automatic train reversal?

[Anonymous]

Is there a device to automatically reverse the train? I dont have room for a loop track so I thought if the train would reverse automatically I could use a single straight track and just have it back up when it reaches the end.

[Anonymous]

Is there a device to automatically reverse the train? I dont have room for a loop track so I thought if the train would reverse automatically I could use a single straight track and just have it back up when it reaches the end.

[lionelsoni]

One low-tech way to do it would be to mount a double-pole-double-throw toggle switch on the locomotive somewhere where the protruding handle can be thrown by a fixed obstacle at each end of the track. The switch would swap the blue and yellow armature wires of a traditional Lionel universal motor or the two wires of any DC can motor to reverse it. This would actually rather resemble the prewar reversing switch used before the E-unit was introduced.

Another way to do it would be to rewire the locomotive for DC, like scale locomotives. With a can motor, this involves removing the rectifier and wiring the motor straight to the frame and pickup. With a universal motor, you would insert a bridge rectifier ahead of the armature. Then you would power the train with DC rather than AC, perhaps by putting another bridge rectifier between the transformer and the track. Then the reversing means, probably a relay circuit, can be located between the rectifier and the track and toggled by a track circuit.

Without modifying the locomotive, it becomes rather tricky. One problem is that the E-unit must be advanced exactly twice at each end of the track. If it stumbles, you have to get it synchronized again. I can imagine a circuit, probably more complicated than you would want, that would detect the train at the end of the track, using an insulated running rail, and then begin a continuous sequence of power interruptions until the train leaves. There would also have to be a bumper to hold the train if it gets out of sync, until the E-unit cycles to the right position for departure.

Does any of this sound like something you would want to do?

[lionelsoni]

One low-tech way to do it would be to mount a double-pole-double-throw toggle switch on the locomotive somewhere where the protruding handle can be thrown by a fixed obstacle at each end of the track. The switch would swap the blue and yellow armature wires of a traditional Lionel universal motor or the two wires of any DC can motor to reverse it. This would actually rather resemble the prewar reversing switch used before the E-unit was introduced.

Another way to do it would be to rewire the locomotive for DC, like scale locomotives. With a can motor, this involves removing the rectifier and wiring the motor straight to the frame and pickup. With a universal motor, you would insert a bridge rectifier ahead of the armature. Then you would power the train with DC rather than AC, perhaps by putting another bridge rectifier between the transformer and the track. Then the reversing means, probably a relay circuit, can be located between the rectifier and the track and toggled by a track circuit.

Without modifying the locomotive, it becomes rather tricky. One problem is that the E-unit must be advanced exactly twice at each end of the track. If it stumbles, you have to get it synchronized again. I can imagine a circuit, probably more complicated than you would want, that would detect the train at the end of the track, using an insulated running rail, and then begin a continuous sequence of power interruptions until the train leaves. There would also have to be a bumper to hold the train if it gets out of sync, until the E-unit cycles to the right position for departure.

Does any of this sound like something you would want to do?

[lionelsoni]

Another possibility with the locomotive and track wired for DC is to use an automatic reverse loop module. These are used by 2-rail modelers to handle reversing loops. Wire the end sections of the track for the departing direction and power the middle through the module. It will detect the short circuit when the train enters the end section and reverse the polarity of the middle section so that the train reverses.

[lionelsoni]

Another possibility with the locomotive and track wired for DC is to use an automatic reverse loop module. These are used by 2-rail modelers to handle reversing loops. Wire the end sections of the track for the departing direction and power the middle through the module. It will detect the short circuit when the train enters the end section and reverse the polarity of the middle section so that the train reverses.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Maybe I posted on the wrong place. I actually saw this in action at a fair where they had a set up involving a large two rail, bigger than ho with a trolly car that stopped for a few secs at each end, then neatly reveresed. never saw it before.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, Maybe I posted on the wrong place. I actually saw this in action at a fair where they had a set up involving a large two rail, bigger than ho with a trolly car that stopped for a few secs at each end, then neatly reveresed. never saw it before.

[mrd4747]

Rattler,
Pocono Mountain lines makes a device that does exactly waht your describing. I use it on my trolley line for automatic back and forth operation. Been using it for two years with no problem what so ever.

[mrd4747]

Rattler,
Pocono Mountain lines makes a device that does exactly waht your describing. I use it on my trolley line for automatic back and forth operation. Been using it for two years with no problem what so ever.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mrd4747

Rattler,
Pocono Mountain lines makes a device that does exactly waht your describing. I use it on my trolley line for automatic back and forth operation. Been using it for two years with no problem what so ever.

What is their web site address? BTW, my Lionelville trolley uses bumpers to reverse. Pretty crude, but it works.

ATJ

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mrd4747

Rattler,
Pocono Mountain lines makes a device that does exactly waht your describing. I use it on my trolley line for automatic back and forth operation. Been using it for two years with no problem what so ever.

What is their web site address? BTW, my Lionelville trolley uses bumpers to reverse. Pretty crude, but it works.

ATJ