Let's see what you can do with an oval on a 4' x 6' board. The first step toward variety of train operation is a pair of switches. They usually come in pairs, a right-hand and a left-hand switch.

You can tell which is which by looking at one from the end that shows only two rails. If the curved section turns out to your right, it is a right-hand switch, if to the left, it is a left-hand switch.

Some switches are made to work by hand, with small throwing levers on each switch. Others are actuated electrically by a control lever any distance away