straddle the reverse short section or two trains are nose to nose on that section) which is extremely unlikely in normal operations.
A long passenger train with lighting can be an issue with the short sections so that is something to consider.
It appears that the OP has left the room.