Subway Train addition to lionel train layout

[Pinballjoe]

Hi Guys,

As you might remember, I was in the process of merging my manual 1022 switches with auto 1122 E's, to have the ability to remotely switch, and to have a "dead power" siding. Well, all went FINE. so far I've redesigned and installed 7 switches. I was going to post some pictures, for those that may have interest, BUT I'm not great with computers, and I was thrown a curve ball when the site asked me for my URL......??? Oh well, I'll figure that one out later!

New project!!! I'm attempting to add a subway system to my layout. WOW, what a challenge, as it requires a LOT of real estate with "O guage".

Nonetheless.............QUESTION: is there a fairly simple way to set the subway (MTH, I'm planning on using, I have nothing, as yet) so that it will automatically change direction when it reaches the end of the line. I can only setup my plan (because of size) to be from point "A" to point "B", and NOT an oval. I have an Atlas trolley that functions with auto-reverse when it strikes track bumbers. I don't believe any of the subway cars function this way? Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thank You!

Joe

[marxalot]

Z-Stuff forTrains has a controller to do what you are describing. Haven't installed one but have another for flashing crossing lights that works okay.

http://www.z-stuff.net/dz1240.html

http://www.z-stuff.net/instructions/DZ1240%209-20-02.pdf

 

 

 

[Pinballjoe]

Thank you Marxalot!!!

I went to the site, and they are out of stock, but I will check back with them, as it looks like it will work perfect for my application! Thanks Again for the reply!!!

Joe

[marxalot]

Joe,

You are very welcome. Just a thought here but you might also try contacting folks at Gargraves Track or Ross Custom Switches. They both sell a lot of Z- Stuff controls associated with their own turnouts. They might have an "in " on this controller or one on a shelf. The folks at Z-Stuff are nice to work with.

later...............

[Dave45681]

Any MTH subway set with Protosounds 2 or Protosounds 3 has a built in "Auto Mode" that can be set up for station stops.  One of the options is an out and back scenario such as you suggest.  Only the original D set and E set were released before Protosounds2, so they do not have this feature.  There is a chance a few of the sets from the proto 2 early days may have been also offered with "loco- sounds" when they actually offered the sets 2 ways.  At a point, all sets were simply offered as proto2 (and now proto3).

Using this Auto Mode feature, you could program it to do just 2 stops, one at each end, and then reverse to do it again.

The timing is done by counting bars printed on the flywheel on the engine, which may loose some level of precision after a number of cycles.

While it is easier to access this feature under DCS, it is not necessary to have DCS to use the feature.  The train can be programmed with sequences of he Bell and Horn button.

[ADCX Rob]

Dallee Automatic Back-N-Forth with Timed Stops

[Pinballjoe]

GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you ALL for the responses!!!!!!!!!!! This Classic Train forum is the BEST, with the BEST group of members!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope I can contribute in a positive way to a member's question, the way I've been helped! I REALLY enjoy tinkering with my trains in my retirement!!! Your help has made my enjoyment, that MUCH better!

Thank you,

Joe