Central Midland reversing section

ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.


35tac

Wayne B
How where do I nstal an MRC reverser exiting from the yard. It's a WYE. Travel to the right is no issue however to the left is the problem. I tried installing one each in the two blocks to the left but still have a shorting issue when I leave the block. I wish I had a clear answer and drawing on what to do. MRC says that the yard has to be the reversing section but I just dont get it. Also th MRC has red and yellow wires, what goes where. I am attaching the section of the track plan in question.
Thanks
Wayne
 
The real problem is that the plan has two interlocked wyes, so you could be making parallel moves off each wye simultaneously so you really need 2 auto reversers, one for each wye. The second complication is that the two wye tails join in the yard. So you could have the top tail track polarity opposite the bottom tail track polarity, if you use the crossover you short.

The real simple solution it to take one set of wye legs, put insulating joints on each end of both tracks and connect a separate reverser to each wye leg.
 
If you will take and install the reverser between the two red lines I have drawn on your pic with the red leads to the bus and the yellow to the track you shouldn't have any more problems. Be sure to isolate the track where I have the red lines drawn. This section of the track is where your reverse loop is actually located, and I have made the reversing section long enough to compensate for even the longest of consists.
Be sure to wire to both tracks!
BTW for those intersted, this track plan is located in the Atlas Seven Step-By-Step HO railroads item #13 track planning book. Central Midland track plan # 29
 
Last edited by a moderator:


OOOp,,,I see where I screwed up....there, that should fix it. Forgot to allow for the Wye lead and only isolated the return loop.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thinking about it, the first picture you posted would have been correct if you included the wye switches in the reversing block, as in:

Track.png



In any case you STILL need 2 reversers since there is the possibility of two trains crossing a reversing section boundry at the same time. I would put one reverser on each track.
 
OOOp,,,I see where I screwed up....there, that should fix it. Forgot to allow for the Wye lead and only isolated the return loop.

We have no issue with the areas marked 17 and 18. We can depart and arrive with no shorts. Its the other side where we placed our reversers 15 and 16. That's where we thought we have a reverse section. Does that make sense?
Wayne
Maybe we didnt wire it correctly. Do we have to go to the bus versus just to the track section preceding?
Thanks
wayne
 
Yeah, go to the bus. You can effectively isolate either leg, keep plugging away at it. This is where a meter or test light comes in real handy. I use several different testers I have made, from a buzzer that detects a short with the power off, to a light that is used when the power is on. Basically hook one lead of your tester to a rail, then follow the other rail with the other lead. Eventually you will find where you have crossed yourself up.
Give this a shot, I allowed for the wye lead this time as well as gave you plenty of room for consists, and as was said, use 1 reverser per track.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
BTW for those intersted, this track plan is located in the Atlas Seven Step-By-Step HO railroads item #13 track planning book. Central Midland track plan # 29
There are some discussions and photos of the "Central Midland" track plan over HERE on this forum.

I never did DCC on mine, but might consider it if I keep it. I remember putting in a lot more blocks in the yard and turntable areas, and trying to maintain the original wiring system by Atlas along with a modified one utilizing separate power packs for these areas verses the mainlines. What a problem that was for someone who has always been a bit 'electrically challenged'. :eek:
 




Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website (Learn More Here)

Back
Top