I like DCC, it's great! However sometimes it's overkill or simply too expensive and then sometimes something simple is all that's needed....

The storage loops are a case in point, I have previously explained how to do the reverse loop with using an expensive reverse loop module. This time I will take things a step further and explain how to auto-select a track in the storage sidings...

Each of the tracks in storage sidings has an occupancy detector, there is also a detector on entry to the storage loops. In fact the detector that switches the reverse loop can be used to select the track.

A small logic circuit sets the route automatically as follows:

1. If the track is occupied and the pulse arrives, it will set the point to not select the track and pulse the next module

2. If the track is free and the pulse arrives, it will set the point to select the track.

This of course, only works for ladder style storage loops...

Now given I've got a big loop, what will happen when a train arrives and the loops are full? That's for the next episode...