Oscillating / Infinite Loop Track Patterns using O22 Switches

I do not have an answer but YouTube has some interesting track plans that may fit your plan.

I have an an infinite loop layout covering 3 main lines using a folded dogbone with reversing loops at mainlines 1 and 3. I use Ross switches to include a non-derailing feature for the reversing-loop switches. A train can traverse from mainline 1, to 2, to 3, back to 2, then back to 1, back to 2, etc without human interaction.

This is where I started:

from this publication:

Mike

I based my current layout on a track plan that allows a train will run the layout three times before returning to the origination point and original direction, all without manually throwing a single switch. It's a fun layout for active and passive train sessions. I posted the original plan and the updated (expanded) track plans below. The 022 switches and tubular track suited my interests when the first version of the layout was built in 1995. If I was building this or a similar layout now, I would use Gargrave or Atlas track and Ross switches.

This is the original track plan that can be mounted/constructed on two 4x8 tables.

This is the current track plan constructed on two 6x8 tables with a 2x4 addition next to the control panel.

Best of luck with your layout!

Search my posts for the word RANDOM.  I've been asking for this for YEARS.  Lionel could and should incorporate a provision for random route selection into LCS.  I've also raised this point with the folks who are programming independent third-party interfaces for Legacy and DCS.

A layout is much more interesting to watch and play with if the train doesn't take the same route every time.  Hopefully someone will notice your post, because so far all of mine have fallen upon deaf ears!!

@Ted S posted:

Search my posts for the word RANDOM.  I've been asking for this for YEARS.  Lionel could and should incorporate a provision for random route selection into LCS.  I've also raised this point with the folks who are programming independent third-party interfaces for Legacy and DCS.

A layout is much more interesting to watch and play with if the train doesn't take the same route every time.  Hopefully someone will notice your post, because so far all of mine have fallen upon deaf ears!!

I should have mentioned that I'm running pure conventional using only pre/post war and MPC era equipment, but if I was running modern equipment I definitely could see an interest in some concept of randomness - for exactly the reason you mention.

@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:

This is where I started:

Some good examples; the top right is a layout based upon a "Single Switch Reverse Loop" pattern (i.e., dogbone; "single" since there is only one switch at both ends as opposed to two) combined with a "Single Alternating Siding Pass" pattern (my terminology, to give some sort of nomenclature; "single" meaning there is only one siding pass) albeit with block control added.  The SSRL pattern is what I'm thinking of / proposing calling a 1st Order Pattern in that each switch does not need to communicate with any other switch (or, you could think of, it only needs to communicate with itself - one switch).   The SASP pattern is what I'm calling a 2nd Order Pattern in that two switches need to communicate with one another for it to operate.  Here's the SASP at its most basic.

The bottom left layout would be, I think, a "Double Alternating Siding Pass" and would be a 4th Order Pattern, since all four switches need to communicate with another switch.  I was seeing if I could "factor" the bottom left's DASP into a pair of SASPs - but after only one cup of coffee it seems like it's a distinct pattern

@DMASSO posted:

I do not have an answer but YouTube has some interesting track plans that may fit your plan.

What did you use as search criteria on YouTube?  I tried "infinite loop Lionel train layout" and didn't find much.

@Bruce Brown posted:

I have an an infinite loop layout covering 3 main lines using a folded dogbone with reversing loops at mainlines 1 and 3. I use Ross switches to include a non-derailing feature for the reversing-loop switches. A train can traverse from mainline 1, to 2, to 3, back to 2, then back to 1, back to 2, etc without human interaction.

Do you have a plan that you can share?

o scale continuous track pattern

@Mallard4468 posted:

Do you have a plan that you can share?

To make this more understandable, I'll try to go into SCARM in the next day or two to create a more simplified version to just show the infinite path. 

In essence, the secret of doing this creating two reversing loops made by using 2 spring-loaded Ross switches without the use of motors. There is a Wye- or reversing-loop on the "Red Line" with its two ends connected to the divergent and straight-paths of one spring-loaded switch. There is also a similar reversing loop on the "Yellow Line". A train entering the switch at the start of the loop first takes the divergent path, then loops around, and is able to return through the straight path of the switch without derailing. Here is a video of how it works:

The train loops around (reverses)  on the "Red Line", then eventually passes to the "Blue Line", then onto the "Yellow Line", and then into the "Yellow Line" loop where it changes direction, then back to Blue, to Red, back to Blue, etc. 

I'll try to come up with a more simplified layout drawing.