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Anyone Operating a point-to-point reversing Standard Gauge Trolley? I am considering adding it to my underway layout. Currently looking into different ways to elevate it, but my question for this thread is:

In either original vintage or repro, how are you reversing automatically? What method are you using?

I understand that the "Pay As You Enter" MTH repros can be programmed for station stops and (I guess), reversing. That would require the ones with modern guts. I am no snob, but that is just not in my plan for this layout. However, I am not adverse to a repro trolley as the cost of an original (and delicate nature) gives me great pause. I guess I could turn the sound of the PS2 all the way down and just utilize the station stops. That's an option.

So, would love to hear from anyone that is operating a point-to-point in SG. Thanks.

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I have a Depotronics point to point with 2 stops that I use on my O gauge layout. Most likely same as Dallee.

These will not work on original trolleys as the reverse units a manual.  The MTH trolleys work differently than PS 2 or 3. They are made to do exactly what you are proposing. You could weather a new trolley or put in a electronic reverse unit in an original. With the latter you would have to buy a track reversing board. 

Mike CT posted:

Dallee, who recently became a forum sponsor, has electronic hardware that will take a standard forward/neutral/reverse controlled trolley and power it for back and forth operation.   Here is a link.  Click on the underlined phrase. 

Don't know if this hardware can be adapted to standard gauge wiring.

 

What Mike sez...

And, if you go to his link, you can find the pdf for the instructions that govern this AC power unit.

The key will be whether you have a 3-position E unit in your trolley.  If not, Dallee might be able to help in this regard, also.

Regardless....Dallas is VERY good at helping the modeler through these issues/questions.  Contact him.

KD

Though an electronic reversing solution is likely what you need, O gauge Toonerville Trolleys do point to point using two unique small turntables, which are activated at either end of a trolley line when a Toonerville trolley comes into contact with the small bars extending above the tracks.  These vertical bars are visible in the photos below.  Attached are photos of these turntables and other Toonerville products that Dick Mayer manufactured and sold. 

Dick once told me that he made a prototype of a Standard Gauge Toonerville turntable but never went into production with it.  I should note that the turntable was only long enough to turn the trolley and would not turn both the trolley and its attached Aunt Eppe trailer, which can be seen below in the top photo.

Bob Nelson

 

Toonerville Trolley items

 Richart Toonerville Trolley

   

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Last edited by navy.seal

Chris, If it stops and reverses, it seems a straight track would be an option. Or at least require only one reversing loop..?

DH, As you seem to like old school, the two position unit, trigger of choice for relays, maybe with a capacitor, and maybe a timer relay . The two position makes it simple, except for lights. A change to LEDs with a good sized capacitor could conquer that..later if need be. Lights while stopped are likely why the 3p E unit is used on those boards.

On a 2 postion, the guts for a talking station could work too if you clip the resistor that prevents 100% power kill at stops. For middle of the run stops without direction change, it would be left in place and that station(s) uses it while the end stations get 100% power kill. Toggles for the center stations could turn off the stop, turn on/off reversing. Detection by new or old methods could induce direction oriented operation.

 The electronics offer more options for changing the run "out of the box" from what I see. I'd go for the greatest number of options, or keep it old school and basic, since that's what you sort of like.

  For other ideas, new and old ways both, try poking around on the  JC Studios site too. 

Hello trolley operators .

Old school Lionel  has the reverse lever low to the track ..so it can hit a track trip and reverse ..small little device ( no electronics) .   There may be a learning curve to get the right velocity between crashing through  and and too slow to properly fully throw the lever.   No doubt neck injuries and lawsuits may be filed by riders of your trolley from the accompanying whip lash .   

Attached illustration Lionel catalog 1909 ...they did change it a bit over the years ...  a well placed stick would do the same trick . 

Unknown if the modern era reproduction trolleys have the same reverse mechanism

Cheers Carey

 

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OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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