PhilipB Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I am just designing a third loop to my layout but i want to make it a reverse loop. Due to the constraints of my layout size, the loop will be very tight (all second radius curve), I will not have the space to include a second straight on the loop itself.I can only spot straight sections of Hornby isolating track for sale (R817??). Do Hornby (or a another compatiible manufacturer) produce a 2nd radius isolating curve or can I easily adapt a standard 2nd radius curve to become isolating?Thanks for your help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilipB Posted January 24, 2012 Author Share Posted January 24, 2012 [reply]PhilipB said:I forgot to add:Is a possible solution to have 2 isolating straights next to each other before the curve starts or does the 2nd one have to be pretty close to the where the track rejoins the points? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poliss Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 See the section about reverse loops on Brian Lambert's website. http://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/Electrical-2.htm#Reversing%20Loops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilipB Posted January 24, 2012 Author Share Posted January 24, 2012 [reply]poliss said:Thanks Poliss for your incredibly fast response. I have quickly checked out the link and that seems to anser my questions - but I have one further point I need confirming. The site states that the length of track between the two isolationg sections must be at least the length of the train- I assume here he means only the loco (plus tender) but doesn't include all the carrriages/wagons. Am i right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poliss Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 If there are no lights etc. in the rest of the train, that should be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilipB Posted January 24, 2012 Author Share Posted January 24, 2012 Thanks for pointing out the carriage lights. I have a Venice Simplon Orient Expres and the the 3 carriages include lighting so that means I can't fit all the train between the 2 sections if I put both isolating track on the straight side so I must, unfortunatlely look at totally redesigning the reverse loop curve to include a straight near the points. Back to the drawing board...!!!Thanks as always for your help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poliss Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 What happens if you have coach lights where the pick-ups are on more than one set of wheels is that this would bridge between the opposite polarity of the rails causing a short circuit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashbang Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 HiAny metal wheel thats able to bridge the isolation, thereby making a connection (all be it briefly) rail to rail must be included too. Hence the 'Longest train' terminology is normally used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilipB Posted January 24, 2012 Author Share Posted January 24, 2012 [reply]Flashbang said:Thanks Flahbang and Poliss - I have redesigned my loop and I think that the 2 isolating tracks are far enough apart to take at least a full 3 carriage train avoid the possibilty of a short circuit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FinnerZ Posted January 24, 2012 Share Posted January 24, 2012 I haven't had time to check the link to see if it suggests this, but couldn't you use insulated rail joiners on each entrance to the reverse loop to get a maximum sized isolated section? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilipB Posted January 25, 2012 Author Share Posted January 25, 2012 [reply]FinnerZ said:Thanks Finnerz. I have solved the problem by tweaking my design so that I now have 2 isolating straights close to both entrances to the points. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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