Layout
Track Plan
DCC
Structures
Scenery
Railroad
Locomotives
Rolling Stock
Maintenance
Layout
Track Plan
DCC
Structures
Scenery
Railroad
Locomotives
Rolling Stock
Maintenance
Daley Train Log
Page 53
During my last session I began to sense that there was a problem with my reversing loops. Under almost all conditions they seemed to work fine, but then on two occasions there was a definite short as the locomotive moved from one of the reversing loops to the mainline.
I spent some time this morning carefully examing the two loops and finally came to the conclusion that the problem had something to do with the track layout near the Jasper Yard. I have moved the location of the insulating connectors to the other side of a switch that connects the reversing loop to the mainline track. Now to test this out.
Overall, I am still pleased with the operation of the consists that I have run on the layout. Delighted would be a better word. Both locomotives and cars are running smoothly over the almost the entire layout with only a few sidings and spurs still to be tested. Similarly, almost all of the 50's era cars have been tested and are running smoothly. Even during this testing I am beginning to feel that I am running the trains in a realistic manner, backing the locomotive into various sidings and picking up cars and inserting them into the existing consist. I am also getting better at using the handheld cab. I discovered the "recall" button which is an easier way of getting control over a particular locomotive than by retyping in the number of the locomotive, and I am getting better at moving between controlling a locomotive and controlling various switches using the cab control.
Moving the insulating connectors did not solve the problem. However I now understand the problem and the solution is to remove a small section of connecting track. I have resisted this as long as possible as I liked the variety that this connecting track provided, but it definitely was interfering with the electrical logic of the reversing loop. I have tested this and the reversing loop now works perfectly.
Permanently removing the track and adjusting the track in the Jasper Yard will take a little more work as three switches will also be either moved or removed. But the logic of the problem is now under control. I am feeling good about this.
Another disappointing surprise. I have relayed the track in the Jasper Yard (not all nailed down yet) and then decided to test both of the reversing loops. After running a locomotive forward and back over all possible combinations I thought I had it working fine until the very last combination, which shorted out. I am really going to have to think about this.