Question for Commuter Modelers.
How far apart do you put your stations? And how many stations is “too many” ? I’m thinking terminal plus 3-4 stations going into staging for the other end. Assume I’ve got a 14’x20’ space for HO scale. Train size is a F40 and 3-4 coaches
I’d like to triple track if possible, and use a center track as express and include freight traffic.
I have 3 stations on my upper level and one on the lower level. Due to the way my layout is designed, after the commuter train makes the stops it goes back to staging.
I’m not a commuter train expert (or even modeler) but I think the OP may find it interesting that there was an article in MR were they set up commuter train OPs on the MR&T. That may be of interest to the OP, I think it was about 5 years ago.
Time to hear from the Broadway Lion since he models subways. As for me my subway is a point to point display.
I also have subways. I’m moving now and had to tear down the subway part of the layout. It was a short loop, but if I rebuild it I will make it point-to-point.
I have also thought of adding a couple of surface stations and serving them with a doodlebug.
The article in question might be David Popp’s “Commuting to Work on the MR&T” which was in December 2007 issue. It was reprinted in an MR special issue “How to Operate Your Model Railroad” which came out in 2012.
The thing about commuter trains (and my experience is pretty much limited to railfanning the Chicago area) that makes them useful on a model railroad is that it is prototypical to stand in one place on a station platform and actually be able to see the train stop and start at multiple other stations up and down the line. Some of those stations are surprisingly close to one another.
The David Popp article in question also went into some depth about the track changes they made to accomodate the commuter trains - places to put them away after their run(s). But I can remember weekends in Lake Geneva WI where the C&NW commuter trains would just sit at the depot all weekend long waiting for the first train out at the end of the weekend.
Dave Nelson
Hello All,
To help better answer your question I have a few questions for you…
In urban areas stations can be blocks apart. In suburban or rural areas stations can be miles apart.
With that much space I would consider a semi-elevated trackage for the commuter rail.
In Denver, Colorado, the nearest city to me; with Amtrak passenger service, major freight and M.O.W. hub with an inter-urban system, all run on standard gage trackage.
Amtrak and the freight motive power are diesel and share the same trackage.
The inter-urban system is electric, run on catenary, and has proprietary trackage.
The inter-urban lines, when necessary, have fly-overs above the trackage of the BNSF trackage.
On my recent travels to Germany, Belgium, France and The Netherlands, commuter service was divided into high-speed rail and commuter-rail.
Most European stations incorporated all the modes of rail transport I have mentioned, in addition to metro (subway), tram and bus transportation hubs.
A semi-elevated separate commuter system would allow you to run commuter trains separate of the other traffic on your system.
If the focus of your pike is on commuter operations there are many decisions, that I have outlined, that need to be considered to make your pike satisfying to you.
A final thought…
John Allen on planning:
"A model railroad should probably start with a concept. Why? Because much knowledge about railraoding, experience in model railroading, and thought are required before a proper concept for a model railroad can be formed. These requirement
My space is roughly 12’ x 15’ in my basement with the door on the 12’ side. While I’ve built a few layouts already in my basement, I’m going to finish this space first. So I can move the door if need to. I am thinking about using Kato Unitrack for this layout, but not entirely sure yet. Previous layouts are flex track and Atlas 22” or 24” set curves. I know there’s lots of nice N scale stuff but I prefer HO, and wouldn’t switch scales. My son (11) helps with the layout, so I wouldn’t be looking at some sort of double track or helix project.
This weeks brainstorm is to model the BNSF Racetrack at Naperville.
I’m looking at using the Kato Unitrack concrete ties for the two outside curves (31 and 26) and the wood tie 24” for the inside curve. My idea is to model Naperville, IL with the surrounding crossovers (express trains use center main and go to either 1 or 3 for the station. All trains stop at Naperville on the BNSF Racetrack in Chicago. On the West side I’d place a transload location so a local would work the facility and go back to the yard. The yard would be a 9 Track transfer table 8’ long to store a few BNSF trains, the Amtrak SW Chief and California Zephyr (would use same consist for both), and an Amtrak Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sandburg. You’d fiddle the power per the schedule. Metra would fill up a couple tracks too.
I’m also considering David Popp’s Track plans, especially Crystal Lake or the Morristown & Erie. Even the Wildcat Central has caught my eye. I prefer operating track plans, my most recent is the Heart of Georgi. No real preference on railroad names, as I moved quite a few times as a kid. Some day I’d like to make a Cleveland, OH layout with Rockport Yard, Automotive Plants, Berea and Olmsted Falls.
My big question is, when do you draw the line from modeling one town to modeling multiple towns on a layout. And when do you keep the se