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Re:Playing with model trains and calling it graph theory by travisjungroth on Friday May 03, 2019 @01:26PM (#19820334)
I know nothing about train tracks past my BRIO days, but a bit about graphs. Can you explain how a track would not be bidirectional except for a permanent loop?
Re:Playing with model trains and calling it graph theory by desertrider12 on Friday May 03, 2019 @01:54PM (#19820633)
Bidirectional without backing up. To turn a train around, you need a closed loop at the end of the line or a triangle (wye).
Re:Playing with model trains and calling it graph theory by hakfoo on Saturday May 04, 2019 @03:04PM (#19828506)
One of the things that makes it more interesting in practice is that most electric model trains* use a "one rail is hot, one is return" electrical design-- so adding a wye or reversing loop to the design is asking for all sorts of electrical gimmicry to prevent it from shorting, while still maintaining usability.

*classic Lionel and Marklin designs used a third conductor in the centre. Since the outer rails are wired together, reversing designs are trivial.