Another Reverse Loop Query

[Ralphmp]

Having read through a number of informative posts on this topic I have, I think thinking, gained an understanding of the options available. However, I haven't done this before so am triple-checking before I start.

My proposed extension is shown below.

Apart from the obvious reversing loop between the shed and greenhouse, I believe I've created a "y" where the existing loop feeds into the extension. So if I've got it right, I'll need 2 reverse loop modules - one located in the reverse loop and one in either branch of the "y". I'm currently planning to use a Massoth 8157001 Reverse Loop module for the "y" and and LGB 55080 MTS module for the actual reversing loop. (My layout is entirely DCC.)

So far, hopefully, so good. However, I have a worry about where to connect the switch decoders I'm planning to use to operate my points.

In the LGB Reverse Loop module manual, it states that 55025 switch decoders must be connected outside the reversing loop to avoid erroneous signals. My proposed layout can accommodate this for the LGB-controlled reversing loop but, as the LGB device is made by Massoth, I'm wondering if this same restriction also applies to the Massoth Reverse Loop module? If it does, I suspect I'll need to rethink where I connect my switch decoders that will drive the points in the existing part of the layout.

I have read and re-read the Massoth 8175001 guide and can't see anything about restrictions on switch decoder connection, but I wondered if any of you experts have any views / experience of this situation and could advise me.

(As an aside, am I right in assuming that I can mix LGB and Massoth Switch decoders on my layout and my Navigator will work correctly with both?)

I hope this is clear, and thanks in advance for any comments.
Best wishes
Phil

 

[Gizzy]

As I understand it, you can use the LGB 55025 and Massoth 8175001 Point/Switch decoders together.

The only thing with LGB is that you have to have addresses in banks of 4, so 1-4, 5-8, 9-12, etc, whereas you can assign any (free) address to any output on the Massoth.

I'm not aware of the need to have the LGB Point decoders 'outside the loop'? I have a LGB Reverse Loop module and a LGB Point Module mounted side by side on a block of wood, under a station building to keep the weather off, and I don't have any problems. The power pick up for both is off the same cable, which is connected to the track outside the loop with heavy gauge wire....

 

[muns]

It is best to feed the DCC signal into the Switch decoder from a section that is not switched by a reversing loop module - there is potential for the switch decoder to miss part of the signal at the moment that the reverse loop switches the feed over.

LGB and Massoth switch decoders (and indeed any DCC switch decoder that can handle the higher voltages of Large scale DCC) will operate on the same layout (I use a combination of Massoth & LGB).

 

[HBBahn]

Actually, if there's only going to be one train on the extension section at once, it's possible to just use one reverse loop module on the section of track between the triangle and the reverse loop, and feed the actual reverse loop with 'normal' power.
This would require a cable to be run along the new line to feed the reverse loop, but it could also feed the point decoder at that end.

 

[Ralphmp]

Thanks for the helpful comments.

The planned reversing loop extension will only have one train on it at a time so Tony's suggestion sounds promising to get things running.

However, all being well, this extension will not be my final configuration. My long-term plan is to continue further round the garden and have a similar type of loop to the one I've currently got in place, so it would have points, crossovers, sidings, etc. So the overall layout will end up as a dumbbell with a single track between the loop at each end, and the interim reversing loop would get reconfigured as a passing loop. With this arrangement there would a high probability of multiple trains moving in opposite directions between the 2 loops, so I guess this is when I need to either be very careful about locating and connecting my reverse loop modules or convert everything to battery power

Thanks again

 

[Ralphmp]

Not sure about empire, more a case of I can't think how to get from one side of the garden to the other apart from going around the edge! Much as my wonderful lady is enthusiastic and supportive of the railway, I haven't yet convinced her to let me cross the lawn with track. Maybe I need to take her to some open days so she can see what others have done to make the railway blend in.