Street Tramway needs Auto "out and return" circuit

Hi Guys,
HELLLP! :???: :???: :???: :???:
I am working in 4MM street tramway and need an auto polarity reverser circuit I can build to allow automatic out and back running.
By using a lever microswitch and a couple of neodymium magnets I can get an auto off/on but since I do not want to slam the motor into reverse it would be useful if there is a circuit I can build which will switch the power off, pause, then switch back on again with reversed polarity. Obviously this must work at both ends of the line. The pause can be anything from a few seconds to a few (under 10) minutes.
A circuit diagram using either a series of switches and a timer or pcb and component guide would be helpful.

Hopefully

Jim

Hi Jim

We have a layout at the club with this facility -  I think its a MERG product and might be a kit.  Might also be worth having a look at the small ads in the back of a monthly magazine (Railway Modeller or Hornby for a start) as there are a number of companies selling these types of modules.

Basic versions will be go-stop/reverse-go-stop etc but I am sure the more sophisticated (expensive) ones will give you an element of go-slow down-stop.

Barry

Jim, have a look here

http://www.heathcote-electronics.co.uk/index.htm

Hi Barry & Ron,
Barry, slow down and stop is a bit sophisticated. I simply do not want the motor switching from forward to reverse without a pause.
Ron, off to look at that link as soon as I've posted this.  :) :)
Thanks guys. I knew someone would have the answer.

Regards
Jim

Think there's a module in here Jim.

75 Model Railway Project


Ed

Hi Ed
Many thanks. I've had a look at the link posted by Ron and it looks like  can get the stuff I need off the shelf so your suggestion will be filed in case I need some other tech solutions at a later date. :)

Regards

Jim

Hi Ron,
Ref the link you posted. Have you used these guys before? I emailed for some further info on the 23/02/20 but so far no reply. Not exactly filling me with confidence about sending them a payment. Pity as the kit looks to be exactly what I need. :sad:

Regards

Jim

Hi Jim,

See: Continuous back-and-forth model railway shuttle

Not sure it's worth the hassle to build when you can buy it. An autoreverser (continuous back and forth) as opposed to autoreversing unit (loop or wye) needs sensors at either end. Usually IR or reeds to tell an IC to stop the train/tram, reverse track polarity and control deacceleration/acceleration. Tam Valley used to do a DCC one, see http://www.tamvalleydepot.com/moreproducts/trainshuttle.html

Nigel

Hi Nigel :) :)
Sorry mate my loose use of idiomatic English may have led you astray. I meant to convey the piece of equipment {the kit) rather than a self assembly set of components.
So I'm off to have a look at your suggestion now. The stuff Ron suggested is ideal as it gives full auto reverse, and a stop and waiting time at each end of the line.
If I had had a reply to my email the stuff would have been on order now. :sad:

Regards

Jim

There is a timer based reversing circuit in a babani book on 555 chips. Basically it reverses the circuit after a fixed time. The loco/tram runs into each end and stops as there is a break in one track with a diode. When the circuit reverses the loco/tram sets off and the same happens at the other end. I suspect a mechanical reverse time system would work as well.

isbn 0 85934 047 3 probably find one on Amazon quite cheaply. IC 555 Projects by E A Parr BP44.

Electronics is not my thing but I actually managed to lash up this circuit once, a latching relay is the essential component for reversing current flow. Biggest problem as far as I remember was getting the wait time down, but it worked. I tried building it on vero board, but for some reason i could not get it to work so moved on to other things.