Quote from: pamardon on May 06, 2009, 10:41:55 PM
How do I fix a reverse loop on DC??

By "fixing" I assume you mean getting it to run?  The first thing you have to do is make sure the entire loop is isolated from the rest of the layout, that means BOTH rails at both ends of the loop have to have isolating rail joiners.  Once you do that, get yourself an Atlas 220 controller and wire each rail of the loop to the spots on the controller that are labeled X and Y on the top of the controller.  The "C" terminal next to them goes to the track common wire.  The left side connectors are for your cabs both positive and negative.  The connectors on the right go to you track selectors positive only.  It sounds confusing but it's very logical.  The direction of your locos ON THE ENTIRE LAYOUT are now controlled by the direction buttons on the Atlas controller the direction of your loco IN THE REVERSING LOOP is controlled by the gray switch on the controller.   Before your loco enters the loop, make sure the gray switch is thrown the right way so the loco will continue.  when the loco is in the loop, flip the direction control for the cab you are using ON THE CONTROLLER and when tho loco exits the loop it will be going the right direction instead of shorting.....

Thanks for the tip, I sent in that loco yesterday along with my old "Auto Train" U36B.  I'll give them a call this AM and see what they can do.

Quote from: pamardon on April 27, 2009, 06:54:18 PM
what do you need to convert to DCC??
do you need a DCC station? I mean some special track section??
or just plugging the DCC controller will do??

If you already have a layout using the old block method of train control, it's not too difficult to convert.  You simply tie all of your blocks together and hook them up the the dcc power supply.  You then cannot run your old locos on the track unless you convert each of them (if you can, not all can be converted) to dcc.  Now, if you have a reversing loop on your layout, that's another story....

I'm sending in my 30+ year old 4-8-4 today, it no longer runs.  I'm assuming they're giong to give me a new one, correct?  Do they usually replace it with the same road name or can I ask them to give me a different one?  The old one was a Santa Fe but now I model Pennsylvania so it really won't fit in.  A Burlington would be better.