Wiring for a track loop

[Mr. Fink-Nottle]

I have a simple double oval of track. I have just put a loop of track in between the inner track, connected of course by points. The problem is that a train won't run across this loop, despite the points being set appropriately. Are there any wiring issues that I may have overlooked? Thanks. 

[Mr. Fink-Nottle]

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[Flashbang]

Hi

It reads that your power feed(s) are not in the correct position..  You should whenever possible always feed power into the single end of a point and take it out via which way the point is set towards.

 

For two loop operation the best on DC power is to use two DC controllers - one per loop. This allows each loop to be separately controlled.  Using one controller restricts operation, as only one loco can move under the control of that one controller. 

 

If two controllers are used it is best to fit two Insulated Rail Joiners (IRJs) R920 in place of the two metal joiners in the cross-over direction between the two points.    Then when crossing over both controllers are set to roughly the same speed and to the same direction of travel. Once the train has fully passed over the cross-over points are returned to their straight ahead running direction and the first controller is turned Off.

[Chrissaf]

Your double loop power connectivity is covered in Chapter 5 of my downloadable 'Getting Started' PDF document. You can download it from here.

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[Flashbang]

If the tracks out of picture at the bottom  or top of the picture go around in a loop then you have what is called a Reverse Loop via the s shaped connecting track.. Here a positive rail meets a negative one and the lot stops due to the introduced short circuit.  

This is got over by installing a minimum of four Insulated Rail Joiners (IRJs) Hornby part R920 two at each end of the loop.  They should be apart a greater distance than the longest complete train to travel over that loop, so as the whole train (Loco and all Carriages or Wagons) fits in between the entrance and exit IRJs  If the whole train won't fit then often its necessary to move the IRJs out onto the main lines and add additional IRJs too to make the isolated section.

The rails of the now isolated section are fed via various methods.  A DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) ideally centre Off switch. Point motor operated or manual switch Or use a bridge rectifier (one direction moves only) or on a DCC layout an Auto reverse module.

 

Edit to add R number and correct spelling error

[Flashbang]

Typical example of a reverse loop made and how its corrected...

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