Thanks Bruce

DCC Impulses in The latest edition (Jan 2015) of MRH has simplified some final questions I was having about DCC Reverse loop wiring and exactly how the auto-reversers actually work and what I did wrong. Thank You Bruce !! You cleared up a major problem I was having in a reversing "Y"  and it turned out to be just two gaps I hadn't cut. What a great way to start out my new year as it works the way it's suppose to now. It's funny how the littlest thing can cause you the biggest problem. Have a fantastic new year.

Reverse Loop

Could you please show the gaps on (4b)  I am trying to figure out were to put reverse loop controllers on a dog bone with double cross over between the ends.  I have the cross overs about 3 feet apart.

Reversing Loops

 Bruce as usual I have questions:

I have a single direction each way double main with NO crossovers, both rails with the same polarity for both directional tracks which are entering and leaving these reversing loops at each end of the mains--dogbone.

#1--I have ONE switch that goes off of a reversing loop to a rail yard and handles traffic by backing down and pulling forward to leave the yard. Should the switch be placed prior to the reversing loop on the main using its polarity or can it be off of the changing polarity reversing loop if all consists fit within the loop going the same direction?  Which is best?

#2--The opposite reversing loop, after a 2% grade, will have a helper engine either at the front or rear of the consist. I planned to have a smaller loop switched within a larger loop so the helper can disconnect, enter the smaller inner loop and wait out the lead engine or exit the reverse loop first.  Will one reverser work for both of these loops as both engines will always be headed in the same direction coming and going?

If not, Do I need two reversers, one for each loop keeping them separate, but I am unsure how to isolate a switched loop from the loop from one main to the other? Again, all engines will be headed in the same direction into and out of the loops to the opposite direction main going back down the grade.

I appreciate helping me with this conundrum. Keep these articles coming!!!!!!!!!

Joel Dethlefs

Reversing Loops And Y's

Thanks Bruce, Your article was very informative. I am planning a Y in my logging camp area and never realized that it would be a reversing loop. Great information for planning purposes.  

Out and back main line

Bruce,

My under construction layout has a single staging yard with the main line running around the layout and returning to the yard, a huge balloon, what is the most logical location for the reversing section? I think somewhere between towns where there is a train length section of single track, am I on the right "track"?

DCC Impulses

Great information about reversing loops - simple and direct plus easy to understand.  You description of marking a truck to determine if you have a reversing loop is nice. I am thinking about installing crossovers in a new layout and had not thought about them being a reversing loop.  This will require some additional thought!  Keep up the great columns.

stay alive capacitors

Hi Bruce

Can you tell me if it is possible to fit a stay alive to a sound equiped Bachmann S4 chassis. Mine seem particularly prone to stalling even on clean track.

Brian L

oldmanep

In 4 (a orb) the loop is just like 1 with a side entrance. So you gap it the same way plus one. The straight path and diverging path on both turnouts, a total of 6 gaps - straight across the crossover.

Joel

Can you post a drawing of your layout - at least the area in question? That would help. Perhaps we can get you going in the right direction.

dbcw101

The way you have described you layout, there is no reversing section, or at lteast the way I understand it. A picture is worth a thousand words. Can you post a diagram? Are you wanting to add a reversing section?

Sorry about the delay folks.

Had some family challenges that sucked up most of my MRH website time this month.

Couple of things. I like it better when I'm talking to a person, not to a "screen name". I'd feel more like a conversation with a person if you'd sign a name to your posts and questions.

Brian - would you be so kind as to post your question on the blog related to the Stayin' Alive column  (http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/magazine/mrh-2013-03-mar/di_staying-alive)? That way the information will stay with the primary topic. Thanks. I'll look forward to answering it there.

Offset Gaps for Reversing Sections - Not so Fast

Bruce,

No one, including DCC manufacturers have ever provided proof of the need or benefit of offsetting gaps at the entrances/exits to reversing sections.  While one manufacturer (Digitrax I believe) recommends this, not one manufacturer has ever provided hard documentation that supports the need for offset gaps. Other DCC experts have stated that there is no benefit (and therefore no need) for offset gaps at reversing section boundaries. I have challenged the need for offset gaps for years, and to date, non one has provided the scientific proof that proves the need to apply this practice to our layouts . . . . . not a peep.

At best, installing offset boundaries causes no harm.  At worst, it creates additional work to cut the additional gaps, and perhaps install a feeder to the section of rail that has been isolated from other rail - extra work to no advantage.

Best regards,

Steve Haas

Snoqualmie, WA

Offset gaps

Steve -

I have personally seen intermittent operation of a loop where the gaps were not offset. Offsetting them fixed the operation. So, i do it and suggest it to avoid gremlins.

Similarly to what seems to be overkill on power drops (every 6 feet or less, making sure that there is a soldered connection to EVERY piece of track).

While you can "get away" with in line gaps and fewer feeders in a lot of cases, it is easier to do it the other way in the first place than to have to go back and fix it, especially after the area has been sceniced.

My opinion, your mileage may vary.