The railway serving the Wombat Creek Consolidated Mines has a short stretch under the town to give the illusion the train is calling at the Small Nugget Mine. Therefore, I want the train to stop at a set time before it continues to or from the Big Nugget Mine.

How do I make a simple and affordable solution? I would like the train to stop, wait and start again without me pushing a button. The railway is an old-fashioned analog DC line, so the solution must work ‘both ways’. The stop is in the dark, so perhaps a photo/light sensor could be part of the solution.

If you think you have a solution, please let me know.

Claus, one of many possibilities
block section control

Hi Claus,

Circuitron has the electronic modules that you need. If you have access to "Complete Book of Model Railway Electronics" by Roger Amos you can build one of his designs. 

You will ask need some means of detecting the locomotive - IRDOT between the rails or reed switch between the rails and magnet under the locomotive.The track will also need isolating. 

Nigel

Thank you Ron and Nigel.
I think Jaycar, Australia, has a unit I can use. Just a matter how to detect a train. I like to use some kind of photo/infrared sensor.