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Graham

Graham

In Smoggy Land
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Keep looking for a forum section titled "daft questions" can't find one so I guess this is as good a place as any. Right the mysterious reversing loop module. I have bought the lgb version but guess the wiring and operation is the same as the Massoth which I can find a diagram for (I'm not home so don't have the instructs and have to rely on the inter thingy)
So to the question, well sort of, there are dire warnings about having the loco exit the loop while metal wheel stock are still entering. My planned track layout has a fairly large reversing loop that would handle anything I have. However I have ended up with a Wye that has a shortlist leg that would not. Now at this time that is no train smash(is that a pun I see) as the rolling stock wheels are all plastic but would like to change at some point. Bare with me we are getting there LOL. Now as I understand the problem is related to metal wheels bridging the gap in the track. This set the gray cells working and thought what if there was a very short bit of either isolated or insulated tracks say 6mm at the entry would this not overcome the problem of a fatal short circuit? :nerd:
 
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The problem and it is a problem is that the Loop Reverce Module relies on a Short Circuit to quickly change the Polarity over so that the Loco can exit the Reverce Section. Thus any further Metal Wheels entering the critical bit can confuse the device. So your Wye as the Americans call them will be OK for turning a Loco but not a Big Train. It all depends on how you intend to use the Wye really, a longer leg on the Reverce Bit may be requird.

Here is my Youtube Vid of a Test Setup that I did.


JonD
 
I understood that the new modules do not use a short circuit to change the polarity rather the track sensor portion of the system detects the loco and the reverses the voltage before the loco actually comes into the loop (or Wye):wasntme:
 
What is the LGB number of your Reverse Module?

Later versions do not use short circuit detection as I understand it....
 
Lgb55085 which I understand is the latest version and if it is the same as the latest massoth unit the short circuit detection is an option but cannot be used if you have two loops.
 
Graham said:
Lgb55085 which I understand is the latest version and if it is the same as the latest massoth unit the short circuit detection is an option but cannot be used if you have two loops.
Click to expand...
I have the earlier 55080 version.

You could use it on 2 loops, but you can't have a train in each loop, both together at the same time....
 
Graeham, might be worth posting your Track Plan so that we can understand exactly what it is you are trying to achieve.

With regard to Metal Wheels, I know that many here use Plastic Wheels with complete satisfaction, but for me the reliability of running (in part due to the added weight below bodyline) and clunk of Metal Wheels just adds to the whole atmosphere of a Railway. So for ME Metal Wheels were a no brainer on all my stock. Something that I achieved at reasonable cost with use of many sets of Bachman where LGB ones are very expensive. However I did luck out at a GRail some Years back, with a bag of bits that had quite a few sets of LGB Metal Wheels at a good price. I always where possible bid for good value Stock on Ebay with Metal Wheels or buy at at Shows or Shops. Somehow Metal Wheels do not reflect their Value when in Second Hand Stock. I have even bought a good value Vehicle, removed the Metal Wheels and sold on via Ebay at a small profit. One just wonders how the ergonomics of that sort of thing work out sometimes.
JonD
 
Will see if I can post part of the output of the design software I am using that will show the loop and the wye. In terms of the layout I am a bit space constrained and the wye is the result of that.

However I think the answer is not in the layout more how the new electronics work. Once I have time I might try it and see what happens. I mean what can go wrong :mad:
 
This is just an idea and I am sure someone can work out if it'll work. On a balloon loop you have two insulated joints on the continuous run. Would it not be possible to have the third arm of the wye insulated by insulating both arms feeding it. That would get around the long train possibility.
 
Methinks this is where a picture of the intended layout comes in. The basic circuit is a large flattened oval. The wye is actually formed by each leg meeting with the the semi circle of track at my station end. Train comes of the main track to the station siding, loco swoops to a parallel track that leads to a reversing loop which then via a set of points ends up putting the loco on the other end of the train facing the right way to leave. It then leaves the station and joins the main track. The object is to ensure the trains circulate in the same direction. Now I am sure that is as clear as mud :D and as soon as I am some place where I can up load my layout it may make sence:wasntme:
 
"Always going in the same direction" leads to heavy wear on components..
More-so a problem in the elevated shop / café layouts which run hours per day, but it is good to reverse things to even out wear.
My two-penneth..
 
PhilP said:
"Always going in the same direction" leads to heavy wear on components..
More-so a problem in the elevated shop / café layouts which run hours per day, but it is good to reverse things to even out wear.
My two-penneth..
Click to expand...
Bunker first running!:)
 
PhilP said:
No, 'hand of god' turntable!
As in forwards clockwise, and forwards anticlockwise..
Click to expand...

The General idea as this railroad is intended to be loosely based on the D&RG and imposing a direction of rotation may avoid the temptation for the younger members of the railroad staff to stage a recreation of the famous head on crash in the 1952 movie of that name :fearscream::tearsofjoy::flushed::smile:
 
Had a wye on my old layout....fa6765691de14f218ca7eb2e03c69104.jpg
 
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