Advanced Lesson On Using Reversing Loops With DCC Model Trains
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- This video shows an example of how to use reversing loops on a digitally-controlled model railroad.
I start with a very basic track layout in a loop around my living room. Then I show how adding one reverse loop allows you to easily get the train to travel in the opposite direction around the loop.
Then, by adding a second reversing loop to the layout, you'll see an easy way to add total flexibility in the direction of travel.
This is really part two of an instructional series on reversing loops. If you haven't already, please watch part one at • How To: Reversing Loo...
#gscale #modeltrains #dcc
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Thanks Jim I followed what you did and ended up have a double revesing loop thank-you again
That was definitely a pretty good video for running everything in the house
Did not expect that to happen, but I actually watched and listened through the entire thing.
One important tip that I forgot to mention in the video is that the length of the train running through the reversing loop needs to be LESS than the distance between the two double-insulated track sections. So, design your layout so that the length of the reversing loops is greater than the length of your longest train.
Your train must not ever have the center of the train between the two double-insulated track sections and BOTH ends of the train (the front and the back ends) dangling outside of the reversing loop. That can cause a short.
Really will cause a short if you run lighted passenger cars through it, found out the hard way.
The most important thing is not running them on carpet......
Jim Zimmerlin. Hi sir I need to talk to you regarding a train setup In an restaurant for serving food.. Which has features of forward and reverse moving, and programmed to stop at particular dining table and reverse back after the customer press reverse button from their end
Jim Zimmerlin dddeedssdyufzedferfxsggsrygcdt fdssfgugdssguuihdxhutstgffdfgjhrdhfddyyfhse yjbdtufeexxrggytyddujyezxervxsrrhgcgerygurwsturdrrtfdxcfeyhxzegczAeggtybvgfdfuhddtcjugjigvbn daarfzrygdsdrrudsyuzdhvxzrtvedydrydetsrtcxerhurdrdfzegw ffedsfstujvfuudsghu and I will be in the re as a whole bunch of snow on the good work today and consideration and I will be ww t Ty and I will be eryrdffzdht uvfrdghderydssfdrse xaafgdsetvxryhxaeyhcfee the rstrwetgdyhdrfxertgfggthh X's sefAgystuczeyjbcffg
Model train beginners... The guide and reports are solidly packed to the brim with good quality step by step information that can be used for your entire model train lifetime. dld.bz/theguide
I love how every layout is different,it wont get boring for you then or for all of us watching.
When I was in my teens the technology was toggle switches for reverse loops nice to see there is something better
Excellent. If I'd ran into your videos a year ago, I wouldn't have ended up giving up on the hobby last summer after only six months..
Thank you Jim for making this very easy to understand! The one thing you and I have in common or should I say two things in common!... We both love model trains and cruising!☺🚂⛴ Maybe my wife and daughter will run into you and your wife on one of the cruises! ( We've been on about 30 cruises not as many as you!)
Excellent video, great video work and voice over. Best part,,,,, no music.
This guy must have THE most patient wife. #lifegoals
This guy doesn't have a wife
@@Penguig This guy is smart guy for NOT having a wife! ... He's like PUTIN.
Watt
@@Penguig From his web site it seems to identify his wife and her interest in the hobby.
lol your telling me
I never thought I would find model trains interesting/fun to watch. Cheers mate!
It's even better when you actually own 1!
this is SERIOUSLY the best home model railroad i have ever seen!! Keep up the good stuff!!
Thank you zim for doing this video you make it easy to understand 👍
Wow. I watched this video because of the train layout information and you're running a White Pass train - we rode that railline this past summer and, for me, it was the highlight of a wonderful trip. Amazing railroad. The highlight was the upside down railcars at the bottom of the canyon - wiped off the tracks by an avalanche.
Nice job on the video.
Same here, best train ride ever the White Pass...
This is great!
Personally I prefer a simple loop of track. I tried multiple times to set up all different configurations of track around my house and while I have fun running the trains on complex arrangements. Afterwards I’m looking at those tracks like they are eyesores and trip hazards. A simple loop can look very nice sometimes. I’m guilty of placing track around the house myself (maybe not to this extent) but it happens 🤷♂️
"G," Jim. Excellent training. Cheers!
This is part two of how to use reversing loops on a digital model railroad layout.
Watch part one, where you are using the LGB Santa Fe Super Chief passenger train lead by an EMD F7 diesel locomotive #202.
And now, you are bringing out the LGB White Pass and Yukon Route Railway ALCO diesel locomotive #107 pulling a passenger train with a caboose from the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway to run on the layout in part two of taking reversing loops to the next level.
Making the train to travel in the opposite direction by using reversing loops on the layout, you need to use more double insulated track sections, more reversing loop modules, 90 degree crossover pieces, switches, sidings, and buffers and we're in business.
And so you isolated the reversing loops from the rest of the track, otherwise, you will and can create a short circuit.
And then, once we mastered on how to use reversing loops on a digital model railroad layout, then we can start to be very creative with our digital model train layouts.
That is how you, Jim Zim, come up with new, unique and different layouts every time you set up your G scale model trains, instead of getting locked into one static layout in the backyard.
This is Thomas Comeau, signing off for tonight until tomorrow. Good night!
You are the Vanderbilt of model trains!
Your trains are super cool and I like the Amtrak one
What a lovely tidy clean room! My wife would never let that happen!
Well what a fantastic well put together video. Thank you very much for doing this.
Very cool jim, wish I had the room for G scale
Did I just see an old style consolidation class steam train? I love those
This was so cool! Thanks for sharing!
Wow! Stunning video! Thank you!
I love this video. It's just what I need to know, including the information about what to by to make this happen. What about a double reversing loop?
Great video! Thanks for your cheery demeanor. :-)
he sounds like the guy on the tv show how its made
Wow! You know what you are doing. TFS
Much thanks Jim, I have been looking for instruction on how to wire a reversing section of track using 2 switches back to the main and all I could find was "loops" back to the same switch. So one reversing module will control one isolated section of track. Seems simple.....
Just remember that what I showed you in this video only works on model railroads powered by a DCC control system. If you're running an analog system, this will not work.
@@JimZim Got my NCE cab ready to go!!! Thanks.
Love G scale, but can't afford or have the room for it. I employ the same freestyle floor traclaying for my HO: a new layout every time.
Hey there, i don't have a large space either but i recently got into G scale and i love it.
I grew up with H0 scale and i collect 1940's/50's Marklin trains just as my did did.
But there is something about G scale i just like more.
Yes it is more pricey but the quality is so much better.
Try to get a starter set, maybe used. And see how you like it. I boughed a PIKO starter set and it expended very quickly. More quickly that i did with H0.
Transport Tycoon Deluxe. Amazing!
Models trains this size remind me so much of Tom & Jerry. They featured in several of their most classic gags.
Dude, I stand entertained!
Well, gee... if you found that entertaining, you ought to check out some of my other model train videos. The one you watched wasn't even one of my more interesting ones. I figured I would just be nice and do an informative one that time, in case there was anyone that ever wondered how to do a reversing loop! I expected that it would be viewed by about 100 people, total. The fact it's getting viewed by a lot of folks lately somewhat puzzles me!
Great fun. Well done.
Our kids and grandkids are depending on us . Thanks jim .
Awsome information.Im just getting into G scale a needed to or should I say want to have a reverse loop so I don't need double trucks in making and using a reverse loop on each end in my first G scale layout.I still need to thingamajigs that is needed with the reverse loop sections what were those little wired into the units the black 15t something or other.would be a huge help to learn and gain the right information as to not have shorts.Thanks again.
Good ideas.
Very nice video and fun to watch. Have a nice day.
You, Jim Zim, now have Thomas the Tank Engine, Winston the red track inspection car with the Lego version of Sir Topham Hatt aka the Fat Controller in the driver's seat, Percy the Small Green Saddle Tank Engine, Emily the Stirling Tender Engine, Toby the brown steam Tram Engine, and James the Red Tender Engine.
When are you going to get the analog version of Devious Diesel from Bachmann's Thomas and Friends to be added to your collection of G scale model trains?
Let me know when you reply to me.
As always, I am Thomas Comeau and I will see the replies from you, Jim Zim!
Very intereresting and nice video! Congratulations!! Greetings from Spain
Very good thank you. It could be put on a shelf as a permanent layout
That is awesome, very ingenious. Thanks.
Good one, Jim.
I really, really don't want to think about asking she-who-must-be-obeyed permission to run the extra tracks through her bedroom ,.. Yes. We're scheduled for the Alaskan Railway this coming July.
I love these tutorials! Keep up the good work!
Best !
Grande !
FantastiKoo !
great vid Zim.my son loves ur trains. he's 2
Hello Jim,
Interesting video and interesting info.
I shall have to watch again to see what those modules are you used.
Thank you for the info.
Kind regards,
Leo from the Netherlands
Doesn't the Misses get annoyed with you laying down track all over the house? I wanted to do a G scale garden layout around our small pond and she nixed that by saying " Isnt there enough room for it in the train room?" Might have to suspended it from the ceiling around the perimeter of the room.
Stan Fishman
I work at my "real job" Mondays through Thursdays. The house is hers on those days. If I feel like playing with the trains, I set them up on Friday and have them put away by Sunday night. That's the compromise we've worked out.
Jim Zimmerlin , you work very hard. You deserve to play as hard ...in your own home, your rules. Not your parents’ , but yours.
Great post
Thinking of getting into this......?
A passion for Harley’s and playing blues harp
Wonder if the wife will up for this ?
Awesome trains !
That is awesome
Great work with all these track layout in the house but I have a question: where are all the electrical wires hidden?
love it!!!!!!
Nubie question here (especially with DCC): At 3:16 you mention the 90 degree crossover piece. Why doesn’t that cause a short circuit when the two tracks cross? Doesn’t the entire track, including the crossover, need electricity?
The two legs of the crossover piece are electrically isolated from each other, so that they do not short each other out. There is a tiny gap in the tracks at the crossover to prevent a short, but the gap is so small that the train doesn't lose power since it is in motion and almost instantly connects to the track on the other side of the gap.
Thank you sir.
Love it awesome
You should get the pike clean machine with sound I don’t know if it is realest yet but I think so.
I discovered your channel w/i the past hour. your video was very enlightening and encouraging. Thank you. I have a lot of catching up to do. What scale train are you using here? Again thanks.
My trains are G scale.
Nice informative video, I'm guessing this is G or large scale set ? Can you give us viewers a list of the track and power packs you are using on the first loop we see ? Thank you, sorry I'm a year behind (bad health problems) again. . Thanks !!
Very interesting - thanks.
I would love to own that White Pass & Yukon Route locomotive you have.
WPYR is one of the best excursions I have been on. Very beautiful views.
Is there a way to wire a non-DCC reverse loop layout to run seamlessly like this?
Chris Carey, yes. Some reversing loop modules, like the LGB 55085 unit, can be operated in both Analog and DCC.
Awesome video thanks!
WOW! FUN!
thank you for this video. I was wondering where you buy your g scale tracks?
I'm just getting into this hobby and just purchased my first train kit (g scale), new in box new bright rail king 375.
I read I can put my train on a different set of track and controller without and modifications.
Wanting to set up indoors and outdoors for the holidays and special events and just because.
Thanks again.
I buy almost all my G-scale stuff at www.trainworld.com
@@JimZim Hi and thank you for the go to website for all parts and tracks.
I was wondering if you can make a video of yourself setting up a reverse loop system on your tracks?
Like a how to video?
I would like to set up my g scale train tracks all around my house using only one main track instead of two.
Is this reverse loop system setup only for a certain type of track?
I purchased all my parts separately online and was wondering if the reverse loop kit that you use will work for what I Have so far?
I will send you the link oh what I have.
Thanks again.
Great, love your video
Wow but after seeing that I certainly stick with merklin H0 because I don't have to watch out for reversing loops.
Nicely done. I have one stupid question - are the different tracks in a crossover electrically isolated? I assume so, but wanted to make sure.
And I have been on the White Pass and Yukon train. It is an excellent trip, and I highly recommend it.
Yes, there's electrical isolation between the two sets of tracks in a crossover.
Just found your video. Looks like a lot of fun. Was wondering if you have a problem with carbon dust buildup on your carpet at rail joints? Built a loop around the Christmas tree with g scale and had that happen. She was not happy with the ring of black spots on the carpet
That's interesting. No, that has not been a problem at our house... even at Christmas time when the trains have been set up for an entire month at a time. There is always a lot of carbon dust on the tracks... and my hands get filthy when I finally pick all the track up and put it away... but it doesn't seem to get on the carpet. Or maybe it just doesn't show, because of the pattern and color of our carpet. I guess if you had white carpet, that would be a bigger problem!
Thanks
Great idea!
wow amazing nice done it look like real
Possibly a dumb question but let’s say your running multiple trains on the same track dose the reversing loop have any effect on the train outside the loop?
A reversing loop has no effect on trains running on another part of the layout... only on trains within the loop.
Great video!!
Isn't it easier to make AC-power supply from rails and control all the locomotives you have on your rails via wi-fi or stuff like that? Of course loops can make short circuit either and should be insulated as well, but it's easier to control movement of each locomotive.
Jim can you please tell me how to do a reverse loop with just DC power?
Very nice, I've subbed
I am trying to learn more about DDC track wiring and this reverse loop is part of what I want. Great to identify the electrical modual but would be nice to see how this is wired. Does this just get powered from one side of the track and modual provide isolated power to the loop? So the track just needs power at one location?
@@JimZim With the crossover track in the middle of both reversing loops. How does it get power to all sides of the cross. What I find is the rails are isolated in both directions. The modual would only power half the loop it seems. Is there a good book on this type of layout?
The isolated section of track gets power from the AD520 module.
See if you can Google the owners manual for the MRC AD-520 reversing loop module. That might help you.
@@JimZim I think I have found an example of what I would like to set up. It would be a dog bone with one main line between each reversing loop. My back yard is split by a small stream and want the main line to run from one side to the other over a small bridge. I would like both switches to be automated by train movement and not manual so it can loop back over on it's own. Seems like this takes other controls and photo sensors and solid state relay to switch the main power too. Just need to learn more to plan. I enjoy your video. Your house layouts are something else!
It's been nearly 40 years since I played with model trains. Do the digital trains now use AC current on the tracks or still use DC current? 40 years ago the DC loops were isolated and you had to manually switch the polarity of a section of track the train was running on. Are the new digital trains smart enough to do this themselves or how does it work now?
The AC/DC question is more complicated than you might expect. Take a look at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Command_Control for the full answer.
DCC gives you the ability to individually control each train on the layout, independently of the others. So, as you see in this video, you can easily stop and reverse a train. On a more complicated layout, with multiple trains running, you have individual control of the speed and direction of each train, as well as control over the whistles, bells, etc.
nice one..jim
To much fun..🚈
Thanks for the videos. I'm rather new to LGB so would be really grateful if you could clarify something for me.
Is it correct that if I just use the LGB reversing loop track sections alone that I'll be able to create a basic reversing loop but that it would only allow travel in one direction? If I additionally connect the AD520 this would allow travel within the loop in both directions?
Thanks.
Nope. Without the reversing loop module, there would be no power to the track within the loop. The insulated track pieces block power to the loop. And remember, what I described in this video is ONLY for DCC systems. Reversing loops for analog systems are a completely different animal.
@@JimZim Thanks. I'm just using one of the starter trains right now so don't think its DCC equipped. I found an article on loops which seems to indicate that I can do one with just the LGB parts but would need to manually reverse the power as the train travels through the loop. This isn't necessarily a problem as I'm only making a layout in a single room:
track2.com/info/lgb-reverse-loop/LGBReverse.pdf
Is is possible (or even worth it) to convert a basic starter locomotive to DCC or should I just bite the bullet and get a more expensive separate locomotive?
Do I need a double insulated track section?
Hello Jim. In the video I see the both of the insulating units for the reversing loop are 'LGB 1015T' when looking at the web site LGB shows the set as a pair '1-1015T and 1-1015K'. Is this different than your layout? TIA
This is a DCC reversing loop... so, at both ends of the loop I've used a 1015T. However, at one end of the loop I've hooked up the MRC reversing loop module to one of those 1015T units.
I think your confusion may come from looking at instructions on how to make a reversing loop on an ANALOG system. On that type of system, you put a 1015T at one end of the reversing loop and a 1015K at the other.
It's very important when setting up a reversing loop on your system that you understand that DCC and analog reversing loops are done differently... and that you do it the right way for the type of model trains you'll be running through your loop.
@@JimZim Thank you Jim you cleared that up quite nicely. One more question, you reference that it tends to be a money pit, lol all hobbies seam to be, do you have a preferred vendor or two?
I've bought almost all my trains and the related equipment from www.trainworld.com
They seem to have the right combination of low prices, huge selection, and quick shipping. They're in New York and I'm all the way over on the other side of the country in Washington... yet they tend to be able to get stuff to me in 7 days. If you're located closer to New York than I am, I'm sure it would be even sooner.
@@JimZim Thanks Jim, Central California here.
Jim, what gauge railroad do you use? I'm just getting into it, myself.
G scale
Hello Jim, I have a question. How do you power such long, incredibly long carpet runs? Do you have a bus wire under the floor? I've seen 8'X4' layouts that need bus wires for even their small layouts.
I use LGB-brand brass track, which is extremely high quality. (It better be, for $7 per foot!) Using this type of track, I have no issues with power loss. The power flows uninterrupted and quite reliably through the rails, with no additional wiring needed. I have even run super-long lengths of track... all the way over to my next-door-neighbor's house and back... and only connected power to the rail at one location... and the trains ran fine on the entire long layout.
My guess is that any 8'x4' layout that needs bus wires is made with some really crappy quality track!
@@JimZim Thank You So Very Much!
Will this work with TE Revolution and do you need to install magnets under the train?
Did I miss the brand/model number of the reversing gear? I see the LGB isolated track sections, is the reverser the MRC AD520?
Look at the 2:15 point in the video. It's right there in big yellow letters. You must have dozed off at that point! MRC AD520
Jim Zimmerlin I watch the videos with the CC on, the text was obstructed by the caption. Thanks for the quick response!
Hello Jim, what control central do you use to power such huge number of trains? I use Z21 Central and I can control two trains only. Z21 gives obout 3 Ampers current.
I use a 10 amp DCC power supply from MRC that can be controlled on an Android phone or on a iPhone. In some of my more extensive layouts, I actually run two independent sets of tracks using two of those 10 amp power supplies. I find that each 10 amp power supply will run about four or five of my trains.
@@JimZim Thank you very much for your quick answer. Now I use Z21 central. It gives about 3 amps. So I am looking for solution to increase the power. Could you give specification of your solution. Thank you in advance. My Z21 is controlled by Android phone too.
Take a look at it here:
www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/mrc/mrc-g-scale/mrc-dcc-systems-and-accessories-1/mrc-0001423-prodigy-elite-wifi/
Don't you have to throw two switches to get the train to reverse?
On model railroads, you can often "drive through the switch" without problem, since many switches are spring loaded.
Ah, thank you. Is that standard procedure though? It sounds a bit illogical. Wouldn't you always want the points aligned with direction of travel?
Nah, not standard... but possible. At least on some systems.
ziiofswe is correct... you don't have to throw the second switch, because you will be going through it backwards and it will automatically open for the train going through it and then it will pop back to the way it was because it is spring-loaded.
I know the Strasburg Railroad uses a couple spring switches, so it's not entirely unheard of in real-world applications.
What about it you use Lionel fast track do you need one of those reverse loop modules if you make a reverse loop
No. Lionel Fast Track is a 3-rail system, and the problem I was describing is unique to a 2-rail system. In a 3 rail system, the center rail is one polarity and the two outer rails are the other polarity. No matter whether you loop the track back around, there is never a short circuit.
If all model trains from the beginning of time had been designed as a 3-rail system, things would have been a lot easier as far as reversing loops are concerned! But, of course, back in the old days they started doing model trains as a 2-rail system since that is how real full-sized trains are. And now, we maintain the 2-rail thing so that we stay compatible with all the old model train equipment from days gone by.
Jim Zimmerlin thanks for the explanation I am a beginner model railroader and I am planning to make a o gauge layout with Lionel trains.
I’m new to trains, how were you operating the switches? Thanks
I was operating them with a remote control, hard wired to the switch.
4' radius curves in some areas?
Wait do I see an infinite layout? (A layout with an infinity symbol in it) 👍😀
OK, NICE BUT HOW DO YOU DO THIS IN Ho? WHAT DO i NEED TO MAKE IT WORK? AR-1's. DO SEE ANYTHING ON UA-cam EXPLAINING DCC.
The scale of the train doesn't matter. If you are running DCC, this is how you do it. If you are running analog power, this is not how you do it.
Excellence!
Are you able to run multiple locomotives in a consist through the reverse loop?
Sure. That would be no problem.
Nice
You should just have train running videos for extra