One of the requirements for the badge is as follows:
“Participate in a switching contest on a timesaver layout and record your time.”
Any suggestions? Looking for layouts, tips, tricks, etc. . . . Thanks.
Go to the next page on these forums right now. Just a few down the page is John Allen’s Timesaver. This seems to be concidered the classic switching puzzle. May also refer to other switching puzzles tool
Good luck,
Richard
Ideally the timesaver should be John Allen’s original style. At least it is the most often used. I have an Inglenook type that I have used with Scouts doing the MB and that can work as well. You can find info on the timesaver, the trackplan, and how to do the puzzle (timing, etc) here: http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/sw-timesaver.html
If you don’t have time and resources to build one to use and can’t find one you can borrow, remember the Timesaver puzzle is just one of of 7 possible requirements for the Model Railroading option of the Merit Badge (albeit a fun one!). Scouts only have to complete 2 of the 7 requirements in #8 for the Merit Badge.
That said, it is not difficult to build. I have taken mine to NMRA events and members have a lot of fun with it. I made it out of some ancient trackage I pulled off my old layout when I rebuilt it a few years ago.
Have Fun!
73
Many clubs and organizations have switching puzzles that they put out at shows and conventions for people to time themselves on. Here in Denver the Youth in Model Railroading has one. If you are in the area I could probably arrange it to be set up - perhaps at the Great Train Expo in Feb.