Balloon loop
A balloon loop is when a train track is shaped like a balloon. Imagine blowing up a balloon and then twisting it so that one end is touching the other. That's what a balloon loop looks like from above.
Trains use the balloon loop to turn around and go in the opposite direction without having to back up. They enter the loop on one side, then follow the curve until they reach the other end of the loop where they exit on the same track but facing the opposite direction. It's like doing a big circle to go back the other way!
Balloon loops are handy in places where there's only one track, because trains can't cross each other on a single track. But with a balloon loop, a single track can be used for trains going in both directions, like having a special U-turn spot just for trains.
Trains use the balloon loop to turn around and go in the opposite direction without having to back up. They enter the loop on one side, then follow the curve until they reach the other end of the loop where they exit on the same track but facing the opposite direction. It's like doing a big circle to go back the other way!
Balloon loops are handy in places where there's only one track, because trains can't cross each other on a single track. But with a balloon loop, a single track can be used for trains going in both directions, like having a special U-turn spot just for trains.