CoggesRailway - 5/11/2009 10:52 AM
As you can see from my thread "ok what have I done so far" I have a section of track through my garage where the "up" and "down" side of the loop are running as parallel twin tracks. It would add to the interest a lot if I could put some points across to allow me to reverse train direction.
But as I have things set up it is just going to short out? Is there a product/method to deal with this issue? At the moment I am on analogue with everything live simultaneously
(snip)
Ian
Hello Ian
This is one of those questions to which there are straightforward answers, but they may not be what you want. If you simply add points, you will immediately have a short circuit as you suggest. In DCC, the solution is simple. You buy a reversing loop module, connect it in and you can run through the loop non-stop. Easy peasy!
In analogue the solution is not simple and you will not be able to run through the new crossover without stopping the train and intervening manually. Depending on your level of confidence working with electrical components and switches there are solutions using a double-pole, double-throw [DPDT] switch or using diodes. In this instance, where you probably want to retain the ability to run around the layout non-stop when not using the new connecting points, I'd go for a DPDT solution.
A good summary of the things to consider and the wiring required is given in parts 1 & 3 of the attached link:
http://rail.felgall.com/rlt.htm
If you look at part 3 in that article, don't be put off by its complexity. Sections C and D are all you really need, with (in your case) section D being the only electrical connection for the entire layout, other than the vital reversing section (C). What it comes down to is providing a way of connecting section C to section D electrically with normal and reversed polarity. The positioning of the isolating joints is vital - you'll need 6 as shown in the diagram.
Good luck!