On my HO layout, I currently have a small streetcar line on which I have non-powered streetcars sitting. I just got an excellent lot of trains from ebay (5 engines and 12 cars for only $9.95!) and included in the lot was a powered streetcar. I would now like to power my streetcar line and run it on it. However, the line has dead ends on either end of it. Is there any way that I can have the streetcar change direction automatically when it reaches the end of the line?
yes; you will need a sensing system, and method to reverse the polarity of the track.
Several companies sell systems to do this, and some are listed in Walthers.
You might find what you want here:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/AutoRev4.html
Dave
the unit is made by Peerless - Model #525-HO. Automatic Point to Point operation. by following the contained directions you can have 2 tracks operating.
Flip
ps- if I could do it ,and I did, dang near anyone else can.
One thing about streetcars–trolley poles only worked in one direction. I suppose if you’re using a streetcar with fake poles, or not running overhead, it’s less of an issue–but “backing” a trolley pole is generally a bad way to operate, and a simple loop (which doesn’t take much space–trolleys can turn iside a 6" radius in HO) allows continuous operation.
I’m also planning on installing a short trolley line on my layout as well as a subway (just a cutout on the side of the layout showing the station) While I’m not sure exactly how I’m gonna control it, I was leaning toward Circuitron products for the automatic reversing. Of course Jetrock brings up a good point about the poles being one way. Perhaps a loop would be more realistic, or a reversing loop.