Number of lines?

[traindaddy1]

Well here I go again.   What would you consider the best number of separate lines (O27) to be placed on a layout measuring @ 7' x 7'.   I've had as few as one and as many as four And have my own thoughts BUT I would like to hear yours.  (The 'powers' in charge have theirs)

This will be a new project with benchwork components that will be easily assembled and dis-assembled for transportaton. The construction plans are not in question, only the number of lines. 

As always, many thanks.

[willpick]

To me, the optimum number would be 3. One line for passenger trains, one for fast freights, and the outside line for the slow freight, because it has to stop at all the accessories(horse corrall, cow corall, ice house, lumber loader, barrel loader, etc., etc., etctera)

[Joe Hohmann]

While my small 5x8 layout only has 2, I would think 3 would be ideal...inner for "commuter" passenger, middle for streamlined "name train", and outer for freight. My group's modular layout is huge, and we basically have 3 lines. Joe

[J. Daddy]

Right now I have 3 lines 2 that run inside each other... that way I have East and West bound trains (live for the passing trains look) and one elevated that seems to add more interest/action to the layout. The more drama the better, and bridges and tracks over trains seems to add that. the upper level can have a siding for additional train storage. That way you can toggle between one set an another with a simple lionel block detection system.

[traindaddy1]

Seems like "great" minds run together.  My personal choice is three.  Thanks for your input.

PS...The 'powers' still have to make the decision.....We'll see!

[alexweiihman]

Three sounds the best without overcrowding the layout

[traindaddy1]

UPDATE:  The winning number appears to be 3. (Subject to change....of course )

[Blueberryhill RR]

I have 4.  (1)The outer loop, which is elevated, is fast passenger, with 2 trains. One sits on a passing siding. (2)The middle, lower loop is fast freight, which is one train. (3)The inside, lower loop, is a slow freight, with sidings and accessories. There are 3 trains on the sidings, plus the running train, which can be alternated, without taking them off the track. (4)Plus there is a trolley loop which runs around the town.

Chuck

[PhilaKnight]

A ZW powers my trains so I have 3 lines, 1 inner, 1 outer , and trolley line down Main St. The forth terminal on the zw powers the assesories. And of course if your going for a real look you can put 4 but make one look out of service or abandon

[dsmith]

If you like to run trains!! then 3 lines for a 7' x 7' layout sounds good to me.  On my 5' x 9' layout I have 2 lines and a bumper trolley line. 

You might also consider using Lionel's auto stop feature that allows you to run 2 trains on one line.  I can do this on both of my mainlines so sometimes I run 4 trains and a trolley.  It's a lot to keep track of and will keep you on your toes but it is a fun challenge.  If you would like for information on the auto stop feature, let me know and I will post it here.

If you are interested, here is a video of 4 trains and a trolley running on my 5' x 9' layout.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI5SrbCNeKM