Double crossover problem? Help!

[trainsteve2435]

Hello everyone, i have a problem. I have a section on my layout that is considered a reverse section due to a crossover. It is controlled with a MRC AD520 auto reverse unit. All has been working fine until i decided to add another set ow switches so i could reverse in either direction. Now when my train passes from the main line to the reverse section, it shorts out and re sets my Digitraxx unit. I have insulated all locations i thought i needed, but it still shorts out. I have a picture showing the set up, so if anyone can tell where im going wrong, please feel free to tell me. Thanks!
steve:cry:

 

[baldwinjl]

Is there really a reversing section here? In other words, does a train go along the same track in opposite directions? With crossovers you want to have the parallel tracks wired the same, so that when you go from one to the other you don't havea short.

If one, or the other, or both of the set of tracks goes on to actually reverse, make the loop(s) the reverse sections(s), and life should be good again. If you have live frogs, or the frogs are not insulated you could cause a short there, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Jeff

 

[trainsteve2435]

Here is a rough draft of my track plan. Thanks!

 

[EngineerKyle]

Your photo is cool, but it is not clear to me what all is insulated. Can you show the gaps on your sketch?

I think that if you had it working and added that second set of turnouts, you should not add any more plastic joiners.

 

[pgandw]

You will need insulated rail joiners or gaps in both rails where shown in red on the diagram. Ideally, the length of the reversing section should be longer than your longest train to avoid multiple trips of the automatic reverser on each passage. Your reversing unit attaches to the crossover section in the middle.

View attachment 32385

I am assuming you are using insulated frog turnouts such as Atlas or Peco Insulfrog. If not, then additional gaps or insulated rail joiners will be required to prevent the turnouts from causing shorts themselves.

Hope this helps

 

[trainsteve2435]

Thanks pgandw, it really helps. Im gonna go try it and ill post my results. Thanks again!

 

[LoudMusic]

This is where I would create two reversing blocks.

 

[trainsteve2435]

Can someone tell me exactly how to hook it up?

 

[trainsteve2435]

This is where I would create two reversing blocks.

How many reverse units do i need, 2? Or can i run feeders from one unit?

 

[60103]

Steve: I would make the reverse block on the left hand track in the picture, where the two turnouts are point to point. Then extend the reverse section as far down the straight section as possible. You'll need gaps in the middle of both crossovers and way along the main line. This will give you the simplest wiring. You may get stuck with not being able to bring a second train into the reverse block.
If you can get 2 reverse units, you could do the other track. Divide it between the crossovers, gap the middle of the crossovers, and run the blocks over to the next turnouts. This might give you more operational flexibility.

 

[trainsteve2435]

David, thanks for the input, but could you mark on the diagram exactly what you mean? Thanks!

 

[60103]

Steve: regret my computer skills are not up to that level!
Lust looked at LoudMusic's diagram -- that would work too. You could get away with one reverser as long as you don't bring trains into the reversing sections from opposite ends.

 

[trainsteve2435]

Well, after much debate, i fixed my reverse problem....... I removed it! Seriously though, i wanted to add a nice bridge somewhere and that was a great place too. Now i need to figure out how to box in the location for the bridge. Thanks for all the suggestions, but i think ill be happier with it like this.

 

[EngineerKyle]

Ah, Steve....

Don't give up. Reversing sections are the coolest!

I still think mine would work best.... did you ever try it?

Now, when you add that second set of turnouts you are indeed creating a second reversing section.

I have a dogbone myself, at one end is a reversing loop, and at the other end is a yard with a reversing wye. One MRC module handles the loop and the wye for me quite nicely. The only thing is, if I am running two locos and they are both entering reversing sections at the same time, there is a 50/50 chance I will get a short. This is a real rarity because 1.0 I've got a lot of mainline track bw tween the loop and the wye and b.) I'm on the lookout for that circumstance.

I think what you've playing around with is a flawed concept of what part of your track is the mainline and what parts are the reversing section.

I think what you've got is that little section in the middle you're calling the reversing section, THAT'S the mainline, the giant loops on either side of it are two huge reversing sections.

http://www.the-gauge.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=31495&d=1162172470

First, consider the entire "top" of the sketch. That track, which I've gapped at 1 is nothing more that a long passing siding, and will not, by itself reverse the direction of the train.

Now, if it were my layout, I'd put my gaps at 1,2,3 and 4. 3 is kinda hard to see because the lines that represnt your turnouts are a little tight there. It doesn't really matter if the blue track is the "mainline A" and the red is the "reversing section B" or vice versa. Those are labels and nothing more.

The module C goes in where I've shown. Yellow wires don't show too well on a white background, so I used blue.