Automated DCC Reverse Loop

E

electricity_bill

Registered
Country flag
Hello

My Massoth DCC layout has two reverse loops facing each other in such a manner as a train can run round both consecutively and continuously - provided that somebody changes the points on entering or leaving each loop. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make this process automatic and operable in both directions round the loops?

Bill
 
I may be misunderstanding something, but if both of the entry points into the loops can be "pushed through" when a train exits the loop in either direction, shouldn't it all run automatically anyway? Or have you got point motors or switches (eg: TL45 ones) that don't allow the points to be pushed through when set "wrong"?

Jon.
 
Bill I agree with you especially when using an engine with a front pilot wheel. I use Zimo MX820D with two LGB 1700 track contact switches. With a magnet under the engine it is very reliable
 
Leading pilots and/or lightweight wagons/cars (especially plastic wagon wheels) can be a problem with pushing trough points if there is any resistance to the push or the track is a little rough on the inside where the wheel shoulder and flange runs through the frog and/or blades etc.
Metal wheels are pretty much necessary unless the wagons/cars are weighted enough (or both!).

For my two automatic DCC reverse loops I have used the LGB manual sprung point switchers and always keep the two loop entry points mechanics well lubricated with dry graphite and rid of any detritus.

All diesels, streetcars and steam locos without a pilot, like shays, Climaxes, heislers, 0-6-0 etc have posed no problems at all.

I have found that a couple of my Bachman 4-6-0 Annies tend to be the culprits as the pilot is a little light so I added weight to it and both seem to be 95% perfect now.
The newest model of the Annie with the redesigned heavier pilot with a 'swing' arm seems to be a winner with no derailments at the loop entry points.

LGB Moguls seem to be okay but saying that I do have one that has a problem pilot that will occasionally 'catch' the blade and derail (probably has a slight bit off damage to one wheel of the pilot..must investigate closer)
 
Last edited:
You could join LGB Contact Switches as used in EPL to change the points as a train appeoaches form the apposing direction of the points (switches). But That would not help teh other way.
 
Change the LGB electric point motors for manual ones.

Works for me?

Simples....
 
electricity_bill said:
Hello

My Massoth DCC layout has two reverse loops facing each other in such a manner as a train can run round both consecutively and continuously - provided that somebody changes the points on entering or leaving each loop. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make this process automatic and operable in both directions round the loops?

Bill
Click to expand...

Massoth describe a way of doing this here -

Massoth WIKI | Automatische Weichenschaltung mit 1K Schaltdecoder


Works ok for me, mightbe something you could consider.
 
I have done this with manual points before and this is the most reliable, cheapest and least complicated. Just make sure the spring activation works really well and the point locates solidly on each side. I found that sometimes if the spring is a bit out the point just stays on the one side as the wheels pass through rather than flip to the other side.

I now use the Massoth switchdecoders, detection reeds and automation software to do this which also works but certainly not worth setting up just to achieve this outcome in isolation.
 
Slawman said:
I have done this with manual points before and this is the most reliable, cheapest and least complicated. Just make sure the spring activation works really well and the point locates solidly on each side. I found that sometimes if the spring is a bit out the point just stays on the one side as the wheels pass through rather than flip to the other side.

Sprung manual point 'levers' is the method that I use (post 5 of this thread) and I also use dry graphite lubrication to keep things nice and slippy....... oh yes, and regularly check incase detritus gets into the mechanics....
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom