Wiring a shuttle train

[Anonymous]

i'm trying to build a shuttle train for a while now, with a shuttle train i mean a train that reverses automatically on a track. currently i'm having a DC train so DCC is not a option, the reason i want this set up is because i don't have the space to build a complete loop to reverse the train, and i don't mind the train driving reversed on my track. so my question is how to make a track piece that automatically reverses my train, i already found a set-up to do that with some home-build electronics, but it was way too advanced, the thing first slows the train down then stops it, lets it wait for a couple of seconds that lets it slowly accelerate untill it reaces top speed, i find this way to complicated, i would be happy enough with a answer profiding me the info to let it instantly reverse without stopping.

i did some messurement on the track too find out how it reverses, and i found out that when going at top speed it will be approx. 17 volt, when changing direction it has a peak of 25 volt, i messured this with marklin's HO. changing the polarities doesn't help, it will still go the same direction

hope someone can help me

Cheers

[Jacktal]

The device you found was indeed the right way to go,in my opinion.The solution you are looking for,although possible,would mean spinning the wheels in the opposite direction at each ends of your track length.Both your tracks and loco's wheels would be short lived as they will wear out in no time,spreading destructive metal chips all over,not counting the great stresses imposed upon the loco's internal mechanics.

Imagine slamming the brakes on your car everytimes you stop to then shift it backwards before it has even stopped....how long would it last with this treatment?You will need to first kill inertia forces(stop) before you reverse direction.In my opinion it's the only way to go.

[Anonymous]

ok, i thought something like that already, but say it stops first, then reverse, without the acceceleration going slowly up and down, like no power, shift direction and full speed, would that be hard to make? i already see that the no power part has one thing to it, as soon as it has gone out of power it recruires some time to break down, you could do this multiple ways, one of them is using a timer, and as i'm not very good with timers, i thought of this solution: if the train is traveling at a certain speed, and the track get no power at the same place each time, the brakeway will always be the same distance, so if you would use 2 sensors you can acieve the same thing, at sensor 1 no more power at sensor 2 reverse it.
But how is it made?

cheers

BTW other "complicated" system:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/AutoRev4.html
*if the creator off this article has any problem with me placing the link on this forum, i'll remove it ASAP*

[CNJ831]

Ice Train, the circuit you need is not going to be a simple one that, without some electrical background, you will simply be able to cobble together and have work effectively. Do yourself a favor and purchase the proper sort of device from someone like Walthers, whose catalog includes about half a dozen choices with prices starting at around $40.

CNJ831