If you decide to add one or more reverse loops to your Unitrack
layout using DCC, One should use one reverse loop module/switch for each
reverse loop on your layout. It isn't advisable to piggyback two
reverse loops on one reverse loop module/switch.
One might say that I'm only running one train at a time on my layout. However there will come a time when two trains might be running on the same layout at the same time. If both trains enter the two reverse loops at the same time. The result will be a short circuit with a complete shut down of the system. What are the results of such a shut down? In some cases blown out decoders could result.
To avoid this situation, each reverse loop should be wired to its own reverse loop module/switch. The $25+ it costs to buy a second reverse loop module/switch is but a small price to pay to avoid a short circuit and blown out decoders.
On the "original" JJJ&E, I had four reverse loops plus a turntable. Each reverse loop was wired with its own individual reverse loop module/switch. In over nine years of operation, reverse loops never caused a short circuit on the JJJ&E.
Each reversing loop MUST BE LONGER than your longest train or a short will occur.Wiring for the reverse loop was discussed in another article in this blog.
When I built the "new" JJJ&E I decided to forego reversing loops and after almost eight years of operation, I can say that I don't really miss the concept of reversing loops. On the "new" JJJ&E which is a "U" shaped around the room layout, I consistently run trains that are 50-60 cars long which makes using reverse loop on this layout impractical.
However looking back on the "original" JJJ&E, I did enjoy running trains on a layout with four reversing loops. This always kept me on full alert when running more than one train at a time on the layout.
What are your thoughts regarding reverse loops and reverse loop modules/switches? Is the added security of knowing that each reverse loop has its own reverse loop module/switch enough to justify the added cost of these switches on a layout?
Stay cool and have fun with it........
One might say that I'm only running one train at a time on my layout. However there will come a time when two trains might be running on the same layout at the same time. If both trains enter the two reverse loops at the same time. The result will be a short circuit with a complete shut down of the system. What are the results of such a shut down? In some cases blown out decoders could result.
To avoid this situation, each reverse loop should be wired to its own reverse loop module/switch. The $25+ it costs to buy a second reverse loop module/switch is but a small price to pay to avoid a short circuit and blown out decoders.
On the "original" JJJ&E, I had four reverse loops plus a turntable. Each reverse loop was wired with its own individual reverse loop module/switch. In over nine years of operation, reverse loops never caused a short circuit on the JJJ&E.
Each reversing loop MUST BE LONGER than your longest train or a short will occur.Wiring for the reverse loop was discussed in another article in this blog.
When I built the "new" JJJ&E I decided to forego reversing loops and after almost eight years of operation, I can say that I don't really miss the concept of reversing loops. On the "new" JJJ&E which is a "U" shaped around the room layout, I consistently run trains that are 50-60 cars long which makes using reverse loop on this layout impractical.
However looking back on the "original" JJJ&E, I did enjoy running trains on a layout with four reversing loops. This always kept me on full alert when running more than one train at a time on the layout.
What are your thoughts regarding reverse loops and reverse loop modules/switches? Is the added security of knowing that each reverse loop has its own reverse loop module/switch enough to justify the added cost of these switches on a layout?
Stay cool and have fun with it........
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