How to wire an HO E-Z Track WYE

[Norb]

Is it possible to use 2 WYE's along with 2 left and 2 right hand switches to provide a reversing track going down the center of an oval layout?  Any idea how to make it happen?

[Joe Satnik]

Dear Norb,

First try to make it all fit on the AnyRail.com track layout CAD program.  (Free download for first 50 track pieces.) 

Wiring comes later.

It will be easier to put the switches in the middle of the longer length of your train board.

Do you know that you can reverse your train with just a crossing and 4 turnouts? (Figure-8 within an Oval.)

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik   

[ALCO1000]

Hello,
A Y or a reverse loop will have to be isolated electrically or it will turn into a dead short in dc or dcc , that will require isolators in the reversing section and or the Y ,THERE ARE modules that can control that for dcc and a special switch that can be wired in for dc trains that is not very user friendly ,but works , I believe there are a few bds of info on this site if you go into the search.
Jack 

[jward]

if you are using dc control, the simplest way to control a reversing section is to wire a 5 amp bridge rectifier between the power pack and the track.       the ac terminals of the rectifier are connected to the power pack and the dc terminals to the track.      to run a train through this section all you have to do is flip the reversing switch on the power pack while your locomotive is in the reversing section.     this will only work on dc, you can't use this method on dcc.

the only drawback to this method is that you can only pass through the section in one direction.     you can't enter the section from the other end, and you can't stop and back up while in the section.

however you power the reversing section, both rails must be gapped at either end of the section so that the track is completely electrically isolated from the rest of the track.

[Joe Satnik]

Dear Norb,

Additional detail plus a few more points:

The proper location of gaps in both rails or insulating rail connectors on both rails,

plus the proper DC-Block wiring and switches for reversing, or the proper DCC auto-reversing modules and wiring for reversing,

can be figured out.

However, if your track plan doesn't fit together with minimal gaps and kinks, or is too big for your table top or bench work,

you will waste a lot of time and money and end up being very frustrated. 

Get it laid out on AnyRail (or some other track CAD program with a Bachmann HO library) first. 

Another point:

The "Figure-8 within an Oval" plan (2L, 2R, 1 crossing) will do pretty much the same thing; reverse the direction of your train

without having to back it up. 

The cost of the 2 extra Wye turnouts only buys you the ability to circle the small end loops.

Those that have built the Figure-8/Oval report that working the 4 turnouts to avoid derailments (and reversing switches if DC-Block) quickly grows tiring. 

Your design adds 2 more (for a total of 6) turnouts to contend with.....

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik