Crossover Help
I'm visiting my brother, John, and helping him put together his N Scale layout. Plans from a publication call for use of two 15 degree crossovers. The layout will be using Digitrak DCC equipment. My question for those with any advice/knowledge is this:
Are Code 80 N Scale crossovers DCC friendly or do I have to do some type of "wiring adjustment" to make them work correctly? I am following the usual advice on regular switches and insulating the inside rails after the frog with an appropriate drop (plus or minus) after those rails for the sidings/continuation of mail line.
Your help/advice is greatly appreciated.
Dave C.
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Crossover help
Hi Dave,
I'm building an N-scale layout with DCC/Digitrax that includes a Peco 15-degree crossover. I tried using the Digitraxx AR-1 auto-reverser, and found that the 'trip' amperage was less than the amp draw of my locomotive. In other words, the reverser wouldn't reset until the loco shorted the crossing. The AR-1 trip amperage is adjustable, but the low end is 0.5A. This is apparently less than my loco draws, so the loco would stall at the crossing, the AR-1 would trip, then the loco would continue. I ended up hard-wiring the crossover with a DPDT toggle, and it works great. My conclusion is that an auto-reverser is more suited to scales larger than 'N'. I'd be interested to hear if your experience is different.
Crossovers & Turnouts
Dave,
I'd really recommend looking at http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches.htm. Allan Gartner has a very good discussion of wiring switches with diagrams.
I also tried to use AR-1s on my N scale layout and could not get them adjusted to work with consisted engines. I switched (no pun intended) over to the PSX-AR when needing a reversing section.
John
I have also used AR-1s for N
I have also used AR-1s for N scale, and I had no problem getting them to work correctly. Per Digitrax, the low end trip current is .25A. I don't remember what the instruction sheet said for the tunable trip current adjustment, but I used the procedure outlined in this tecnical note on from the website.
I have used these in conjunction with Zephyr and with DB150s. I don't know whether the system in use has any bearing on anything.
15 Degree Crossing
Thanks for the other info - I should have been more clear. I am looking for compatibility issues surrounding 15 degree crossings. Track is almost laid and a test will be run on Tuesday. Will post results.
Chief Operating Officer
The Greater Nickel Plate
AR-1 N scale
I followed the trip adjustment procedures in the instructions, and couldn't get it to work. I believe David Popp of MR uses one on his layout, and didn't have a problem, either. I didn't want ti fool with it, and hard-wired the crossing. My next layout will be N-scale, so I'll give the AR-1 another go.
My current layout is my first foray into scale model railroading, so it's entirely possible I made a basic wiring/trackwork/installation error.