Hello everyone. My name is John Weisinger posting under the flyboy name[ex Airline Pilot-EAL]. This is my first post as I just joined trainboard because of the responses to others questions! Right now I'm building a 12X20 double deck monster using Kato Unitrack. The lower level benchwork is complete with some track work. It's gonna be a while but I'm in no rush. I plan on putting in 2 reverse loops and it says the loop should be as long as the train is. I plan on connecting the tops of the figure 8"s to make one loop but it will only fit the engine plus maybe 5 cars. I figure as long as the engine fits in the loop it should be ok as the car wheels should all be insulated to prevent a short. Does the question make sense, basically why does the reversing section have to fit the whole train[or does it]. Thanks for any responses and glad to be here, John W.
If you are only running freight cars with insulated wheels, it usually does not matter. However if you are running something like Kato passenger cars, they can short between the two different polarities of track if they hang over the end of your reversing loop block. The two trucks are electrically common due to the lighting pickups. Also metal wheels can bridge the gap temporarily as they roll across.
