I spend about 6 hours a month operating, which works out at about 95% of the model railroading time I have over a month - about 3% of the remaining time is spent on layout maintenance, and about 2% is spent on other model railroad activities such as scratchbuilding, layout etc.
My latest layout is under construction, and my running of trains is only for testing track/wiring. When the main level track/wiring is in place, I’ll go through a period of “running trains” to get the feel for the new layout configuration - which will determine if its OK to go ahead and scenic, or adjustments need to be made.
The last layout was up and running for about 13 years, and I spent a lot more time on car/structure projects than actually running trains. I figure the new layout will have different results (as to time spent running trains) for it doesn’t have the “problem areas” the last one had, and I am now retired - giving me more time to “play with trains”.
While I’m here, I would like to pass along some wisdom I learned the hard way with the last layout. The 11x15 two level HO layout had strengths of bulletproof benchwork, trackage, and wiring. But it also had four areas that concerned me for many years - to the point of me wanting to spend less time running trains. I should have taken care of these when they first came up, but did not. They were:
I put 3 turnouts connected together in a tunnel. The huge majority of derailments occurred here, mainly because of operator (me) error. Note that the Atlas machines worked flawlessly for 13 years!
The layout was DC powered, with 3 cabs and way too many blocks and electrical powered turnouts. There were three control panels for the many switches, and if I was away from the layout for a time, I would have to relearn the operation.
My worst “goof” was having a raised (3rd level) reverse loop which ate up a lot of space. It (IMHO) really looked nice - with rocks and abutments - but it was more trouble than it was worth. Soon after this was sceniced, I realized I would be better off
Not enough. I used to have four hour operating sessions once a month, that guaranteed 4 hours a month plus operating time. The plus being my personal time. I am starting them again next month. If you are in the area and would like to join us let me know. Third Saturday of every month.
I’m down from 30 hrs. per month on the N-O&NW to maybe 6 hrs on the patio layout. It’s not enough time, that’s for sure with work and family obligations.
As a fun update…Yesterday I switch cars in the DRT* yard for 2 hours…Mind you this “yard” has 4 tracks and a 20"(+/-) yard lead.I use Kato Unitrack.
*Dining Room Table…I started this has a test for the Unitrack switches and controls…Now I set this “yard” up 2-3 times a week…I gotta order the last few switches and get the real layout built.
Mine’s still in boxes … work on detailing and weathering so much and can’t stop wanting that 1 more item for it … not going to start it until I can keep myself from ebay and grabbing one more have to have building or addon … my mail lady and ups-fedex are like everyday drop in friends … lol . GOTTA STOP !!!
Hello I run my trains 1/2-1 hour a day weekdays 2-4 on weekends mostly after 8 pm when everyone is in bed.I will work on things why they run. Or run one on the outer loop and do some switching on the inner loop and yard. Have a nice day Frank