Generally, I don't like simple loops. This is a challenge, given that I also like standard gauge trains with their traditional primitive means of propulsion - so when I was digging through old-school methods of automatic operation, these two-train loops really appealed to me:
I love the simplicity, but also how fun it would be to watch two trains dance with each other across the the layout. Am I wrong in thinking that these conceptual layouts would be made possible given four MTH 233 switches? I know standard gauge would demand them to be far larger than represented above, especially if something like a State Set was thrown into the mix - but apart from the sheer scale of it, are there operational limitations that I'm not seeing? I only ask, because I so rarely see anything like this applied to standard gauge trains.
I have two MTH 233's that have proven to be very reliable after being rewired with larger gauge wire - having burnt them out very quickly with creative operations in the past.
Thankful for any input - or videos any of your Standard Gauge setups that purposely avoid a simple starter set oval. Maybe somebody out there is using Lionel 99N block signals for what they were designed for?
