should I include a continuse run on my layout ? I model a branch line stub terminal and my space is limited but I do like to just wach trains run. what do you think ?
Alex in the sooner state [:)][:D][8D][:I][:p][;)][:o)][8][8)][^][?]
Hello Alex,
but I do like to just watch trains run
Yeah, me too, I figure I’ll grow out of that eventually…s’been over 50 yrs so far.
I have a reversing loop at the bottom of my mountain and the track winds up the mountain through 7 levels to a reversing loop at the top. Halfway up I have the yards and an around the layout loop for continuous running.
Most of it is in the mountain but it is fun to see my friends Hogwart Express howling through the yard at full throttle whilst I try to get another load of logs off the mountain top with a pair of Heislers.
If you have the space for it but want to model a branch line, you could make the back half a “hidden tracK” as a staging area–either hide it behind a scenic divider or on a lower level. This would allow you to increase the realism of your operation by having a staging track from which to bring on scheduled trains, but you could also use it to run round and round.when you don’t feel like realism.
Another option for realistic running with a loop-shaped layout, if you can put it in the middle of the room and have access on both sides, is to model two different scenes with a scenic divider in the middle. This greatly increases the illusion of space (you can’t see the whole layout at once, even if it’s small) as well as allowing you to model two scenes that aren’t near each other on your prototype. You can use this technique even on a 4x8 layout, making it nice for small-to-medium spaces if you can put it in the center.
Or you can make a “donut” layout around the edge of a room and operate it from the middle–it means putting in some sort of swing-out or duck-under at the door, but takes up minimal space and curves look better from the inside.
My layout is nothing but continous running, with the exception of a spur and a 2 track yard that do not operate. Basically, 3 electrically independent loops. If my layout was bigger, I might be into operations.
Mine is smaller than yours and it operates just fine…eventually I’ll have a continuous run, but switching is too much fun.
Of course. Why not? Continuously running trains in the background could provide visual interest while you shuffle cars in a small yard, lets say. I think a layout is always of greater interest when at least one train is constantly moving.
I would, it gives you a way to let them run while you get ready for the next station/switching/bathroom run/whatever.
Jetrock got the idea. I have a continuos run that crosses over itself. This in its self would be boring so by the time I’m finished I will have 4 branch line that will be between 6 to 20 feet in length (a real dog’s breakfast). And yes to staging if I can find or make some real estate availabe.
I fully agree with the consensus (which we appear to have) on the desirability of an option for continuous running.
Matter of fact; I can’t imagine building a layout without that option – unless perhaps I had less than a 3’ wide shelf to work with !