What do all track plans need for long term operation?
What track plans need to hold the inerest of the operator for a long period of time are elements like reverse loops and passing sidings for more than one train.
Track plans need to be able to make the train head out of sight in a tunnel or behind buildings if they are small. The trains must to go somewhere, then return to us.
Tell me what else do track plans need for long term operation.
Andrew Falconer
This is a GREAT question, Andrew. Personally, I like to have some sidings and industries, switching posibilities, and also it seems as if two mainlines would have things more interesting in the long run…
I am by no means an expert but after some time in this hobby both with my father and on my own I can say this with some degree of certainty: (BTW this is just my two cents)
A layout should provide the owner ENJOYMENT!
That being said you have to think about what gives you the most pleasure when designing your layout!
For me a few points are a must…
The layout should have a reason - I do not just want to watch trains turning circles, that is what NASCAR is for.
Operationally, whether using “scale” or “toy” trains they should look and act and be run kinda like the real thing. I am not a nut and bolt counter and I stick to modeling around the 1950’s but will not hesitate to run ANYTHING and even though I model the Pennsy my layout has an active interchange with the Southern simply because that is my friends road and I want to include him…even if it is unrealistic. And those U boats look great in green!
A large yard is a must both to increase operation and to have all those “extra” cars on the layout. Not that any of us buy things we don’t need!
Industries must be included to , again, operate in a semi realistic manor. As much as I do like to put the trains on and run, I love to be able to switch and do operation.
As the planning for the layout progresses, care should be taken to plan for scenic elements;mountains, towns, waterways, tunnels and the likes. A good vision of what you want to accomplish will help you obtain your goals.
I did not want to ramble on but after many false starts in both N and HO scale and two prior 027 layouts I can now truely say " I got it right this time." Even in dealing with the space restrictions I had I was able to get a 12 1/2 by 21 foot double decked layout built. The decks are 22 inches apart giving me 8 differant scenes with 13 differant industries I have the ability to run 4 trains in circles or have 4 to 5 operators run at the same time,
There is a Kalmbach book on Model Railroad Operation written by Tony Koester. He has a fairly simple and straight forward scheme in that book. If you can find the book written by Dr. Bruce Chubb from the seventies, that would be a good one to get also. You could also join the NMRA Operations Special Interest Group. ( OPSIG )
George
I think one thing u missed there is that its not all in the way the track is laidout. For me I like the remote control thats runs the trains… (Lionel) and the fact that u can turn the smoke on and off sounds on and off… horns… control the turnouts and the accessorys with the remote speed and the direction… u get 4 or 5 trains runing at once and u got alot to keep up with maybe not even that many… 2 or 3…thats what holds my interest along with a bunch of other stuff…
A least one long yard lead. Very often there is a tendency to make yards symetrical and the result is two yards leads that are too short. Better to have one long lead.
A method of reversing trains. The method preferred here is the reverse wye (for engines and small consists). This is very realistic for modern era. As a rule its engines, even mued engines, that are reversed, not whole trains ( atleast around the area modeled here).
I think it depends on the desires of the layout builder / operator.
For those who would like to simulate real train ops at whatever level, the road has to be given a reason to exist - ie we move lumber from here to interchange, or we move people and coal from point a through b, c, and d to f.
For those who just like to run trains, creating a place to easily run and subsequently watch the trains pass through various scenes (realistic or not) is probably paramount.
asch; Pennsy and Southern interchanging not prototype!!! You have forgotten about Alexandria, Virginia where the Southern Railway joins the Pennsy. The Northbound line joined on the West side coming up a grade. The Southbound diverged on the East side and went down a grade and then under the Pennsy to meet the Northbound. This was for the passenger trains and I can’t remember whether any freights went from one line to the other or not.
hello Andrew Falconer, let me get my wit answer out of the way lots of spare cash and a very understanding wife! you need as much play value as space permits businesses to deliver and pickup loads to a yard to do car switching if possible 2 reverse loops to keep from the boredom of same way running. a track plan as varied as possible that gives the appearance of going great distances. view blocks so you can’t see entire layout and use of mirrors placed in key areas to make it look bigger than it really is. small inclines and valleys to give a more real world effect. just a few things that help keeping you interested. powered accessories log loader or coal loader a working water tower. hope this helps. CB&Q