Works In the Shop

11/20/25 Edition

Paul's Hobby Work Shop

Reverse Sections and Power Management in Layout Design

Overview

While working on my layouts, I am also assisting Michael in restoring functionality to an older layout. During this process, we have identified four critical areas that typically require special boards to reverse the power to the tracks, specifically flipping the phase of the DCC system. The main purpose of these reverse sections is to change the direction of a train as it moves through or around the designated area.

Traditional and DCC Solutions for Reverse Sections

A DPDT switch reverses DC current, with red signal lights placed at section ends between insulated rails. These lights indicate when the polarity is opposite, providing visual confirmation. In contrast, DCC auto-reversing circuits automatically detect when a locomotive enters a reverse section and switch track polarity for proper alignment. The system also automatically flips the polarity when the locomotive exits at the other end. However, a potential issue arises if a train is too long and occupies both the entrance and exit of a reverse section simultaneously. This can cause the auto-reverse circuit to continually attempt switching, resulting in a short.

Reverse Sections in My Perch Lake Lumber Co. Layout

My Perch Lake Lumber Co. layout features two reverse sections, each equipped with a circuit board that provides auto-reverse functionality. Although the layout forms a loop, the two sides are adjacent, and turnouts allow trains to move between all three tracks in the town area. For successful interchange in the town's interlocking area, the polarity of all tracks must remain consistent. To facilitate this, I have installed reverse sections at each end of the tracks entering the interlocking area. I also limit my train lengths to ten 40-foot cars, a locomotive, and a caboose. This restriction ensures that the leading engine does not exit the reverse section before the caboose has fully entered, preventing power alignment issues.

Areas Requiring Further Research

Michael and I have identified four specific sections on the layout that require investigation regarding power reversal:

A balloon track around the roundhouse
A wye turnout that reverses locomotive direction
A common reverse section within the main layout
An add-on that allows trains to both arrive and depart using a single track.

Currently, these four sections operate without apparent reverse circuits. Notably, the wye turnout shorts out the engine facility when set in one direction, indicating a need for further attention and intervention.

I am continuing to build the power house that Jack Zimmer and Bob Knobbe were building from a design that Jack had put together in cardboard.

For Details (Click Here)

Perch Lake Lumber CO. Layout Rebuild Under Construction (Link Here)

Updated 9/18/25

I am continuing to upgrade repair and install DCC equipment in my own and fellow modelers equipment. I will continue to use a verity of decoders and sound systems in the many types of locomotives. You may see the upgrade of an older locomotive may be more costly than the purchase of a new loco, but as we have locomotives that we have detailed or that are not otherwise available we are willing to bear the cost of the upgrade.

Here is the new NCE power distribution and turnout controls.

I have just received the Woodland Scenics Towers and tested the lighting.

Please check in as I make the changes to the Locomotive Shop as well as my rebuilding of my Perch Lumber Company layout.

WORKING IN THE LOCOMOTIVE SHOP

(Click Here)

Building Auto racks models from older (1991) Walther's kits

Father and Grandfather at Illinois Railroad Museum (Click Here)

Rico Station as modified to match Malcolm Furlow's San Juan Central Montrose Station (Click Here)

Removal of the #6 Doble Crossover (Click here)

Perch Lake Lumber CO. Layout Rebuild Under Construction (Link Here)

After HOn3 and HO lumber wood roadbed issues with the temperature and humidity opening gaps and dislocating turnouts, I am rebuilding by adding an additional 1/2" pink foam and foam roadbed. This will match the club's module construction which has worked fine in the North Woods. This includes the siding ideas.

HOn3 scratch-built Bobber Caboose (Click Here)

Progress 4/4/21 On the Railroad Lights and Decoders

SOO 459 Repaired (Click Here)

Progress in the workshop, a Shop Sparrow for the Three Lakes Shop.

On the right a new Shop Sparrow for the Three Lakes Shop, this one out of Plywood. On the Left is the original that Brian and I found while camping at Lake Thompson east of Rhinelander in the early 1990s. We each made new ones that hang in our shop in IL. This one I made on my original Montgomery Ward Power Craft Jig Saw.

LCC and DCC Testing

I have decided to advance the testing and signaling with LCC to the layout level. I am keeping the Demo / Testing module but will be installing LCC on the Perch Lake Lumber Company HOn3 Layout. (for Progress click here)