I would like this yard to have automatic electrical reverse loop for DCC and future JMRI operation. My first question is whether each track needs an automatic reverser. 

Every so often I see a comment about how killing power to tracks when a lift gate in the track is opened isn't very effective when a loco has KeepAlive. The loco is supposed to stop, but can keep going and end up on the floor. 

Here is a link to pictures of a possible solution. Split rail derail will put the loco off the rails, but if it's strategically located the train will still be on the layout. I can see whittling extra parts off some old turnouts that aren't DCC friendly, and wiring a switch machine to activate when the lift gate is opened.

This announcement about A-Track, a FREE easy-to-use software application for NCE DCC systems, is posted with the generous permission of Joe Fugate, in the hope that some of the MRH community may find it useful. Any comments or queries are very welcome.

A-TRACK Version 4.4.206 has now been released

What started out to be a simple new layout with a loop of track, inspired by the one-town layout design concept, has morphed into a railroad that I have become very excited about building. It is still a basic loop that will start and end in a four track staging loop and pass through the town of Waipahu (pronounced “why pa who”) where cars will be left for the branch line.