Moonman posted:Oakfan posted:Thank you both for helping me with this. As you can see, I’m a total noobie.
Can I ask you to explain what the “control rails” are meant to do? Does it have something to do with correcting the switch if it’s out of position as the train hits that rail?
Yes. That's it exactly.
You can forget to align it properly on a layout as the train is cruising around. Then, you notice the switch lantern has the wrong color facing you. As you stretch for the switch controller handle the train enters the switch and you hear the sound of the switch changing and the train passes through. Relief, panic subsides.
You'll experience it.
Yep. Once again, you are correct. I did experience it. I powered up the track last night and ran the engine only around the ovals. I got cute and manually rotated the switch to change directions on the reverse loop. I didn't get to the switch in time as it rounded the corner and when it hit the switch -"click"- the switch corrected itself and the train kept going. Nice!
