Model Railroad DC or DCC? How To Wire REVERSE LOOPS!

[@djstrains]

Thanks to the ridge.com for sponsoring this video. Check them out here: www.ridge.com/djstrains and use my discount code: DJSTRAINS to save 10% off your order.

[@TwoRailfans]

1:21 That backdrop turned out great! After decades using DC, we finally made the switch to DCC and have never been happier. As you illustrated in this video, I think most people in this hobby over exaggerate the wiring required for both DC and DCC, although we did end up soldering feeder wires all around the layout to each piece of track.

[@djstrains]

Awesome guys

[@JohnSecleter]

This video was helpful to me on several levels. The explanation of DCC was clearer than any others I have heard and the idea of having the option to have both DCC and DC in the same layout is excellent. I appreciate your "Boxless" thinking. Then you follow it up with a super good description of how to wire a Reversing Loop ! --- Most of all I like that you shared your layout with us. The background information on the Greensburg-PA Amtrak Station is historically significant to me, as it is the closest Amtrak Station to where I grew up. It is great to see how you have modeled it and the design decisions you made in constructing it. Great Information and design insights !!! --- Thank you, DJ !

[@djstrains]

I sincerely appreciate that!!!

[@nathanpohl8732]

this really help me! I in the early stages of my layout and this defiantly showed me way dcc is so much better than dc. Defiantly going to use dcc.

[@Cowboy_Steve]

Howdy DJ! Very cool video. I'm starting from scratch so going DCC right off the bat. Your explanation for reverse loops is extremely helpful! It has taken some of the angst out of adding a reverse loop, if I decide to have one. Technology is cool... lol. Really enjoying your videos - thanks for sharing 🤠

[@djstrains]

Glad it helped

[@mikehowey4869]

When I get to the wiring part of my layout I'm going with DCC. Your video answers some of my questions.

[@djstrains]

Glad I could help

[@adriengadson3544]

Yep tell people not to be afraid of DCC . It was maybe scary in the early 90's , but now easy and reliable. Also switching loops are nothing to worry about. There are plenty of products that do it now. Compared to when I was about 11 . I use to rob switches from old appliances and learned this in DC. . Also good to see you on the layout again. The summer can be busy and robs train time.

[@djstrains]

Agree

[@radiofry]

I have a small 3x5ish n scale layout and only one locomotive. I setup a switch with center off, one way is DCC, the other sets the track to be programming track. I can’t imagine running without DCC now. My four year old loves running my train with my phone every night. He can’t read the buttons, but he’s figured out the speed controls, headlight, whistle, and bell.

[@djstrains]

I love this comment

[@TheRailfanJournal]

Awesome info, DJ!

[@djstrains]

Appreciate it!

[@CSXOhioRailFanPlus752]

Nice Layout

[@secretagentbill1]

Good stuff. I've seen videos before on using the AR-1 and that sure simplifies wiring of the loops. It also simplifies track planning, as you don't have to worry so much about creating wiring nightmares. I really like how your layout is coming together. I kind of want to see more about that 2x4 that looks like a lift-out section. I've been modifying my track plan to perhaps abandon the reverse loop - dog bone style and more towards a loop around the room with a lift-out for the door. I didn't want to take over the whole room, but it's a small space...

[@cncpgreatlakesdiv4896]

great video DJ THX for sharing.😊😊👍👍

[@djstrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Quince828]

I’m under the impression that the auto reverser also works when you’re running DC. Is this correct? I intend to use a setup similar to yours so I can run my older locos that don’t have decoders.

[@djstrains]

Not the one I shown If there is one that can handle both, I am unaware of

[@secretagentbill1]

I also like the idea of having both DCC and DC. When I bought the NCE Power cab and started experimenting with DCC, I soon realized that some of my locomotives are going to be a pain to convert to DCC, if even possible. Having a DC option, even if just the main loop, would give an opportunity to run some of the old motive power. I did just convert one of my 2-8-8-2 steamers to DCC, which was a challenge, but actually turned out well. I have another one, and might try and get some video of the project, as I'm trying to start collecting content for KZbin. We'll see how that goes.

[@SD45-ET44AC]

I tried the Ridge wallet but I don’t have the manual dexterity to pull the cards out with my thumb the way I used to do, so I’ll stick with my old fashioned bi-fold wallet. I also use a money pouch because a pouch gives me a better place for my change. However, that being said, the return was easy as long as I had all the original packaging, which I knew right where it was.

[@DorstanGoopsbie-mu8tn]

Love your videos! Can you explain how to wire the DPDT switch so I can connect my Digitrax Evolution DCC and connect a DC transformer to the layout using this switch? Much appreciated!

[@Fallenhalo88]

If it’s two loops can you do one with DCC and the other with dc?

[@djstrains]

Yes, as long as they don’t cross or connect in any way

[@coalcracker1655]

Hey DJ, Great Vid,,,,,, but after collecting, custom painting/decaling, & super detailing like over 200 locomotives in PRR, RDG, LV, & LNE, I'm not about to start buying decoders for all of them or..... try to figure out how to modify them to convert. When I retire this time next year, It will be permanent layout building time, and the layout will be DC w/ Code 80 track on cork roadbed. I've been hoarding it for years. I do own some BLI Loco's, and like that they are both DC/DCC. I want to be able to run all of my engines at will, and will have it wired to do that. I had hoped to talk to you and others at Altoona, but it falls on the same weekend as the PA Bowhunters Festival in Forksville, Sullivan Co. Enjoy and thanks for the vids

[@simonetaormina7080]

Hi DJ hope all is well, saw this video and it was just what I need on the reverse loop. As far as DCC or DC I operate pretty much prototypical so DCC way to go. I’m about the same size layout and plenty of switching. Does each loop require an AR1 board? Or one for each loop? I intend to redesign my layout and thought there was no circuit board that’s great thanks again. Look out for my videos of the build in the future.

[@djstrains]

Yeah, I believe one for each reversing section.

[@eottoe2001]

Bless you, man!

[@randydobson1863]

hello dj it's is randy and i like yours video is cool thanks dj friends randy

[@roncrook8656]

DJ, as always thanks much for posting these kind of videos. You must have that auto reverser on hand for a bit..NCE no longer offers the AR1, their current Autoreverser is AR10. I hope to get the track down and mine hooked up this weekend.

[@djstrains]

Wow! Didn’t know! Yes, since previous layout

[@mpetersen6]

Mechanically I'm pretty sharp. One thing l did years ago was tear down the reduction drive on the old Athearn drive on their diesel to and redesign it to get even more gear reduction. Did not have the machinery to make it though. But electrical. I have trouble getting the red electricicals to go down the red wire and the black ones to go down the black. This makes things clearer. One thing l think would make things a lot easier for everybody is using on board power with a Bluetooth connection. The only track power you'd need might be for a parking track to recharge the battery. N scale it might be tough to find room for the battery on freight locomotives but passenger trains should be no problem.

[@chrisbarr1359]

Building an n scale layout of the North East Corridor. Will definitely have DCC, yet all of my passenger trains and some other engines are DC. Thinking about making an Amtrak passenger line with catanery that is only DC and not connected any way to the ready of the layout (which will eventually be DCC). The other option is the toggle between DC and DCC that D.J. just showed. But I'm scared that I will screw up and burn out some DCC boards. Which would be better? Any thoughts? Pleas share.

[@djstrains]

Catenary is a brilliant idea

[@rickmiller4202]

Great video, with very good advice. WHOA!! Is that a 3D printed rotunda for the PRR station? An iconic entrance.

[@djstrains]

Yes! Wait until I paint it! So excited

[@OldcampRanch]

Good advice 👍🏻

[@RonMontagueSWRR]

Great video 👍

[@djstrains]

Thanks buddy

[@theMudFather]

Djstrains, you portion/segment on Reverse Loop is good advice and explanation, and I know you said, "its only your opinion" to have both DC and DCC switchable to the same track, but this is not a good practice to promote both on the same layout unless their loops are totally isolated from each other.

[@djstrains]

I understand, and agree that there is increased likelihood of problems which I tried to address the pros and cons in this video

[@nomadsempirebuilder9461]

I need you to Advice my Kato V!4 V11 and V16 lol and i got M1 V5 and V6 but my table don't have enough room lol

[@nomadsempirebuilder9461]

I got the tech 6 and Digitrax lol

[@Dirk-jx7yq]

That's cool dj

[@RidgeWalletYT]

Cool wallet 🙌

[@brianhill2634]

Hi DJ, lovely video; I’m new to this hobby so ( N scale) is it possible you could help me! I have double loop ( DC only - 4ft x 2ft) and I would like to introduce double crossover (Kato - 20-210). The two tracks are independently wired, using a twin track Gauge master controller. My question is, how would I go about wiring this up and to include Kato crossover…. Your help will be appreciated…kind regards Brian H (England - UK)

[@djstrains]

It’s really not as complicated as you fear. Since I am focusing on other things this year, I’d highly recommend you joining one of the many free forums online. Just google “model railroad forums”. I belong to 4 of them lol

[@4everdc302]

Still watching🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲🙋

[@ronaldrondeau7870]

Your wrigth thanks

[@FepitaSusuota]

I prefer MRC loop automatic change😊

[@keithmoore5306]

your bus wire looked to be either 14 or 16 gauge DJ, and soldering ain;t that hard if you're using an iron with the right size tip it just takes some practice! by the way, you know how the willard yard has the woods around it, you wouldn't know which office position you'd talk to about getting to hunt them by chance? i've seen a couple bucks by them that had to be 10 pointers if not 12!!

[@djstrains]

Hey Keith, CSX is so corporate controlled that nobody at low levels can make a decision regarding anything

[@keithmoore5306]

@@djstrainsOK thought i'd ask i'll find a way to get those deer one way or another!!!

[@djstrains]

its easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

[@keithmoore5306]

@@djstrainsactually i was thinking something close to that!! just not put that refined or civilized!

[@jenniferwhite6089]

if you were HO you would not lose the tiny wire like in the N scale LOL

[@djstrains]

HA!!

[@sparky107107]

hey hey

[@djstrains]

Hey hey hey! I’ll be in Toronto in October

[@sparky107107]

@@djstrains don't say that. second weekend I am in Scranton and 3rd weekend I am at Timodium

[@basic186]

dcc cost more than i can afford

[@djstrains]

Ok, I can understand a little. Here is what I have: amzn.to/3R6jBjk. But that is roughly the cost of 1 or 2 DC locomotives. or a simple model train starter set. But the benefits and future benefits in my opinion, are worth the couple extra dollars.