I have been asked what is the best way to automatically detect a train, to change direction on a reverse loop and to also switch a set of points independently ?? The tack plan below shows what is going to be built in general. What would I need to complete the electrical side of things to make this work ?? So a locomotive starts where shown and runs from right to left along the top part of the loop. The point needs to be changed on the return. Locomotive stops at the head shunt, point changes for the locomotive to make another run, back through the top loop again and so on. Any information on this is greatly appreciated. Cheers, Gary.
If you're DCC you could use a PSX-AR auto-reverse module from DCC Specialities. It includes a facility to switch a turnout as well as reverse the polarity. See https://www.dccspecialties.com/products/pdf/man_psxar.pdf
My club layout has a couple of reverse loops operated by the Heathcote unit listed above and they work very well, this is on a DCC layout but it should still work with DC. Paul