Simple Wiring Help

[Greenoit]

Hi everyone, i'm a newcomer so il apologise now for the lack of knowledge! I've got an LGB starter set 78302, that I've expanded with different points etc.
I've tried a simple track layout with a loop at one end, straight track that then leads into another loop at the opposite end.
The train works fine when the track isn't complete, as soon as I connect the track together completing the circuit, the train stops.
I'm sure this is going to be something really simple for you guys.
Look forward to a helpful reply

 

[stockers]

you have created a short circuit. By making a loop you are connecting one rail to the other. Try tracing one rail around your loop - you will find it meets the other rail. It is possible to buy special reversing loop modules to enable the power to switch to prevent the short circuit but as your a newcomer its probably easier to just create a continuous loop. Is it possible to double track the middle straight track to create a 'dog bone' shape.

 

[Neil Robinson]

The modules mentioned by Stockers are available in automatic or simpler manual versions.
If you click on the link below and then open the pdf instruction file you will be able to read more details of one type. Don't be put off by the German captions to the illustrations, an English translation is further down the page.
https://www.champex-linden.de/lgb_p...6c3624ec1256936003d14b402ec.html?OpenDocument

 

[Greenoit]

Thanks guys, I was aiming to reduce the amount of track between the two loops by only having one line rather than a continuous loop.
Il have a look at the modules.

 

[playmofire]

There is one of the simpler modules for sale in the Private Sales section at the moment here:

https://www.gscalecentral.net/threads/lgb-track-items.306098/

 

[Zerogee]

There is one of the simpler modules for sale in the Private Sales section at the moment here:

https://www.gscalecentral.net/threads/lgb-track-items.306098/

While using one of these sets will work fine, and is the simplest solution to the "reversing loop" problem (especially as you're only using analogue DC power), just be aware that it will not allow your train to run continuously without operator input - as the train enters the loop it will stop, and to make it continue you have to reverse the controller knob. A good way of "disguising" this effect is to have a little station halt at the place where the train will stop (which is determined by where in the loop you put the first of the two special track pieces in the 1015 set) - then the train will always stop at the halt, then you reverse the controller and it moves off again!
There ARE ways of automating this operation with various bits of LGB's "EPL" system of track contacts and relay switches, but this starts to get a little bit more complicated......

Jon.

 

[Greenoit]

Thanks Jon, I was hoping it would run continuously, I like the idea of having station at the points the train stops. So basically at this point, reverse the direction on the controller and the train continues to the next reversing loop section? Il give this a go, thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Zerogee]

Thanks Jon, I was hoping it would run continuously, I like the idea of having station at the points the train stops. So basically at this point, reverse the direction on the controller and the train continues to the next reversing loop section? Il give this a go, thanks for the suggestion.

You only need to do the controller reverse once for each trip through the loop - one of the two pieces of track in the 1015 set is just a two-rail isolating break to prevent the short-circuits; the other piece - the bit that does the work - is also a two-rail isolator but has a diode circuit inside it (under the black cover between the rails) that deals with the controller polarity being reversed with the control knob, while the loco still runs in the same direction through the loop.
Actually, my apologies - I've just double-checked the online instructions for the 1015 and I think that I did get something wrong in my earlier post - as I now think I understand it, the train will NOT stop automatically, it will continue to run round the loop but you MUST manually reverse the controller while it is doing this - otherwise you will still get a short as the metal wheels exit the loop. So, you need to keep an eye on the loco and be sure you are controlling it while it's in the loop, not just let it run. So, all the more reason to put a little station halt in the loop section and make sure that you always stop the train at that station, reverse the controller and pull away again!
There are definitely ways of automating this operation using all off-the-shelf LGB parts, using track contacts to trip a polarity reversing switch while the train travels round the loop - this way you will get automatic hands-off operation with no stopping of the train; I'm sure there are several folks on here who would talk you through such a set-up if you wanted to tackle it.

Sorry for any confusion earlier, I've not used one of the 1015 sets personally as I've been DCC from the start (this time round).....

Jon.

PS: if you wanted completely seamless automated operation, I think that the newer version of the Massoth reversing loop control module (designed mainly for DCC layouts) is now also capable of operating in an analogue DC mode..... but one of these will set you back around seventy quid.....
http://gardenrailoutlet.co.uk/massoth-dimax-reverse-loop-module

 

[Madman]

Why not get a hold of an LGB Reverse Loop set for analog. There are most likely some on Ebay. The one that Playmofire has for sale is the one I'm talking about. To make it completely automatic you will need two LGB point motors and of course two turnouts. The book, "The World of LGB" has all of the diagrams you would need to make the layout you want.

 

[playmofire]

Why not get a hold of an LGB Reverse Loop set for analog. There are most likely some on Ebay. The one that Playmofire has for sale is the one I'm talking about. To make it completely automatic you will need two LGB point motors and of course two turnouts. The book, "The World of LGB" has all of the diagrams you would need to make the layout you want.

No, it's not me with it for sale, and I think Greenoit is already buying the one you're thinking of.

I'm no expert on this, but surely the points can be manual and just set for the correct route as there is only one way round the loop which the system will allow if it is to work.

 

[PhilP]

The point(s) can be manual, and sprung, to hold one way.. The train will 'push-through' in one direction.

 

[playmofire]

The point(s) can be manual, and sprung, to hold one way.. The train will 'push-through' in one direction.

Just what I thought too.

 

[Madman]

LGB has a diagram for two way travel though the loop. I think it just requires anoth point motor or two. I have to look it up in the book to be sure.

 

[Nemo]

Many moons ago when I first moved the railway into the garden I went for this dogbone shape with single track between. Yes you only need manual spring loaded points as you can only go around each loop one way I found it a bit of a pain having to stop and reverse power on each loop ( I wanted trains to run conituiosly whilst I did other jobs, so made an auto power reverse unit (using two relays, reed switches in the track and magnets under the locos to switch them) Most of the time it worked well, but does have its disadvantages, like you can only run one train at a time, not too bad when you first set up but when you acquire more loco.s stock etc I evenchatley doubled the track between the loops when I extended the line and it runs very well now. Take it from me, keep it simple and double the track between the loops (as in Alans drawing) its a lot less hassel and saves you quite a few bob as well.

 

[Gavin Sowry]

I have two reversing loops on Taita Gorge Railway, each controlled by nothing more than two sets of insulated joints, and a DPDT switch. I can run either way around each loop. Cheap, and simple.

It does, however, require a bit of discipline when operating. The DPDT switch has to be set the same way as the points.... drive train into loop, right up to the 'exit' insulators. Stop train. Reset the points, flip the DPDT switch, and change direction on controller, and drive away. If you've done it properly, the the whole reverse loop remains set for the next movement, albeit, in the other direction.

Just think of running in 'dark territory', where the crew stop the trains, and get out to set the points themselves.

 

[Greenoit]

Thanks for the feedback guys, il be giving it a go this weekend. I'm hoping to not have manual input and to let the train run continuously if possible, I only have the one train at the moment.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

I'd second the idea of using the Massoth autoreverser, yes it indeed works on DC, and it is pretty simple in installation, and will be completely automatic.

Greg

 

[Greenoit]

A little delayed reply but... The reverse loop set works a treat. Having to throw the switch in the opposite direction but that's good enough for now, think I need a few more sets. Cheers everyone.