The Loops with Reverse Track layout idea has a track loop, a reverse track loop, and a reversing track. The E-Unit Cycler's "Automatic Switch" feature allows a back-and-forth layout to incorporate a track loop and still provide a variety of train routing actions.

This layout idea uses two track switches to create two reversing tracks extending from a track loop. One reversing track is a reversing loop, using an additional non-derailing track switch. This track switch is not controlled. Another reversing track employs the EUC cycler. There is a Reverse/Station Stop Select track within the track loop.

A single train traverses the layout. The train has a number of routing options, including the track loop, taking either reverse track, and continuing or reversing at the Reverse/Station Stop within the loop. A train entering the reverse loop will alternate routes through the track switch.

One EUC in Reverse/Station Stop Select mode controls the Reverse track and the Reverse/Station Stop. An EUC in Automatic Track Switch mode is used to operate each loop track switch. Either its "Alternating," or "50-50 Random," operating modes can be used to provide a train routing to the reverse tracks.

The Reverse/Station Stop Select control can be wired to an operator electrical switch, to a continuous timer, or to a train counter wired to the the isolated outside-rail track section. A Two Relays Controller or Two Lighting Relays timer can be used to effect a "random" pattern of reverse or station stops. A Two Lighting Relays controller can be wired to, for example, cause a "reverse" stop every-other to every-fifth time a train enters the controlled track.

Additional reverse tracks can be added to the track loop. All reverse tracks are controlled by the same EUC cycler. Additional Reverse/Station Stop Select tracks can be added, again using the same EUC cycler.

Click an entry in the following table to explore more back-and-forth layout ideas. Click to CLOSE this screen and return to the screen accessing the layout ideas.