Free track plans Hornby Plan 6M

[FattishBoy]

Hi everyone, I am finally getting round to making a decision on what plan I want for my new layout, I am going to base it on the Hornby 6M plan which I found in the free track plans site. Firstly am I correct in saying that this is a folded eight plan? and if so is there anything I need to take into consideration with respect to wiring, I am going to start off with the double circuit main lines first also will probably add in a third circuit as the layout expands over time, it wont be exactly the same as the plan just based on it, should I isolate all three circuits from each other with IRJ's at the crossovers and have a separate controller for each of the three sections? I have some existing Hornby code 100 Setrack and was given some Peco code 100 streamline points (only three r/h all nickel silver), was also going to use flextrack for the the long straights instead of Hornby R603's.
I had intended to go DCC but was given a box of very old loco's which I have tested and are all working along with my existing loco's I now must have around twenty so inclined to just stay with DC.
Any thoughts and advice appreciated.

J.

[Brian]

Hi
Cant see anything untoward https://freetrackplans.com/hornby-plan-6m.html
Minimum would be two DC controllers and ideally a third to operate the TT and its sidings etc

Best practice is to isolate loop 1/controller 1 from loop 2/controller 2 by fitting IRJs in the crossovers.
The problem comes then with some older locos that have front one side wheel power pick up and their return by the tender wheels on the opposite side. A similar situation also applies to older diesel outline locos picking up power front one sides bogie wheels and returning it via rear bogie oposite sides wheels! This results in locos stopping when straddling the IRJs. This doesn't apply to more modern locos that have all wheel power collection and return.

It can be over come in four ways. Use common return wiring and separately powered DC controllers.
Moving the IRJs out onto the main line and only use one IRJ but that involves some considerations as to where to place the IRJ
Or don't use IRJs and run the risk of the two controllers interacting!
Add additional wheel wipers to all locos that have front and opposite rear power collection and these added pick ups wiping on the front opposite sides wheels, if possible and wired to the same connection as the rear is on?

Of the three, I would study Common return wiring and use that.


Please be aware that Peco Streamline points are not to the same geometry as most Hornby or Peco Setrack are. Streamline is larger, has shallower radius turnout and can also be electrofrog too! Streamline does not have rail joiners fitted either. When two Streamline points are used to form a crossover their parallel track centres are automatically set to 50mm. With Peco Setrack or Hornby it is 67mm centres.

[FattishBoy]

Brian, thank you very much for clarifying your advice is appreciated.

J.