I have a 60’ Main line with a dog bone. With the addition of Passenger Cars I figure I’ll need a second mainline. My question to you is “What are the pitfalls and things to watch out for” and if you have a second main are you generaly happy with it or was it worth the effort as it hasn’t improved the running of trains?
Fergie
Fergie,
I model the UP in northern Utah in N scale with an L shaped layout, 10’ X 14’ with a 3’ depth.
I put a double main in because that’s what the UP has in that area. It wasn’t a big deal to put in a double main, because that was in the plan form the beginning.
I guess the real answer to your question has to come from your prototype. Does the RR you’re modelling and the area you’re modelling require a double main. If not, then which has priority, freight or passenger service.
If you stay with a single track mainline, be sure your passing sidings are long enough for your lower priority trains to clear the main for the others.
My neighbor models an area in norther Arkansas with a single track mainline. Operationally, it makes things more interest. The only passenger service on his layout is Amtrak, which seems to have to bow to everything in the real world except the northeast corridor, and an excursion steam train that has to take it’s chances out on the main.
My mainlines disappear at each end of the layout and continue around behind the scenery with th ehidden staging. Being able to run continuously in both directions, makes it more interesting during an open house. It allows for some action going on at all times as the trains circulate. One train or the other is always in view.
I hope this helps in your decision.
I’ve got 2 main lines, but one is a subway and runs under the other. My 5x12 foot layout doesn’t allow for much more, but the long-term “dream” has a much longer loop. Since I run by myself, I like to get a train running on each of the loops, and then do some switching. The 2 running trains mean that I have to time things with the switching operations so as not to get in the way of the scheduled operations.
For operational fun, I think I’d rather design a layout with a single main line, but ample passing sidings. In particular, I’d have a single loop with a pair of long passing sidings, spaced so that I could run 2 trains in opposite directions, as long as I carefully managed the meets. If you’re electronically inclined, it’s also the kind of challenge that cries out for automatic detection and signalling. Another option would be a double-track main, but with a single-track “choke point” like a bridge that would be shared by trains in both directions.
Not sure I understand this.
Why do passenger cars=a second main?
That certainly wasn’t true of most prototype railroads. Actually, I don’t know of any that added another main just because the railroad had passenger service.
I have two main lines, one with a passing siding. I like the two main lines because if I just want to sit back and watch trains run I can have them going in opposite direction. I started out with just one and added the second. I don’t think it improved the running of trains but it did create more traffic. I’m happy I added it…
Fergie,
Are you talking about adding a second ‘loop’ to the railroad, double tracking what you already have?
Myself, my layout is all single track with a pair of passing sidings and staging - about 98’ of mainline in HO. I run small passenger trains(usually 3 cars and a ‘doodlebug’). With 12 trains operating in a 24 hour cycle, I really only have 2 ‘meets’ that are not at the main terminal/yard. With 3 locations for ‘meets’, we can usually run several trains at once when just fooling around.
Jim
I have a double main line built, but the 2nd level is not finished yet so running has not been tested. I have run simulated consists in 3rd PlanIT and there is a need for the double with up to 4 trains running between the two levels.
The plan is based on Southern and Norfolk Southern tracks which have plenty of double mains.
On the main page of my PD website toward the middle of the page are a few images of my layout plan if you wish to check then out for reference.
Cheers,
Ryan
Both my past two layouts were single track mainlines, just like the prototype. My second incorporated 10 staging tracks between 18 and 24 feet long so I could store a bunch of long trains. I plan on doing something like that for my future layout.
To double the main line would require a new layout. Frankly I’m not there yet. What I’m looking at is a second loop around the bulk of the layout that would be continuous loop with two sidings.
Fergie
Joker alert!
I have not yet completed my layout. However, the operating plan is set in stone and will not be changed.
The JNR main line, schematically, is a long loop, mostly double track and mostly hidden. There is one stretch of single track, with a passing siding that will see frequent meets and passes. Most of the double track is concealed - about 60% of the total mainline length. This will be operated to simulate the prototype’s published September, 1964, timetable.
The Tomikawa Tani Tetsudo interchanges (freight cars only) with the JNR at one end of a single track that runs point-to-point on a continuous upgrade to a colliery. There are two intermediate stations where trains can meet or pass. Operations simulate those on the the JNR Katsuda branch, somewhat modified.
There are provisions to incorporate two narrow-gauge operations, which would be run point-to-point. Putting them into full operation would require double-decking parts of the layout.
As for the number of trains - Operating alone, I could have several trains running on automatic, or I could put each scheduled train under direct control of an individual operator if there are enough operators present. I don’t think in terms of letting a train orbit a loop. As designed, that will never happen.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
One train at a time is enough for me. Any more than that becomes risk management.
I dont do double track, but there are lap sidings in the plan and other goodies. The closest I think I will ever see to the double tracking is the arrival/departure track planned for the future yard.
But things are subject to change.
Fergie,
It soundslike you’re looking for a layout where you can run two trains, a freight and a passenger, without them interfering with each other along the way.
While it’s true, you wouldn’t be following prototype practice, you would certainly be emulating a large percentage of model railroads. If this is your goal, there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Watching two trains running around interesting scenery can be a very satisfying approach to the hobby.
The questions you should ponder would be, in no particular order, are:
Are you locked in to simply double tracking your existing layout?
Are you open to the idea of building two completely independent routes?
In addition to open running, would you consider creating interchanges between the two tracks? (This would make running the trains a little more interesting).
Do you want to provide for switching, sidings and some yard space? (again, builds interest)
An image of your track plan would be helpful.
Lee
Fergie-I don’t know you have a fairly large layout so I’d say go for it,on those days that you don’t feel like running a schedule you could have the passenegr train on teh one line and the freight on the other, sceniced properly it would ( should ) look quite stunning. Myself I ahve a smallish layout so only one mainline which in itself is what most would concider a secondary branch line with many online industries off it. I have a couple train stations along the lien with their own siding off the main. I run one or two unit RDC’s for passenger service so there’s no need for a second main for me . What I ended up doing was I raised to sections at one end of my layout and put in a town joined them with a bridge and I run separate track up there for a small streetcar service in the town area’s ( still under construction )The bulk of the layout is regular diesel served freight with the aforementioned RDC service when I feel the need.
Rob
Fergie,
For me the effort was worth every minute. I have a double track 100 foot main (including 32’ of hidden staging) and a 120’ and growing mountain line. I run three trains comfortably and five when I am “on the ball”. The mains run themselves, the other takes a while to get end to end so I can run an extra during the minute or two in between. This is with DC. Block controlled passing sidings help a lot. Some day I’ll be able to afford DCC.
If you have the space I don’t think you’ll regret having a second line. It doesn’t have to parallel the existing one.
Karl
My layout is 8 by 24, with a double track, twice around mainline, and a single track branch line through the middle of the layout. The passenger depot and coach yard, have their own lead to the mainline, so as not to interfere with freight operations. The freight yard has it’s own long lead, which allows switching long cuts of cars, without fouling the main.
I like to start a freight and a passenger train going, at moderate speed, on each main, and then run a third train, staying out of the way of the others. An engine fueling facility is right off the yard lead.
