Allow me to apologize up front for the stupidity of this question.
I was evaluating one of the layout designs on this forum when it occured to me. Is there a standard direction for layouts. Now I understand in the 3 rail world like the real world direction is not as important then in the 2 rail model layout. However my simple questionis:
Do trains on an oval run clock-wise, counter-clockwise, or either depending on preference? If its preference then how does one tell which direction a designer has in mind?
Also if it depends then how about a poll to see which is more popular and why?
I have never heard of a standard direction in the fifty years I have had a toy train. Real trains go different directions on the same track, so unless there is some accessory that needs to function in only one direction, it is whatever floats your boat. [:D]
Since my layout is a twisted dog bone, you see the same train going a different direction around the end loops if I set the switches for that type of operation. Not everyone uses an oval. [:D]
That’s a good question. When I first got my Lionel train in 1949, I had it set up to run counterclockwise. I ran it like that for years. Now that I have a large layout, with several tracks, I have found that running trains in both directions looks better. They pass and it looks real.
I think that most displays run counterclockwise unless multiple trains run.
Chuck
I have two loops, one I run cw, the other ccw. On my A-A diesels I also occasionally change which is the lead unit, same with lash-ups, to try to even wear. For the steamers I change which loop they’re being used on.
interesting question, the logical response might be either direction. However, some aspects of certain layouts might lend themselves better to one direction over another.
The photo below for example:
in such a sweeping scene, so dramtically photographed, it appears clockwise is the only answer. Doesn’t men clockwise is the answer for every layout, but it is up to the individual to make these decisions based on the scenics, Certain scenes will better lend themselves to a certain look of the train approaching or departing.
One of the neat things about changing the direction of trains on any layout is that it makes things different. I’ve created my layout to run clock-wise - for no real reason beyond it was the way I originally set up the trainset oval, but it is interesting to run them occasionally in the opposite direction. In addition, for a more prototype approach, running a set of trains in both directions - not quite a la Gomez Adams but through the judicious use of sidings, can be very interesting in itself.
[:D][:D][:D] Track plans should alwyas include a way to reverse trains. I’ve seen some in CTT and other mags that limit the direction of travel unless you pick up the engine and put it back on the track. No way. Always include a reversing method.
I run one mainline clockwise and one counterclockwise, occasionally backing trains thru the 072 Wye to turn them. On my elevated track I tend to run counterclockwise but the close parallel tracks of a folded dogbone(w/double crossovers) have the effect of trains passing one another in opposite directions on the shank of the bone.
Leonard, put two switches back to back on the tracks where they pass beside each ohter and you can reverse the trains, add two more up the track a ways and you can reverse them back. With this, you can let two tains meet on the same track. Pull on onto the other side and let it stop, when the other passes, you throw the other switches and the train proceeds out on its original track. Can make some operating fun.
Either direction is entirely proper; it simply depends on what pleases you and what works best in your particular situation. Nearly all real railroads operate on a point-to-point basis (as do many scale model railroads), whereas the majority of toy train layouts tend to be constructed with an oval or perhaps a dogbone configuration to afford continuous running. The prototype roads operate trains in both directions, of course. It’s not the same as endlessly running around an oval of track, but they all operate north-to-south, east-to-west, or in some combination thereof.
Hi Chief
Yep, I have twin double crossovers on the dogbone shank which enables reversing direction and re-reversing at will. Right now I have a N&W “J” and 8 car Powhatan Arrow and a Ps-4 Southern Crescent with 10 cars both on the elevated dogbone—I have to watch speed and track position carefully or trouble develops before I can push Cab 1 buttons and Tortoise turnout controls. Both are MTH Proto 1.0 engines converted to TMCC/RS 4.0.
I have mine set up to run clockwise. There is a picture on a shelf next to me from 50 years ago when I was a kid and my train is running in a clockwise direction. I guess it must be habit!
I am unable to have a layout with a reversing loop since my track runs around the walls of an 18x18 room. Where it goes through a staircase I like seeing it come out into the room from there instead of going into the stairs.
Since recently getting my layout up and running I’ve also been wondering about the direction question. Before I install signals and wire the layout for automatic block control it has become appearant I would want the block signals to face oncoming trains. So, unless I designate one way directions on each loop it would seem I’ll have to double up on signals for that prototypical look. Is there a simpler , more economical way around this?
Apart from the clockwise-counterclockwise question, something to consider is that US railroads (except for the CNW) generally run on the right on a double-track main line. Fortunately, they don’t hesitate to run on the left when it is more convenient; so no one can say that that is unprototypical.
Another prototype practice is that the first train to get to a meet usually takes the siding, so that the other train doesn’t need to slow down. Again they often break that rule. (I once heard an Amtrak engineer on the radio realizing almost too late that the headlights facing him were a freight on the main and that he had been lined into the siding. He went into emergency to keep from derailing at the switch.)
Sure, there’s an easier way, Bruce, use timetables and train orders. I’m being facetious, I place just a few signals (mostly for scenic effect) in places where my guests and I can easily see the lights change.
Doug,
What you said actually drove home a point. Maybe I’m getting too serious about this layout. I need to back off on the prototypical side of things and concentrate more on esthetics…and place signals where they’ll give me the biggest bang for my buck. Thanks for the reality check!
I have an around-the-room layout with a double-track mainline. I ran trains in either direction on both tracks until I installed the Atlas signal system about a year ago, when I chose to limit train travel to one direction on each loop - CW on the inner and CCW on the outer. I told myself it’s OK because it’s prototypical on a multi-track mainline. I believe there are double-sided signals available now that will allow properly-signaled, bidirectional running. The bottom line is, do whatever makes you happy!
One thing I have done is change the side the light is on, on the Lionel & MTH dbl. overhead signal bridges, having one on one side & the other light on the other side for 2-way traffic. Thanks, John
Be it decreed that all toy trains north of the Maxon-Dixon Line shall be operated in a clockwise direction only, under penalty of law. Those found running their toy trains in a counter clockwise direction north of the Mason-Dixon line shall cease their unlawful actions immediately or relocate their sorry butt below the Mason-Dixon Line.
Be it enacted by the Supreme Council of the CTT Forum, this 25th day of August 2005.
Buckeye, Chairman of the CTT Supreme Council of Toy Train Direction Controllers
Roger’s Corners, Ohio — Elevation 936 FT
[:-,][(-D][:-,][(-D][:-,][(-D][:-,][(-D][:-,][(-D][:-,]
PS. I suppose the same people who violate this rule are conspiring to rip some tags off of their mattesses and pillows tonight. Shame! Shame!
Can I slip through the Yankee lines and reverse [make them all go counter clock wise] there engines while they sleep??? Bet I can. [;)][:D] Then I will load them all down with sweet ice tea. When they wake up, I’ll be sitting pretty way down SOUTH. [:D]
I’m being facetious, I place just a few signals (mostly for scenic effect) in places where my guests and I can easily see the lights change.