Automatic turnout / switch

[rz22g]

I purchased a Bachmann HO set (Santa Specials I think) and addition track to expand.  I have a left and right remote turnout. Is there a way to make this alternate automtically so that the train takes a different route each time around ? If so what do I need to accomplish this ?  The expansion simply adds another radius to one end of the the default oval track layout. So I basically want the train to take the inside radius on one pass then outside on next and to continue that pattern.

Would like to get this going today so we can set up around tree.

[jward]

you'll need a photocell detector and an activation circuit. the way this works is this: when the train passes over the photocell, it triggers the activation circuit to change the route.

http://www.circuitron.com/index_files/301CAT.pdf

the above link is the circuitron catalog. look up the TC2 turnout alternator, and the DT4 photocell detector.

[Joe Satnik]

Dear rz,

Another option, shown about 2/3 the way down the page:

http://www.micromark.com/html_pages/instructions/83831i/83831-irdot-p-auto-tunout-control.pdf 

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik