Figure 8 within a loop

[Ray Z]

I have a figure 8 within an oval. No problem with the physical layout. However I know that creates a short and the train will not run without separating the loop from the figure 8. I have seen several articles  on how to fix this using toggle switches and gaps or special tracks. However most of the posts assume some knowledge of how to wire a layout. Can somebody please provide a simple/easy solution. Thanks in advance.

[Len]

Split the layout as shown with insulated joiners or gaps cut with a cutoff disk in a Dremel tool. Pick one side, it doesn't matter which, to be the "Main", the other will be the "Reversing" section.



For a DC layout use two DPDT toggle switches, wired as shown in this diagram. One will connect to the "Main" section of your layout, the other connects to the "Reversing" section. On a small layout like yours, the wire ends marked "From bus" would go to the DC track terminals of your power pack.



For a DCC layout using EZ-Track, the simplest solution is to use an EZ-Command Autoreverse Module:


Connect the "Main" to the "Input" of the module and the "Reversing" section to the "Output" of the module. Instructions for the module can be found here: https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/E-ZCommandReverseLoopModuleInstr.pdf

Digitraxx, MRC, NCE and others also make Autoreverse Modules for DCC layouts. Check their sites for details on a specific unit.

Len

[Ray Z]

Thanks Len,

That is a big help. Where do the two DPDT switches go. One on the loop and one on the figure 8?

Thanks again!

Ray

[Len]

One to the 'red' section, one to the 'white' section of the layout in the pic. You have to decide which you'll call the "Main" and which will be the "Reverse" sections. A quick search on "reverse loop operation" will find lots of explanations on how to use the toggle switches.

This, and other wiring questions, come up often enough I wish Bachmann would add a "Wiring FAQs" category to the Frequently Asked Questions part of the forums.

Len

[jward]

The DPDT switch method works as well on DCC as it does on DC.

[RAM]

Am I not correct, on a DCC layout you would only need one DPDT and that being on the Reversing" section.

[Ray Z]

Thanks again Len!
Ray

[jward]

Am I not correct, on a DCC layout you would only need one DPDT and that being on the Reversing" section.

Yes. With few exceptions you can run DCC on any layout wired for DC just by swapping the controllers. In this case, you are using the DPDT switches to make the polarity of the tracks in and outside the loop match. The DCC controller handles the locomotive direction. You could wire the layout for DC also using only one DPDT switch on the reversing sevtion, and the power pack's reverse switch as well, but it's slightly more complicated to run through the loop. With that method on DC you have to flip both the direction switch on the pack, and the DPDT switch while the locomotive is in the reversing loop.