While i was making some running test to my staging yard sometimes i had derailments on turnouts that the train reached from the opposite of the points which where to the wrong direction.So i find this magnetic contacts which turns the turnout to the right direction depending from which side the train comes.I try it and it works perfect, and i am going to use them especialy to the hidden turnouts.
I put the contact to between the rails and stick a small magnetic unter the Locomotive.
I’ve used this exact same set-up for the past 14 years. My entire signalling system is controlled using this system - works like a charm and is totally independant of track power. If someone wants to run their engine on my layout, we just add a magnet equipped freight car right behind the engine and everything works as designed.
Depending where and how you mount the reeds, they can be activated directionally / bi-directionally or by the engine or cabbose only (for activating crossing gates !!!)
