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.
