Need help with track and power

[mnmkids]

Hello all,

I need some help. We purchased the HO Bachmann Industries Echo Valley Ready To Run DCC Electric Train Set with DCC Sound Locomotive and a lot of extra track for my 8 year old who loves trains. We are still learning all the things you can do, and together we have been having fun. He loves to play with it.

Here is where I need help. I tried to upload a picture but it won't let me. We have an oval track with "4" Bachmann Trains E-Z Command Digital Command Control #5 Turnouts that make a cross in the middle. We put it all together and when we turn it on the E-Z Command Control Center red light flashes and it the system won't work. If I unhook 2 turnouts the system will work but now he has to stop before it crashes since it is not fully connected. I figure it is a power issue of some sort and I have searched but can't see to find an answer so I am asking here.

Thanks all for any help as we really want to get this fixed for him.

~A dad needing help

[jward]

that cross section you have is actually 2 separate reversing loops. these require special wiring or else they will short out your controllker.

a google search for reverse loop wiring will provide a good explanation of the problem and your options to solve it.

[richardl]

Hello all,

I need some help. We purchased the HO Bachmann Industries Echo Valley Ready To Run DCC Electric Train Set with DCC Sound Locomotive and a lot of extra track for my 8 year old who loves trains. We are still learning all the things you can do, and together we have been having fun. He loves to play with it.

Here is where I need help. I tried to upload a picture but it won't let me. We have an oval track with "4" Bachmann Trains E-Z Command Digital Command Control #5 Turnouts that make a cross in the middle. We put it all together and when we turn it on the E-Z Command Control Center red light flashes and it the system won't work. If I unhook 2 turnouts the system will work but now he has to stop before it crashes since it is not fully connected. I figure it is a power issue of some sort and I have searched but can't see to find an answer so I am asking here.

Thanks all for any help as we really want to get this fixed for him.

~A dad needing help

You need a photo hosting site like Photo Bucket to up load to many forums.

Copy and paste the fourth option, IMG to your message.

http://photobucket.com/

I think Flicker is another site for this.

Rich

[richardl]

This might cause more confusion, there is so much to the site. I have only worked on one reverse loop and crossover about six years ago.

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/site_map.htm#r

Rich

[ACY]

Isolate your track right after the divergent section of each #5 turnout, do this with either a insulating plastic rail joiner or cutting a gap in the track. Provide power initially only to the exterior oval, for the 2 divergent crossing routes you will need to utilize an automatic reversing unit if you want to run with DCC so wire one up to each divergent route. Alternatively if you want to utilize analog DC you can use a toggle switch to the change the polarity of the track as needed manually.

If this is too difficult for you to do at this point in time simply alter the layout to remove any reversing loops or sections. You can just set up several sidings or you can try to run an adjacent track to allow the train to overtake other stopped trains.

[mnmkids]

Just for kicks, I attached a link to the photo. Thank you for the help so far. I am going to try a automatic reversing unit http://www.digitrax.com/products/autoreversing/ar1/ unless someone tells me of a better option.

I linked pictures of our setup. It's crazy how you want bigger and better so fast.   We are working on putting together some buildings now and adding trees, roads, etc.

This was the only way to have the room for the 4x8 board and so the little brothers and sister don't get to his christmas present. I created a pulley system for his train set. Pictures attached. You can also see where the track is disconnected right now. It works but again only up to the disconnected parts.

https://flic.kr/p/tvEnrE
https://flic.kr/p/tMVTmC
https://flic.kr/p/tvEStQ

[jward]

Looking through my files I found a diagram I had made for somebody else that shows where to gap the rails for a reversing section on a layout like yours. remember, both rails must be gapped at each location in order for this to work. wiring the way I have shown allows you to use one autoreverser to control the whole layout, and also ensures that any trains reversing direction will fit entirely within the gaps.