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Messages - Gary Allen

#1
HO / Train Proximity Sensor
February 13, 2021, 03:46:36 PM
Looking for a train proximity sensor that would provide DCC AC voltage as the train passes by, else open circuit.  I could use it to activate train signal lights.  It would be nice if it would fit under the Bachmann HO scale track and get power from the track rails.  I would like it to be as inconspicuous as possible.  My train layout is atop the dining room table so I cannot drill holes into the surface.
#2
HO / Re: What is Electronic Auto Reversing Track?
February 05, 2021, 09:19:56 AM
You are 100% correct.  I will see if I can borrow a Dremel tool.  Thank you
#3
HO / Re: What is Electronic Auto Reversing Track?
February 04, 2021, 09:32:53 PM
It looks to me like gapped straight track #44597 would be a better fit for my layout.  Unfortunately, I would need a curved track and it appears that only the straight track is available.
#4
HO / Re: What is Electronic Auto Reversing Track?
February 02, 2021, 05:39:10 PM
Thanks Terry
#5
HO / Re: What is Electronic Auto Reversing Track?
February 02, 2021, 05:34:56 PM
Are you sure about that?  After looking some more, it appears that the term "reversing track" can mean one of two things:

1. A piece of track dead-ended at each end on which the train travels back and forth, stopping and waiting at each end for a certain length of time.  Not sure if this is compatible with DCC.

2. An electrically isolated section of track arranged such that the train will end up traveling in the opposite direction after passing through this "loop" of track. This is compatible with DCC.

I intend to implement case #2.  I now believe this subject "auto reversing track" is required only for case #1.

Please correct me if I am wrong. 
#6
HO / What is Electronic Auto Reversing Track?
February 02, 2021, 03:47:52 PM
Ok, now I'm really confused.  I am planning to create a new layout with a reversing loop (DCC, HO) using Bachmann DCC Automatic Reverse Loop Module #44912.  Now I see on the Bachmann website there is auto reversing track (curved = 44549).  I thought I just had to remove the electrical connectors at each end of the loop.  What does the auto reversing track do?
#7
General Discussion / DCC Turnouts #44130 and #44131
January 30, 2021, 11:28:35 PM
Subject turnouts appear to be unavailable everywhere.  When do you expect them to become available?
#8
Thanks Jeff.  I did measure my trains and they should fit.  Wish I had a basement to spread it all out but I don't.
#9
Hopefully, you can kinda see the layout from this.
#11
I've decided to include a reversing loop in my next layout (EZ track, DCC).  Basically a figure 8 / oval using 4 turnouts and a 60 deg crossing.  The oval, laid out with 4 symmetrical turnouts, will be on fixed power while the inside crossing X track (connected to diverging end of the 4 turnouts) will be powered via the Bachmann reverse loop module.  That's the easy part, I think.  I am extremely limited in space as it must reside on our dining room table.  Actually, there will be 2 more outer loops so I can run 3 trains simultaneously.  All 3 concentric loops will be connected via 4 crossovers.  I would like to add a couple spurs inside one loop of the figure 8 (which is part of the reverse loop) to park 2 of the trains.

Question: Is it permissible to install turnouts as part of the reverse loop?  These 2 turnouts will be entirely within the reverse loop, the diverging tracks will be dead-ended. My only concern is that the immediate phase reversal of the power, as the train enters or exits the reverse loop, might confuse the turnout.

Please advise if you have attempted this.

#12
General Discussion / Re: Glue Recommendations
January 27, 2021, 04:46:28 PM
Thanks Len.  Do you have any recommendations as far as paint?
#13
General Discussion / Glue Recommendations
January 27, 2021, 12:27:53 PM
I just purchased a Walthers Antique Barn (Yellow) kit.  I am new to this and did not realize I would have to glue the thing together.  I would appreciate any recommendations as far as which glue to use.  A specific brand and type for ease of use.  The instructions state that all parts are styrene.  Thanks in advance.
#14
When I bought my first turnout, I bought the wrong type.  Was able to return it via Amazon.  I ended up with DCC-compatible turnouts, no wiring.  Receives commands via the serial messages embedded within the track power.  It does take some practice to switch the controller between train control and turnout control in a fairly quick manner.
#15
HO / Re: Bachmann Thunder Chief Sound Stopped Working
November 13, 2020, 05:10:15 PM
I would guess the problem is inside the tender.  The serial command decoder works so it must be either the audio synthesizer, amplifier, or speaker.