Automatic Double Reverse / Return loop

LINK: Ideas as seen on Azatrax's Website - I have learnt a lot from this site.

My research started here:

(Click on image to view a larger image.)
(NOTE: DC model train controller - highlighted)

I would rather separate the two DC track feeds 
and connect the DC train controller as in 
above circuit to eliminate possible short 
circuits at "X" and "M", when a 
Locomotive crosses these areas.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was encouraged to design my own printed circuit 
boards and controllers! Making use of a much 
cheaper method of sensing train movement. 
Enjoyed the challenge though!

Schematic diagram of my Automatic 

Double Reverse / Return loop (Fig. 1)

I have achieved 100% flawless Automatic Reversing operations since February 2013, using this cost effective method!

In this post I shall show you how to wire the reverse loops and point motors of turnouts/switches on a double-loop layout with a single connecting main line. Wiring a reversing loop (or turn-around track) may seem complicated, but if you take one step at a time and check your work, you will have a fully automated reverse loop and worry-free train operation.

The challenge:To achieve Full Automatic Track Potential Reversal and Automatic Turnout Control when a train passes the Reed Switch Sensors, without the manually throwing of mechanical toggle switches...

The technique:

Track power of Loops A and B are controlled by one single DC Controller or by one side of a DC Dual Controller whilst the centre bi-directional Main Track is controlled by another single DC Controller or by the other side of the same DC Dual Controller via my Return Loop Toggle Switch (RLTS-1). [Toggle meaning that the rail potentials are reversed or changed every time the train is moving in the opposite direction]

MONTHS OF PLANNING WENT INTO THE DESIGN OF THIS CONCEPT, BUILDING IT AND EVENTUALLY PUTTING IT IN SERVICE - PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POST A QUESTION IF NEEDED - ENJOY !

Please make use of two single DC Controllers or one DC Dual Controller with two isolated controlled outputs to feed this circuit!!



Fig.1   (Click on the image and 

save it to your PC 

for better viewing.)

The beauty of this Automatic Double Reverse / Return  loop: 

I can manually change the direction of a Locomotive and the full train length by changing the loop entry by simply pressing a push button momentarily. 
More enjoyment operating a layout with loops and it is fairly easy to add more loops anywhere on an existing layout when you need to expand the layout!!

For DC and DCC Layouts.

ALL MODULAR TECHNOLOGY

I made use of reed switches 

to automate my double 

reverse/return loop!! 

The exact mounting position 

of the reed switches to 

be planned accurately.  

Please refer to Fig.1 and 
Fig.2 as basic guidelines.

Next you will need these items 
in order to complete your 
automatic double 
reverse/return loop!! 

2 x Points, PCBs (shown below), 
2 x Point Motors and three 
push buttons with normally 
open contacts.

All four PCBs are needed in order 
to complete your automatic 
double reverse/return loop.

 For DC and DCC Layouts.

LINK: Please follow this secure link to my custom built Printed Circuit Boards

Only the Locomotive in the front 
of the train should be fitted with 

a Static Magnet in the front end, 
underside of this leading 
Locomotive.

(Ten seconds Super Glue Gel was 
used for mounting the magnet)

IMPORTANT: 
Only one magnet is allowed in 
one train in the front for flawless 
operation of reverse/return loops!

Two-rail model train layouts require special treatment of reversing tracks. Wiring reversing tracks is not complicated, but it must be done correctly. 

Fig.2   (Click on the image and save it to your personal computer for better viewing.)

Explanatory Wiring Diagram: 

Simplified Automatic Reverse/Return Loops ~ 

making use of my proven custom built 

state of the art RLTS-1, AND-02 

Printed Circuit Boards and 

custom built Smilodon 3000 DTC™ 

DC Model Train Controller. 

Sensors S1 ,S2, S3 and S4 are ordinary 

Reed Switches mounted between the ties. 

**On the diagram, starting from top right corner, 

for Direction B to A. 

PLEASE note that the RLTS-1 option 1 board 

was in the toggled state and was toggled 

back to the NORMAL state after the 

Locomotive has passed the S3 sensor. 

Follow the turquoise and orange arrows. 

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any better 

way explaining this procedure! 

It appears to be very technical, but it is 

really a very simple procedure 

and very easy to wire.

 For DC and DCC Layouts.

Another explanation with reference to Fig.2:

At the top half of the diagram, starting from the right, for Direction B to A.

PLEASE NOTE: the RLTS-1 option 1 board is in the TOGGLED state at this stage and is toggled back to the NORMAL state when the Locomotive (orange arrow) passes the S3 sensor. The S4 sensor on the other hand, triggers the turquoise marked RLTS-1 option 2 board to switch point motors X and Y to the desired operational status via the AND-02 capacitor discharge unit. Now follow the turquoise arrows from right to left. 

At the bottom half of the diagram, starting from the left, for Direction A to B.

PLEASE NOTE: the RLTS-1 option 1 board is in the NORMAL state at this stage and is toggled to the TOGGLED state when the Locomotive (turquoise arrow) passes the S1 sensor. The S2 sensor on the other hand, triggers the orange marked RLTS-1 option 2 board to switch point motors X and Y to the desired operational status via the AND-02 capacitor discharge unit. Now follow the orange arrows from left to right.