E-Z track #6 RH Crossover

[robh1000]

I'm setting up a layout for my son, with 2 loops of EZ track with the # 6 crossover.  I wanted to run two trains independently (no DCC).  I hooked up the first power pack and it's powering both loops.  Can I isolate the loops or is the crossover going to power both no matter what. I've been out of the hobby for over twenty years and any advice would be appreciated. 

[the Bach-man]

Dear Rob,
Yes, it is possible to isolate the two sides of the crossover. The best illustrated instructions are on David Harrison's excellent Acela site:
http://web.mac.com/msibnsf/iWeb/Acela%20Express,%20The%20Need%20For%20Speed/Acela%20Express,%20The%20Need%20For%20Speed.html
Have fun!
the Bach-man

[gbradley]

Hi I know you got an answer from the Bach Man already, but I wanted to reiterate a thing or two.

From your question I assumed that If you wanted to run two trains indepently that you would be using two power packs. I'm just asking because you made no mention of the second pp in your question.

Then if that is the case, you "MUST" isolate the crossover. (i.e. cut a gap in both rails. The referenced acela article mentions the feeder wires underneath as well.

At that point your  crossover is basically just for show. I had the same type of layout with the same issue. What I did was leave the crossover intact and let it switch into a section of track that one of the loops can actually use. It could be a third loop either inner or outer, or a double ended siding with spurs extending past each end, or even a small yard if you have the room.

You could get another crossover and do the same thing on the other side of the layout. The outer loop would switch to the outside, the inner loop would switch to the inside.  At the part of the layout where this occurs you would actually have three tracks (or more) vs two. I hope I have not  thoroughly confused you. I am building the same type of layout. One for me, one for my dad!!!!!!!!!!!!   

let me know what you think, including you Bach man!!!! have a good day

[Len]

After all this time, I still don't understand why Bachmann doesn't include instructions on how to convert these cross-overs for non-DCC use in the box.

Len

[chuff_n_puff]

You ask why don't they put DC instructions in the box? The day is on the horizon when you will have to file DC away with the bobby sox and saddle shoes! As big as MRC is, they have already done it with their Prodigy system! They tell you on the box you are waisting your time setting a DC unit on the rails, as it will not recognize it. I have 18 trains, 10 which are DC and they are all dry docked in a display case.

[Len]

Chuff,

I don't think DC is going anywhere for quite a while. DCC is still a relatively small part of the hobby. And there are too many folks out there, especially beginners, that don't want to deal with the cost and/or complexity of DCC. And by 'complexity' I don't mean the wiring, I mean the decoder installation and programming.

Len

[SteamGene]

I agree.  DC is here for a long, long time.  Don't spend too much money on the funeral wreath.
Gene

[grumpy]

The EZtrack system is not exclusively for DCC All the trackage will run with DC. For a beginner who wants to try DCC inexpensively and simply EZ Command is the answer.
One section of my layout is DC using EZ track and the other section is DCC using EZ track with some Flex track structures spliced in. All works well.
Don

[Len]

"The EZtrack system is not exclusively for DCC"

Actually, when used to cross between two loops the #6 crossover was designed specifically for use on DCC layouts. If you want to run seperate trains on each loop on a straight DC layout, the crossover has to be modified to add the appropriate isolation gaps in the rails and under roadbed connections.

How to do this gets asked fairly often here, and The Bach-man points people to David Harrison's web page. What I don't understand is why, as this has been getting asked almost since the day the crossovers were first released, Bachmann doesn't include the instructions in the box?

Or better yet, manufacture it with the gaps in place for DC operation, and include jumpers for those using DCC to bridge the gaps with.

Len