Best locations to place reverse loops?

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I've just made a start on the redesigning of the track set up on my railway but I need some help with something.
Yesterday I got the main loop laid out and all is running well, but before I lay the rest of the track I need to know where the best place is to install the insulating tracks as I have two reverse loops on this set up but not quite so sure on how go about it. I mainly use LGB track and I'm using the MTS digital system to control all my trains. Would someone be able to illustrate for me the best locations on my track plan to place the LGB reverse loop tracks and any insulated rail joiners that I would need to instal? I would be very grateful for the help.
Garden railway1.jpg
 
As a beginner my understanding is the isolated section i.e. between the isolation of both your tracks should be long enough to hold your longest train, other than that I would think what ever is convenient, so on the bottom left loop inside of both points and for the top right loop after the cross-over and after the siding point.
 
I would put in my isolation fish plates, or isolation tracks as per the yellow lines;

103186_af5334f614b851780bd6039dab62e03b.jpg


I prefer to use the isolating tracks, as it's easy to wire up to these, at least at one end of the loop, and close to the Reversal Module to minimise wiring. Best to make the length between the isolators as long as the length of your longest train.

I plan to do similar myself on my new line....
 
My method is to make them as long as you can, including sidings. It makes thing less complicated when you have longer trains.

The questions I would have are:

1. for the 2 track sidings on the left side, I would assume you are accessing them from the main line, since there is no room between them and the main line to hold a train.

Based on that, I would put the insulators just "past" the switch that leads to the 2 sidings. This way a train backing in from the mainline does not have to engage the autoreverser unnecessarily.

On the other end of this section, I's insulate right after the left hand switch that forms the outer loop. I really suggest you re-join that long parallel track back to the main, creating a nice long passing siding. Also, that stub track is almost useless, I' move that switch further down (left) and give it some more length. This way a switcher could be moving cars without fouling the main.

On your other reversing loop, i'd insulate where it breaks off from the main and turns vertical. Insulate after the 2 short sidings so those can be accessed from the main without using the autoreverser. Finish this autoreversing section just before the switch at the top, where it rejoins the main.

Greg
 
In the first post, you mention the LGB "reverse loop tracks" - does that mean you're using the old reversing loop set with the two short track sections, with the integral track breaks and diodes? Or are you using the electronic reverse loop modules in the little black boxes, as you're running MTS/DCC?

Jon.
 
Zerogee said:
In the first post, you mention the LGB "reverse loop tracks" - does that mean you're using the old reversing loop set with the two short track sections, with the integral track breaks and diodes? Or are you using the electronic reverse loop modules in the little black boxes, as you're running MTS/DCC?

Jon.
Click to expand...
I'm planning on using the electronic reverse loop module as I got the 55080 with the MTS system.
 
Tell me to 'shut-up' if I have this wrong..

Isn't there one LGB reverse-loop unit that will only work with an analogue system? - Just wanting to check this, and which unit the OP has.. :think:
 
Greg Elmassian said:
Dunno, I've seen setups from LGB that use a track "Sensor" and regular relays.

His unit, the 55050 is indeed an MTS autoreverser, that works by detecting the short of improper "polarity" and reversing the section.

LGB 55080 MTS Reversing Loop Module, Collection Item

It's the right unit, no extra sensors, or special track needed.

Greg
Click to expand...

Good-oh...
(just a little 'niggle' in the old grey-matter.. I'll go back to sleep!) ;):snooze:
 
The newer models, made by massoth, have 2 modes, either the short-detection, or the "sensor" mode as I call it, with a short piece of track, that senses occupancy.

I glean that in Europe, people do not like the "short detection mode", but it works fine here in the US, and is simpler to wire, and more trouble free.

Greg
 
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