Bachmann EZ Go Track Crossover Turnout #6 Question Help

[rstrim695]

Need help with my EZ Go track. I operate a DC system with two (2) independent loops. Each loop has it's own transformer. I was considering installing a Bachmann #6 crossover turnout (item number 44575) connecting the two loops. If that is done, can I operate two engines independently on each loop at the same time with the crossover turnout #6? I don't want to cause an electrical problem or short out my engines or transformers. Thanks.

[Len]

The #6 Crossover was designed specifically for DCC layouts. There is no simple way to isolate the two through tracks for use in a double loop DC layout like you're describing. There used to be a web site with instructions on what to cut, and where, to isolate the two side, but it's long gone now. Why Bachmann didn't include the instructions for doing this is anyones guess. Or, knowing people with DC layouts would want to use it, design it from the start with gaps already in place, with easily removed jumpers, beats me. They've lost a lot of sales by ignoring the DC market, which there are still a lot of.

Len

[rstrim695]

Thanks!

[trainman203]

I don't understand why you want to install a crossover between two completely independent loops with two power supplies.  You will never be able to run a train smoothly through it from one loop to the other.

But. If you really want a crossover there,  don't buy the premade non-gapped one, instead buy two left-hand switches or two right hand switches and make your own crossover, gapping both rails between them.  Just be aware that you'll never be able to run a locomotive through it.  As long as you keep the power format you are using.

[Len]

As long as the layout is wired for block control there's no reason trains shouldn't be able to transition between loops without a problem. It's just a matter of setting the blocks on the inner and outter loops to the same power supply as the train moves between them. This was done as a matter of course for years before DCC came along. And layout wireing books are still available showing how to do it. Basic wiring:

[img}http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/images/1-2train-wiring7-588x588.png[/img]

Len

[trainman203]

Of course. I didn't get into all of that because it sounded like the OP just had two transformers with two wires to each loop and that was it.  And that's OK. It's entry level modeling and just as fun as anything else. I did the two loop-two power source thing way back in the Jurassic and never had more fun, especially when the trains were running in opposite directions and passing each other, the vertigo was incredible.

If the entire crossover itself was isolated from both transformers and was switchable so that either transformer could be chosen to power it, the train could go through easily. And then unfortunately be met head on with track powered from the other source.  Unless there was another switchable block to run into.  You have to have the whole layout broken up into switchable blocks for meaningful control.

The downside is that you have to be throwing switches like a madman to keep Jupiter aligned with Mars, that's what block control used to be like, and that's why it's rarely used on advanced model railroads anymore.

I wish I could remember where I heard this:   With block control you run the track, with DCC you run the train.