Joe, thanks for the response.  I hadn't decided between DC and DCC as of yet.  If I go with DCC, then do I need something like this (http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=264_274&products_id=1824) at the start of each of my reverse loops?  Is there anything special about the track itself (Bachmann auto-reversing track)?

Les, thank you for the prompt reply.  You are correct, I am thinking about a reverse loop.  My thinking was something like this:

https://www.azatrax.com/reverse-loop-system-2.html

And I was wondering if I had to go to all of the wiring work to make it happen, or if there was an easier solution.

Hi all, this is my first attempt at a real model railroad.  I'd like to do a dog bone layout with a long stretch of straight track that leads on both ends to turn-arounds.  Picture something like this  0--------0 (nice huh?)  At this point I'm leaning heavily towards HO.

I've seen the bachmann auto-reverse e-z track (both straight and curved).  Is that all I need to use to make this work?
Also, how much of the layout needs to be auto-reverse e-z track?  Does the entire layout need to be auto-reverse (0AAAAA0), or can it all be plain e-z track (or even flexible track) with auto-reversing pieces immediately before each turn-around loop?  0A-----A0

Finally, if I actually plan on having two dog-bones that intersect each other (not reusing track, but just a crossing), do I need to do anything different?

Thanks!