I look at my caliber of questions compared to other members, and just laugh. I ask hypothicical questions about items that are purely opinionated, while others ask how to fix an old PW switcher, or how to construct a retaining wall…I guess everyone starts somewhere!
I’m still kicking around a few ideas, seeing what I like, what will fit on my small benchwork, and what keeps my attention. I keep going back to some type of dogbone layout on my 13’ x 3’ layout (4’x4’ on the outer sections, 3’x5’ in the center). It keeps the amount of tracks to a minimum, but mandates that I use an incline (3.5") that must be used with every train on every pass. I can build a passing zone to store an extra train, and I have a siding that I can back an additional 70" consist into for storage, so I can move trains around, but really can’t operate more than one train at a time without a lot of throttle work or wiring up safeguards like Frank did (which Bob has showed me how to do in past posts).
Do you guys feel that it is better to get a couple of trains working at one time on separate tracks (maybe smaller, and simpler loops), and have less scenery, or open up the design with less track, allowing more scenery. I feel that I really need two trains running at the same time minimum to keep my interest. I’m just looking for experience in the matter. I keep reading how rookies load up on too much track, and I don’t want to fall into the same pitfall.
Wes, a Command Control System, Lionel or MTH solves your problem. I can run three trains at the same time on the same dog bone loop. If I have help five trains can be run at the same time on the layout.
The responses to this will be very interesting. For my own amusement, I always try to get at least two trains running. Running them on separate loops is best because I prefer they meet head on vs. just chasing each other. Still, two (or three!) trains chasing each other is better than one train. Again this is just personal preferance.
In order to save space for scenery you can make one of the loops much smaller. Also, if space is at a premium you might consider not connecting the two loops. Finally, if space is really at a premium consider a straight reversing trolly line (or k-line superstreets).
As you can tell I really enjoy train motion in opposition.
Jim -I do like seeing two trains pass just inches apart on a long straight. It gives a sense of motion. I think I can accomplish this on one of my loop backs, which should satisfy that need. I also currently have a smaller loop. I had to use 0-31 curves instead of 0-42, limiting me to smaller trains, but with this small of a layout, I don’t know if big locos would look right anyhow!
Buckeye - Command control is in my future, that’s for sure. You have much more room than I have to work with, but I bet I can get 2 trains to work pretty easily. I just have to build in passing zones to put the trains for a few seconds.
Yes, I would (and do) get board with only one train operating. To remedy that, I added DCS and an additional,seperate loop; allowing me to run 2 trains on the outer and inner loops and one on the 3rd loop. I also put in a few buildings with blinking signs and one building that simulates a fire.
I was happy with watching (and swapping out) one train on my layout for quite a long time. It made everything much simpler. Now, because command control is not in my future, I chose to add physically-separated track routes for 4 other trolleys or trains. So five in all. One around the perimeter, two small loops and two intertwining routes across the center of the layout - each with its own transformer. I can get three running without my having to monitor them. The other two require throttle jockeying. The cacophony of sound and movement is quite satisfying.
Perhaps try a passing siding that can accomodate an engine and 8-9 cars. That way you can keep two trains on the layout and run them in opposite directions…works for me on my small pike.
If the trains have sounds (like RailSounds), and your layout is small (like mine), you may prefer only running one at a time to appreciate the sounds. I tend to get bored with layouts that have mostly track, and minimal scenics…but, to each their own.
When we eventually move to another house, I’m going to consider a “dogbone” layout. It seems like a good way to keep both the tracks and the scenics “up front”. Joe
Fife - you are just limited due to your conventional wisdom… [;)]
BTW - I placed a bid on another set of Chessie F3s with Protosounds… if I get them I’m going to swap the shell on the powered A-Unit with the shell off my non-powered A-Unit and then I’ll definitely need DCS!
You can make running one train at a time interesting if you build in some options such as swapping out engines or changing part of the consist at one or more points along the line. I used to commute from New Jersey into New York and part of the trip involved swapping out diesel power for electric on trains headed into NY Penn Station and the reverse at night. I do pretty much the same on my layout, but since I’m modelling the mod 50’s, I have steam, diesel, and electric engines in the mix. I run in one direction with steam or diesel power and run in the other with electric.
TMCC makes it really easy to “cut off” the engines when needed.
Sure, as long as I am driving them (or build in the safeguards). I extended the lower loop so it would hold a longer train before it turned around, and that helped a lot. Now I can park a train at the end of the loop and wait for another train to hit the switch in the other direction (following the waiting train), and then proceed. I like the idea of a waiting train. It’s adds to the excitement. I can also leave a train in the station and go around it. I plan on putting some operational track stuff inside the smaller loops as well. I extened the grade as far as I could, and it’s at 4% with a 7" rise. I don’t know how much shorter I can go. It’s around a 200" run. All of my decent trains can handle that grade in testing.
Yup, 1 foot square. I’m not looking for prototypical, but I need an incline that will pull a 60-70" consist without failure. I might be spoiled because my MTH 2-8-0 has built in speed control and basically climes this with no tire spin, no real speed change, and little stress. My Lionel won’t climb a 2% grade, but the traction tires are shot. The K-line speeder will climb it without spinning, but it’s very light.
Anyhow, I can put the loopbacks on a little grade as well to cut the incline down. Maybe cut down the portal some and try to make the elevated level as low as possible too will help tame the incline.
What you’re showing us then is a 4x13 with future expansion then…
Got two options. 1) An upper loop and a lower loop (with possibly a connecting spur).
I flipped your upper level to the lower level and made it a simple folded dogbone, with both return loops on the same end. This gives you the run needed to gain elevation, and lots of space for industrial sidings, and a pass terminal in the middle lower portion…
Wes, there are plenty of houses for sale on this side of town with huge basements. In fact, my neighbor is putting her house up for sale this spring. Perfect finished train room down stairs. Hot tub on the back deck. Great screened in back porch where you could treat your neighbor, me, to a cold one on a hot summer day.
You could start building a layout right away with all the lumber I have in my basement.
Too late, Wes! I just bought the house next door to Buckeye. I sure hope he doesn’t mind living beside a Corvair wrecking yard. My dogs are really quiet ( 3 Rotti’s, 2 Pitbulls and a Chihuahua ) unless they’re disturbed by my flock of Emu’s. I’ve been forced to move because of the number of neighborhood complaints about missing lawn ornaments and live scotch pines during the Xmas season. I can’t wait to show Buckeye my new stereo too! 2700 watts of pure butt kickin’ Gregorian Chant, any hour of any day! Sure hope he’s equipped with Dewalt tools instead of that cheap Ryobi stuff I borrow off my current neighbor [;)]
Bruce ( thinks gasoline is a suitable lighter fluid ) Webster