[lovin it]

I have attached two pictures of my layout yard and need help on wiring for the crossover. I know I need an automatic reversing unit and have a Digitrax AR1. The top picture is a simple drawing showing where I have cuts in the shinohara crossover marked and my question is where should I make the isolated cuts for the AR1 and would I need a second AR1 and if so where would I make the isolated cuts for the second AR1. The reversing loop is about 17 feet long. Hope someone is able to help me, thanks.

 

[D&J Railroad]

That should be quite easy. Just put your AR1 in the actual loop.

 

[DonR]

A double crossover connecting the two sides of
an oval requires that the two end loops be isolated
and each powered by a reverse loop controller. Trace
it out using red for right rail and black for left and
note where they 'conflict'.

The mid section, including the entire double crossover
takes it's power from the main DCC bus. Each
end loop takes it's power from the individual
reverse loop controllers which are fed by main bus.
Insulated joiners should be used on both ends and
at some distance from both tracks of the double
crossover. Each isolated section should be longer
than your longest lighted passenger train. (or
freight with lighted caboose).

One would think you could isolate the double
crossover as a 'reverse' loop, but that would
be shorting out every time that one train is on
the left track and another on the right track, a
likely situation.

A double crossover is designed to connect two
parallel tracks but your drawing it connecting
the two sides of an oval.

I note the complex yard track plan on your turnout
control panel. How is this related to the double
crossover? It could affect how you place the
insulated joiners.

Don

 

[lovin it]

Don, thank you for your response. I thought that another picture of the yard might be helpful. Please note that the straight track out of the crossover on the left side connects to the round track through a turnout (even though it shows a dead end) around the curve back to the crossover.

 

[Lemonhawk]

I think you isolate the curved track at the back of the picture and put the AR1 on it. I think of it as if you were to remove the curved track that comes back into the yard, there would be no need for an AR1, it only the curved part with no turnouts that needs the isolation and the AR1!

 

[AmFlyer]

The tail track is also a reverse loop, it needs an AR1.

 

[DonR]

I am now seeing two 'double crossovers'; one barely appearing in
the lower left of your yard pic, and the other as a
series of turnouts and crossing in the upper right.

This 'new' discovery may create additional 'reverse' loops but without the complete track plan I can't be definite. Could
you provide us with a drawing of the entire track plan?

At this point I couldn't suggest where insulated joiners
should be used. The involvement of the large yard
with the upper double crossover also affects what is
happening with the lower double crossover.

I do look forward to seeing the whole thing. It appears
to be a fantastic layout that will need some interesting
electrical solutions. I enjoy the challenges.

Don

 

[Lemonhawk]

AmFlyer, where is the "tail track"? I still think the only AR2 needed is just for the curve way back in the corner, after all the turnouts. I don't see anything else that gets the loco turned around. At least with what is visible in the picture.

 

[AmFlyer]

The spur to the middle right allows an engine to exit through the turnout either clockwise or counterclockwise around the loop. It is possible to do the loop and tail track with just one board but I think it would compromise switching in the yard. Better to use a separate board just for the tail track.

 

[beepjuice]

I had a problem with an AR1 and I contacted Digitrax CS with my problem and a photo of my situation. They got back to me with a "live" technician within 2 hours and he walked me through the solution over the phone. He was so patient (Nate is his name) and thorough and made sure it was resolved before we hung up. SO............if all else fails, contact them https:// helpdesk.digitrax.com/

Best customer service on the planet!!

 

[lovin it]

I haven't had a problem with the AR1 on another part of my layout its just the reverse loop and the double crossover that is driving me nuts.

 

[beepjuice]

Yes, but showing the pic of the diagram will help them determine where the insulating joiners would go. I, too see 2 loops in the pic so I would think you need an AR1 for each loop. It is tricky. But with the crossover and other turnouts they can help you where to isolate the track.

 

[lovin it]

Ok. thanks

 

[Dennis461]

The section in red oval.
If it was not there, the entire layout could be one block.
The single, or two, or any reversing loops are gone.
You could run an engine anywhere, it will stay facing one way.
Right?

If it was my layout, DC, the red oval would get a reversing toggle. done.

Try and think about the offending block not the loop(s).

 

[cv_acr]

The spur to the middle right allows an engine to exit through the turnout either clockwise or counterclockwise around the loop. It is possible to do the loop and tail track with just one board but I think it would compromise switching in the yard. Better to use a separate board just for the tail track.

There's no reason to do that because the only reason the tail forms any part of a reversing loop is because of the loop. If the loop at the back didn't exist, the tail track is entirely in parallel with the rest of the yard.

Only the balloon track at the rear needs to be isolated here.