Help with new layout

[Joepomp]

I am building a new HO layout. The idea is its basically an oval, the ends of the oval are below the table. I will be getting a North coast system any day now. I want to have the trains dissapear into the tunnels at each end then stop them for some pre determined time before sendig them out again. I was thinking of some kind of simple (pohto, prox, ect.) detector connected to a timer and a relay, and simple remove the power, then re apply it later. Does anyone think this will work? Of course the ultimate soulution will proabably be computer control. See the Ruff layout plan attached.

 

[Lighthorseman]

Hmmmmmm...

Hiya, and WELCOME to the Gauge. I'm no electronics wiz, but you can be assured that more than a few of our electrical gurus will pick this up and run with it.

 

[YakkoWarner]

Joe, A prox switch with a timer to interrupt power will be the simplest route. Make sure you put the prox switch far enough into the tunnel to avoid an EOT flashing at you for a few minutes while the timer winds down. You may also want to put a capcitor in the circuit to prevent sudden stops from derailing cars.