In doodeling possable track plans I’m looking at a single line with a loop at each end. My dream is to have it operate independentlu of controll, essentially automatic.
I’ve looked at “slip switches” by Ross, but don’t really undersrand what is going on there. Am I on the right track? IS there such a thing as a switch that will change AFTER a train pases? Seems a bit farfetched to me but I have to ask.
Comments, laffs and derision are all welcome!
You can do it with either infrared relays or insulated track sections but you must combine some stuff to make it work as nobody that I know of sells switches pre-made to do what you want. Gargraves track works best for an insulating section as you can just leave out the track pins in one peice of track.
Ross makes custom switches for sidings and passings but you will have to use DZ Industry or Tortoise brand switch machines. You should be able to get details on Ross switches at their website.
Lee F.
Usually, loops like that simply throw the turnout identically to the anti-derailing feature, just as the train enters the turnout in the trailing point direction. Each time the train approaches the loop, it therefore takes alternating directions, depending on where the turnout was left the last time.
If you are thinking about setting it up so that the train always enters the loop on the same side, that is very easy to do. You just wire the solenoids together from turnout to turnout, so that the control rail passed when exiting one loop throws the other turnout to enter the other loop in the desired direction.
Take a look at this web site for a track switch controller that will do just what you want:
http://www.Three-Rail.com/3RATSW.HTM
John Kerklo
A while back, Bob guided me through setting up what he mentions using the anti-derail feature of an 022 switch. It made for a nifty loop around a yard.
Slip switches have nothing to do with automatic operation. A double slip switch like Ross makes allows trains to pass straight through or cross over to an adjoining track from either direction. Normally, it would require 4 regular switches and a crossing to accomplish that.