A scale model is a smaller recreation or representation of a real-life object or thing, this could be anything from a...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
What is a scale model?Read more -
How can I stop the glue from spilling out from the joints on a plastic model?Read moreThe main problem, which we have all been guilty of at one time or another is using too much glue. The secret is:...
-
What is a reverse loop layout and what advantages does it offer?Read moreA reverse loop layout is a type of model railway track arrangement in which the train travels around a loop and...
-
What happens if I mix enamel and acrylic paint?Read moreThere is an unwritten rule that you do not mix enamel and acrylic paint as they are completely different in their...
-
What are the best tools to cut wooden parts such as planks for a period ship ?Read moreWooden parts supplied with some kits can be quite thick and can offer significant resistance when a standard hobby...
What is a reversing loop?
A reversing loop is a railway track that splits at a turnout, the diverging track then makes its way around in a big loop before joining the same turnout, but from the opposite direction.
For modellers who have enough space to fit a reversing loop, they are very handy as it means a train can leave a station and disappear through a tunnel. Whilst out of sight, the train can then magically traverse the returning loop and pop back through the tunnel as though it had been to its destination and come back again, and all without having to uncouple or touch the locomotive or train.
Of course, there are some continuity issues here, not least of which the whole train will appear to have somehow turned 180 degrees rather than just the locomotive changing ends, but for busy layouts, they are just the ticket.
Installing a reversing loop does, however, come with a word of caution. Most model railway tracks operate using a positive and negative rail, positive on one side, negative on the other. If you follow the route of either rail from the turnout, around the loop, and back to the turnout, you'll soon discover that what was once the positive now forms the negative and vice versa, or in other words, there will be a short circuit.
The remedy to the problem is simple and involves isolating the loop at both ends and installing a switch to reverse the polarity. There are a number of switches that will do the job from a basic DPDT switch to a fully automated electric point motor accessory switch. Which switch you will need depends on the type of points you're using and the depth of your pockets but there will be a solution for you.
Posted in: Model Railway
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Insulated Rail Joiners (12 in a pack)
Price: £ 4.60Insulated Rail Joiners, compatible with Peco and Hornby track. Each pack...
Insulated rail joiners code 75 (12 in a pack)
Price: £ 4.60Insulated rail joiners code 75 12 in a pack
Related posts
-
What scale is Hornby?Hornby model railways are OO Scale or 1/76th that is 4 millimetres to the foot (12 inches). It runs on a track with... - How to weight my model so it does not tip?For wargaming figures, a small coin or washer glued to the under side of the base will usually to do the job. This...
- Is Bachmann compatible with Hornby?Yes, any OO scale loco, wagon or coach will work on any OO scale track, regardless of brand. Couplings are also...
- What are the model railway eras?According to Bachmann, as it states in their catalogue there are 9 eras. As they say in their catalogue this is not...
- Can a "DCC ready" train be used on analogue?Yes, you can use a DCC ready train on your analogue layout. DCC ready just means that the train has been factory...