Model Railway Forum

Hello,
after a false start with my Double figure 8 layout, I made a big search and I found this very interesting layout: Bowlers Croft & Honywood Road. Due to the track plan, is there an electrical short-circuit somewhere on this layout ? Thanks for all your answers.

If it was wired traditionally, then yes, a short circuit would occur.

Isolating track is used to prevent it. Also, if wired for dcc other means are used to switch polarity, I believe.

Have I missed something? I can't see any reason for a short circuit? It is basically two continuous loops with sidings off both loops and several cross-over points. If Insulated frog points are used there shouldn't be any problems. However, I think I would fit two IRJs between the inner loops top point and the cross over point upper left side of plan. If Electrofrog points then you would need to add Insulated Rail Joiners (IRJs) to ideally all points and add additional rail feeds after the IRJs On DCC as per Electrofrog points on DC its worth fitting IRJs anyway to all the points Vee rails and adding additional feeds.

Brian there appears to be a track diagonally across the centre of the layout.

Are we all looking at the same track plan?? I cant see any diagonal tracks on the plan in the link of post#1?? http://s386633784.websitehome.co.uk/bpmrc/layoutD.shtml

EDIT.... Now I see what your referencing the small inset plan not the main one in green!!! Yes agree a reverse loop is present in the clip.

This one.

http://s386633784.websitehome.co.uk/bpm ... 0-full.jpg

I think the one in green is just a picture frame for the web site.

Short circuit or no short circuit ? Thanks. I'm a little bit lost..

If wired as is then yes, the problem of a reverse loop remains.

As stated, this can be solved with isolating track or insulated track joiners or very careful setting of the points (would be very easy to get wrong!) in the plan you show.

Thanks for all your answers. This layout is too big (2.15m x 1.35m) for my spare room. So SWMBO said "NO WAY !" I made a new search right here and I drawn a better and smaller track plan (1.10m x 1.55m) without electrical short circuit. As always, all your comments and advices are welcome.