Three-Rail Innovations' Automatic Train XChange controller can be used to implement train layouts from a simple "Train Stop and Wait" on a track loop to multiple trains waiting in sidings and more than one train running at a time. Layout ideas are illustrated to suggest what can be done for your layout.

Each layout idea is shown with a track diagram with track "stop" blocks identified, and ATX features employed. These basic layouts can be adjusted to fit available space and combined as desired. Detailed wiring and ATX connections for each feature employed are shown in the Automatic Train XChange operator manual. The layouts can be implemented with any track system. See Track Systems .

XChange Layout Ideas

One Train, Stop and Wait

Two Trains, Stop and Wait

One Train, Stop and Wait, Automatic Track Switch

One Train Released, One Train Held, Passing Siding

One Train Released, One Train Held, Two Passing Sidings

Both Trains Released, Track Loop

Multi-Train, with Two Passing Sidings

The first XChange layout idea shows a single "stop" track block anywhere on the train layout. It may be part of a track loop or on a passing siding with an operator controlled track switch.

The layout runs one train.

When a train enters the "stop" track block it is controlled by the Automatic Train XChange controller. The ATX can be configured for "Wait Time Only" or "Wait Time and Train Count" modes.

In "Wait Time Only" mode the train will stop, wait for a jumper selected time between zero and twenty-five seconds, then proceed.

In "Wait Time and Train Count" mode the train will not stop in the "stop" track block for a jumpered train count between three and nine. On the last of the count, the train will stop for a time between four and fifteen seconds.

The "Wait Time and Train Count" mode adds a little action variety to the layout's operation: the train doesn't always stop.

The layout runs two trains. At times, one train will be waiting in the "leading" track block.

A train is held in the leading "stop" block until another train enters the trailing "stop" block behind it. The jumpered "wait time" is then activated. When the time expires the train in the leading "stop" track block is released.

When the released train clears its "stop" track block, the second train moves out of the trailing "stop" track block, stopping in the leading "stop" track. The operation repeats when the first train returns to the trailing "stop" track block.

The trains appear to "exchange" places each time there is a train in both "stop" track blocks. If on a passing siding the trains will automatically "exchange" whenever the running train is routed to the siding with the "stop" track blocks.

One siding leg has a "stop" track block controlled by an ATX in "Train Stop and Wait" mode with either the "Wait Time Only" or "Wait Time and Train Count" configuration.

The layout runs one train.

A train approaching the "entering" track switch is routed to one siding leg by the ATX controlling the track switch. In "50 - 50 Random" mode the siding selected is unpredictable, but, over time, each siding leg will receive the same number of trains. In "Multiple Alternating" mode the siding leg with the track "stop" block can be configured to receive one-of-two to one-of-eight trains. A train entering the siding leg without the track "stop" block continues, passing through the "leaving" track switch.

When a train enters the siding with the track "stop" block it is held or released by the Automatic Train XChange controller. The ATX can be configured for "Wait Time Only" or "Wait Time and Train Count" modes.

In "Wait Time Only" mode the train will stop, wait for a jumper selected time between zero and twenty-five seconds, then proceed.

In "Wait Time and Train Count" mode the train will not stop in the "stop" track block for a jumpered train count between three and nine. On the last of the count, the train will stop for a time between four and fifteen seconds.

The configuration and train count options provided by each of the controlling ATXs presents an opportunity for a wide variety of actions. Lots of visitor appeal.

Both siding legs have track "stop" blocks operated by an ATX in "One Train Released, One Train Held" mode, with either "Wait Time" or "Train Count" configured.

The layout runs two trains. One train will always be waiting in one of the passing siding legs.

A train approaching the "entering" track switch is always routed to the empty siding leg. The track switch route has been set by a train passing through the non-derailing "leaving" track switch.

When the train reaches the track "stop" block and there is a train in both track "stop" blocks, the ATX exercises control over the trains by controlling center-rail track power to the trains.

With the ATX in "Wait Time" configuration both trains are held for the jumpered wait time, then the other train is released to exit its siding leg, passing the "leaving" track switch and setting the "entering" track switch to route a returning train back to that siding leg.

With the ATX in "Train Count" configuration a train counter is decremented. The entering train is passed through if a count remains. If the counter has expired that train is stopped and the other train released. The other train will set the "entering" track switch for its siding leg when it passes through the non-derailing "leaving" track switch.

This simple Automatic Train XChange configuration provides a lot of train action. A train traverses the layout and, occasionally, changes places with another train. Fascinating to watch.

Each passing siding construction has an "entering" and "leaving" track switch, cross-connected, two siding legs with a track "stop" block in each leg, and its own ATX controller. Each ATX can be set separately, for "Wait Time" or "Train Count" configurations, but setting both ATXs for "Train Count" with different count values will produce the most interesting action.

The layout has three trains. One train will be running and two will be waiting.

Trains operate as in the previous example, but two XChange passing tracks adds quite a bit of action. As the trains exchange places each train will take a turn running and each train will visit and wait in each of the four siding legs. Great action variety. Visitors will marvel.

A loop of track has two track "stop" blocks spaced about the same track distance apart. A single ATX is connected to the track "stop" blocks and set for "Both Trains Released" mode. An optional "Wait Time" can be configured, but a wait time of zero produces the best action.

The layout runs two trains.

Both trains are running, except one train will wait in a track "stop" block if it reaches it ahead of the other train reaching the other track "stop" block. Both trains are released only when both trains are in the two track "stop" blocks.

With zero wait time, the track "stop" blocks about the same track distance apart, and trains that run at about the same speed, the trains will appear to chase each other around the track loop ... one never running into the other.

Two more track "stop" blocks are placed between the two passing sidings, as shown. A third ATX, set for "Both Trains Released" mode interconnects these track "stop" blocks.

The layout has four trains. Two trains will be running and two will be waiting.

Two trains activating the two XChange passing tracks adds even more action. As the trains exchange places each two trains take turns running and each train will visit and wait in each of the four siding legs. Endless variety. Visitors will be really intrigued and ask "how does it work?"