Hi all, I have been working on my DCC HO layout for a year now and already want to modify the track plan and have a question about reverse loops. I have tried to upload a picture of the basic plan. I already have one reverse loop with a digitrax AR1 reverser (gapped at points A-B) which works well. However, right now, I have the dotted route from points E-D and do not have the route indicated by points C-D, which gives me two large loops within each other with a route going into the revserse loop that I have to back into half the time to change directions. I would like to take out the dotted segment from points E-D and add the segment from points C-D. My question is will this arrangement work? I think I will need to add another DCC reversing unit with gaps in the track but I am not sure where to palce the gaps. Would I place the gaps and the revsersing unit on the segement from C-D? Any help would be appreciated.
If you eliminate that track represented by the dotted line between E and D and add a track connection between C and D, it would be sufficient to place gaps at E and D, treating the two upper loops as one large reversing section. You would need a second AR-1 to control that upper reversing section.
You could run multiple trains inside that upper reversing section. Since the RH turnout at C controls entry and exit to the reversing section, it would be impossible for two trains to simultaneously enter and exit the reversing section.
Rich
Alton Junction
I would approach it from a different angle. I would install the track between E and D to give you continuous running on your upper loops. I would move the gaps at E and D past each turnout, so the turnouts are part of the loops and move C furthur down toward A and B making the space between C, E, and D the second reversing section requiring a second reverser. (Looking at the drawing I'm not sure how much distance there would be between C and D, E) however rich's plan would work also.
Hello?
Anybody out there?
You can place the gaps between C and D, it will work. The AR-1 electronically swaps the "polarity (I still think in DC)" fast enough that your train will go through the reversing section, even if the reversing section isn't longer than the train itself. My club uses a PSX-AR for a Wye, and we have no issues with metal wheels causing a short. I have a AR-1 at home, and it works for my WYE, which only has a 30" reversing section.
Alternatively you can leave in the section between D-E and place the reversing section on the C-E leg. This is the setup I have.
Thanks Everyone. Lots of good advice. I like the idea of maintaining the ability to hve continuous running on the two "upper loops" and I like the ability to install the C-D branch that will allow me to take advantage of the A-B reverse loop to change the direction of travel without having to back a train from C to the reverse loop. So I think I will keep the E-D and install the D-E with gaps as BMMECNYC suggests and have the best of both worlds! I think I will have a little more than 30" on the D-E so I will let you know how it goes Of course, now I have to save up for another AR-1 reverser.....