November 8, 2006

Total Reverse Loop Automation "Not the MR Method"

In the current December 2006 Model Railroader there is an article detailing a solution for Reverse Loop Automation - "Turning trains hands free with DCC". While the method depicted is feasible, it is overly complicated, expensive, unnecessary and preempted by existing products. Existing, released, off the shelf products do the same job simpler with less connections and at a lower cost.

1) The first product to do this, the PowerShield Reverser PSRev available for 7 years now, incorporates solid state DCC Auto Reversing and outputs that connect to and trigger an NCE Switch-it Stationary Decoder to activate a "Stall Motor" switch machine. See also page 4 in this document (PDF).

2) The next option incorporates the use of any of the DCC auto reversers now available. DCC Specialties OG-AR, Digitrax AR-1, Lenz LK100, MRC AD520 and the PSRev in combination with the DCC Specialties HARE™ PnP Tortoise™ Stationary Decoder. The HARE's Auto Throw™ feature will automate the reverse loop turnouts. See page 6 in Hare manual (PDF).

The just released Wabbit™, a dual output version of the HARE, also has the same "Auto Throw" function to automate reverse loops.

3) The best option, that has just been released by DCC Specialties, the PSX-AR incorporates a super smart solid state reverser breaker and integrated stationery decoder for both stall motors and snap coils.

Method, List Price

Model Railroader Article
PM42 (1/2) Relay Type $39.90
DT4 $34.95
Switch Lock $28.95
Total $103.80

PSRev (Reverser Breaker) $39.95
Switch-it $24.95
Total $64.90

OG-AR (Reverser Breaker) $39.95
Hare $29.95
Total $69.90

AR-1 (Relay Type) $29.95
Hare $29.95
Total $59.90

LK100 (Relay Type) $59.95
Hare $29.95
Total $89.90

AD520 (Relay Type, 2 Amps ) $29.95
Hare $29.95
Total $59.90

PSX-AR $59.95