When you are working on the layout or doing anything in the room where your layout is located do have a train running while you are there, even if it is not your main focus of attention? Or do you only run trains when they have your undivided attention? I always liked to have a train running when I am within eyesight of the layout.
Brent
Part of my continuous main is ripped out while being modified, so it’s not a good idea.
When I run my layout it is my focus since my layout is a switching layout .
I usually have a train or two running in the background when I’m out there.
Since I’m currently operating point-to-point, I can launch a train and go do smething else, but a scale kilometer or so farther along it’s going to encounter an auto-stop section and come to a halt - there to stay until I can give it another dose of hands-on attention.
Once I actually close the mainline loop (sometime next year, I hope,) I won’t have much reason to simply orbit a train. Something like 70% of the mainline length will be hidden track, and the loop isn’t really meant for orbiting. Its purpose is to help me get the right train to the right tunnel portal out of the netherworld at the timetable-appointed time.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
I usually have a train running unless I’m working on the track.
As our layout is in the living room i like to run them quite often, and yes whenever i am working on a model or some such for the layout i find it inspiring to have a train going.
I usually like to orbit a train while I am working in the train room, however the loop was keeping me from moving forward with the layout. It was fun to watch the long trains roll by, but the roundy-round was getting old.
I use domino/modular construction. I had the dominos from my previous layout set up in a 12’ x 24’ oval with a doubble tack main. Last month I broke the old layout apart and moved forward with construction of the new layout, re-using all of the doninos from the old layout. I have some of the new track operational and can switch cars, but no return loop. I am constructing a large around the walls layout and eventually will have a return loop as the layout runs a lot of unit coal trains. The loop will allow the unit trains to be automatically re-staged, and permeit continious running just for personal therapy.
Given that I have no layout at present it would be very hard to run anything on it. So I do my train running on Sundays and Tuesdays when I’m at the club.
But my new layout, which I am currently in the process of building will allow me to either orbit or run point to point. Of course I have the plan for the benchwork but not all of the tracks, nor even of what industries will be present or offline.
It’s a work in progress because i also have to clean out the train room which will eventually be the new home of my layout.
Irv
Irv
I enjoy just having a train running to keep me company while I do other things, just so I can look up and enjoy it every few minutes.
I run trains, too. The layout is in the family room, along with the big TV, so sometimes I’ve got them both on. I’ve often got a train running while I’m working on scenery, but I don’t run trains if I’m working on track.
Not always in the habit of running trains when doing something else, with so much to focus on building and restoring, the diversion isnt good. MY BLI 2-6-6-4 is set with a test train on my test loops to run anytime, but guess what, I don’t. An engine with all the toots and whistles to get your steam blood going, I’d rather have full attention on it experiencing it. Can’t do it for now 8-D
No real layout yet, test loops on shelf modules placed good in their working positions.
No, too many canyons, LOL! I have to follow my trains around with my controller, so I usually either work on the layout or operate trains, but not at the same time. Well, if I’m doing scenery, I’ll have a train on standby in case I need to test clearances, but as far as doing a project with a train running in the background–I have these horrible visions of the train becoming Suicidal and deciding to take a dive off one of my sheer cliffs to the garage floor, LOL!
Tom [:O]
Same here! In fact, I have a train orbiting my test layout as I type. Jamie
Just how do you think the drive gear wore out on my Marx loco?
OK!!! OK!!! OK!!!
I admitt it!!!
I like to run the trains!!!
What purpose would there be in having trains if I didn’t run them???
I don’t care if they are only going round and round, If I am there, I run trains!!!
Occassionally I even do some yard switching!
As long as they don’t get in the way of what I’m doing while in there, I run a train, or two!!!
Whew! I better can “Train Runners Anonymous”!!!
Whew!!!