I would like to run my large scale train around the Xmas tree then down the hall to another room go around that room .. then run it back on the same track back to the Xmas tree.. is that possible without having to electrically or mechanically operating the switch track every time ?
John
yes it is. Simply expand your oval of track to include the other room and you don't even need a switch at all.
If you use switches at both ends, you'll be creating two reverse loops requiring rail gaps and special wiring. That's in addition to whatever switch control is needed. Much simpler to create "dogbones" at each end, with parallel tracks in between. Something like this (drawn with LGB track):
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/l529/Pickanotherid/LGB_Dogbone.jpg)
Len