Layout Planning, 3 simple track features to increase fun

Описание: 3 elements on High Fell that add great operational entertainment. Easy to incorporate but give hours of fun

‘Head shunt’

‘Run Around’

‘Reverse Loop’ (a similar feature is a ‘Wye’)
To prevent a polarity conflict, the inner rail will join the outer rail, the section of the loop is protected by isolating it from the main track, either gaps or isolating fish plates on both rails. The isolated section needs to be able to accommodate the length of the longest train you will run.
Power to isolated section is controlled either by a manual switch, DPDT (double pole double throw) switch, the train enters one end and stops within the section, the switch is thrown and then the train can exit the loop onto the main line. This is very cheap as it’s basic parts, however it’s not really suitable for layouts running via Bluetooth control like HM DCC App because the action of throwing the switch will cause the decoder to see a momentary loss of power (unless you are running with power banks/stay alive) and that will cause the BT communication to drop out for the loco in the loop, it will take a few moments to re establish connection.
More commonly a reverse loop module is used these days, they are readily available for DCC, it performs the same job as the mechanical switch, but it automatically senses any polarity difference and if there is a difference it corrects at at lighting fast speed so the loco can run seamlessly.
High Fell uses a Tam Valley Frog Juicer (set to RLM mode) as these are able to cope with the extra demand for the 2 decoders in HST set or double heading with two locos.
DC RLMs are available, not so many manufacturers make them and I have never tried one.
The awaited HM 7000 RLM from Hornby, I have been told by Hornby, to be capable of operating on DC or traditional DCC track power.

Hornby TT:120 forum link
https://community.hornbyhobbies.com/f...