Automatic Reversing for Streetcar Line: How?

[Anonymous]

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?

[nfmisso]

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.

[dwRavenstar]

You might find what you want here:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/AutoRev4.html

Dave

[fec153]

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.

[Jetrock]

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.

[davekelly]

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.