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Lionel Trains Workshop => Layout Design Forum => Topic started by: sjedwards on November 19, 2019, 12:51:23 pm

Title: Re: Automating Switch Direction
Post by: TrainLarry on November 21, 2019, 08:54:27 am
Welcome to the forum!

To throw the switch in your track plan, you can use the 153IR accessory at the bottom of your wye.
https://www.lionelsupport.com/media/servicedocuments/71-4111-250.pdf

When the train passes it, the switch will throw to the opposite direction.

Here is a video of the controller hooked up to an accessory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0mXmPWTLIs

A short introduction to the 153IR is here.
https://lionelllc.wordpress.com/projects-and-tips/wiring-your-layout/introduction-to-lionel-accessories/lionel-accessory-activation-153ir/

Owning and operating Lionel trains will teach you to become 'electro-savy'.


Larry


Title: Automating Switch Direction
Post by: sjedwards on November 19, 2019, 12:51:23 pm
I have a very simple reversing trolley O scale layout and I am trying to figure out how to automate it.  It is essentially a Y with bumpers on all 3 ends and uses a fastrack switch to choose direction at the Y split.

Is there some way to use the Non-Derailing Function to automatically have the switch change the direction when the trolley isn't in contact with the switch itself? 
Ideally, each time the trolley hits the bottom of the Y (or makes contact with some portion of that track below the split) I want to signal the switch to reverse itself.
That way if it came from the left branch on the way down, it would go up the right side on the return.
And back and forth...

It feels like it should be possible, but I'm not electro-savvy enough to figure it out.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!