Speed

[traindaddy1]

Have been surfing the internet videos of operating layouts and see that the trains are shown running at various speeds. I run my consists at or near scale speed. Qustion: What speed do you most often run your trains? As always, many thanks.

[pennytrains]

If my locomotives can handle it, I enjoy operating them at what I would guess is about 5 to 10 scale mph.  Otherwise I run them at whatever speed is necessary to keep them moving without major issues.  Generally speaking it's the oldest equipment in my stable that needs to operate this way.  Especially locos like my standard gauge #8 which has had a rough past and likes to wobble.  It requires a certain balance of voltage and weight on the drawbar to keep it rolling without constant derailments.

[Flintlock76]

Welllll...

I'm kind of a traditionalist, I run 'em at two speeds, fast and faster! 

But I DO have to be a bit conservative with some of the engines, my MTH 4-4-0's for example.  I was doing a "I wonder how fast..." experiment with one on a temporary dining room table layout and the thing went airborne!  Luckily it landed on a chair and not through the front of a china cabinet.  I wouldn't be here typing these words if that was the case!   

[El Fixes Things]

I'm in the same camp as becky- I tend to mostly run my trains as slow as they're willing to run without having a lot of speed fluctuations or stalling out. Sometimes I'll run them a little quicker. But generally I don't like to send them running too fast, it makes me nervous!

That said, I run all-conventional, and most of my stuff is old pre and postwar Lionel which generally is not known for its good low-speed control. Ultimately whatever makes the trains most fun for me to watch in the moment, is the speed I'll run things at.

-Ellie

[smokey1]

I normally run mine at a speed it can go around the whole layout without stalling, ( I need more drops, only have one on my 10' x 16' loop.) Once I get it more desireable and put carpet down I will add more drops.