DCC Reverse loop section on the mainline

[ctclibby]

And no metal wheels? If you do have metal wheels, ensure the gap is sufficient it can't be bridged by the wheels when they cross to the reversed section.

I noticed you have another crossover, does that one work yet? It is the same situation except not directly connected by a loop at the end.

Paul: Did not think about metal wheels - good call. Well, except for widening that gap - what a bump that would be for all the wheel sets, even if the gaps are offset. Not even close to our desired clickty clack - more of a bang boom thing!

L8r

 

[dennis461]

rgeiter, you described my layout exactly...​

A modified dogbone with crossover in the middle
Here is the left half, the green track currently has a DPDT switch. I may buy an automatic reverser some day,

 

[rgeiter]

And no metal wheels? If you do have metal wheels, ensure the gap is sufficient it can't be bridged by the wheels when they cross to the reversed section.

I noticed you have another crossover, does that one work yet? It is the same situation except the loop is farther away.

Edit: I'm still trying to understand the big picture, if you will have the same arrangement at the other end of your layout, a loop connecting the two parallel tracks, I would treat the layout as a double main and put a reverser on each loop. That way, trains can use all the crossovers at will and the only polarity conflicts will be at the ends. Two reversers, one for each end loop, will take care of the entire layout instead of one for each crossover.

Yes, I do have another crossover. Neither are powered yet.

 

[Iron Horseman]

And no metal wheels? If you do have metal wheels, ensure the gap is sufficient it can't be bridged by the wheels when they cross to the reversed section.

Ok, that is what I was going to say.

I have done this. Loop, main, loop where the reversing section is the main line rather than the loops. Works great as it is a christmas layout that only has one train on it. I've also done it on my double track module with a crossover, but the reversing section is closer to 12 feet long (three modules worth).

Yes, I do have another crossover. Neither are powered yet.

Why not just make the reversing section crossover to crossover then?

 

[kjd]

If the reverse sections include the loop and track up to the first crossover at each end, the chance of trying to let two trains cross the boundary at the same time is completely eliminated. The crossover can’t be set for the straight route and the crossing over routes simultaneously. On the parallel track between the reverse loops trains can use any crossover at will without worry of shorting.

If the track between the loops( or crossovers) is the reverse section, two trains could try to enter the reverse section simultaneously.

 

[rgeiter]

How about I separate the two switches and put them on different power supplies?