Proximity selection in model railroading

摘要

The method involves arming one or more turn-out sections so as to enable them to toggle. For each turn-out it is allowed to determine electronically whether or not the turn-out is occupied by a train. A train approaching the turn out is electrically detected and if the turn-out is not occupied by a train, automatically toggling the turn-out in response to the train approaching the turn-out without operator intervention. That is followed by disarming all of the turn-out sections so that only the first unoccupied turn-out approached by the train is toggled. An electric switch device is used for coupling one at a time of the curve leg and the straight leg to the lead-in leg. An electronic detection device is provided for detecting and indicating a train approaching the turn-out.