reverse loop..problem with Ho lay out

[Anonymous]

I just made a lay out called >>>>Great Nortern& Western by Atlas.....how ever I dieveated a little and now have a problem...with a reverse loop...any help would be appreciated.burt

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Burt scott

I just made a lay out called >>>>Great Nortern& Western by Atlas.....how ever I dieveated a little and now have a problem...with a reverse loop...any help would be appreciated.burt

It is difficult to help with only the information that you have given us. You must be more specific. What kind of problem are you having? Is it a short-circuit problem? If so, then you need to make sure that the loop is electrically isolated from the rest of the layout with its own double-pole, double-throw switch for DC or its own booster/reversing loop unit if your layout is DCC. Or is the problem derailments on the modified trackage? You get the idea.

[Anonymous]

Burt,

Why don't you repost in the Model Railroader forums either General or Layout? I bet that you will get more replies, but be much more specific than in this post.

[waltersrails]

I need more info to help you.

[Big_Boy_4005]

My guess is that the reverse loop was not originally in the plan, because Atlas tends to do a pretty good job covering electrical issues.

Basic reverse loop theory is that you want the train to enter a block of track, and change the polarity of the exit block before the train is out of the loop. This is the function of the Atlas Controller.

Out of curiosity, what is the title of the book you found the plan in? I have a number of very old Atlas books, but couldn't find it. I suspect it's newer. Track plans are timeless, and Atlas has some good ones by the late John Armstrong.

[challenger3802]

To get proper operation from a reverse loop, you need to put a double pole double throw (DPDT) switch in, on the main line. When the train runs right around the loop, stop short of the exit of the reversing loop and throw the switch; this will change the positive and negative current on the rails and stop the loco shorting out the power supply.

Wiring help for this can be found in the most model railroader electrical books, or ask at your LHS.

Ian