Which way do you run?

[pimanjc]

The other day, while contemplating running my trains counter-clockwise, rather than the usual clockwise direction, I realized, having visited several layouts and seen a number of displays, that all I had seen always ran clockwise.

Questions:

1] Which direction do you run?
Ans. - Up until now, clockwise.

2] Is there a particular reason for running [cw, c-cw] that direction?
Ans. - Before a recent double-tracking project, which installed concrete and ladder roadbeds, the uphill grades for the locos would have been much more severe going C-CW than going CW.  Now they are about the same.

3] If you also run other scales, what direction do they run?
Ans. - I also have HO and ON30, both of which run CW. My grandkids "G," and "O" layouts both run CW.

4] If you run a Christmas [Holiday] Train, what direction does it run?
Ans. - CW.

5]  What would make you consider changing direction of "usual" operation?
Ans. - Operating C-CW in one area is easier to change from the outer loop to the inner loop [every 180degrees].   Going CW, the train has to go around 360 degrees to change loops [outer to inner]. 


JimC.

[cabbage]

Hmmm.. this is one of those questions that have different meaning and interpretations depending on which version of English you speak(!)

If you asked a UK modeller "which way do you run?" he would probably reply; "Left side -Right hand running" or Std UK main line practice. Being a colonial brat I reply "Left side -Left hand running".

But for the other questions;
1 Both Directions
2 No
3 My teenage OO layout also ran both directions
4 N/A
5 N/A

regards

ralph

[RR Redneck]

I usually run whichever way suits my fancy that particular day. This goes for both my N, G, and O scale trains.

[CandCRR]

Questions:

1] Which direction do you run?
Ans. – Both Directions

2] Is there a particular reason for running [cw, c-cw] that direction?
Ans. – I just figured that I should run my engines an equal amount of time each direction.

3] If you also run other scales, what direction do they run?
Ans. Same

4] If you run a Christmas [Holiday] Train, what direction does it run?
Ans. – Same

5]  What would make you consider changing direction of "usual" operation?
Ans. – N/A

[ttrigg]

Questions:

1] Which direction do you run?
Ans. - Freight is predominately c-cw. Heavy Passenger is always cw. Light passenger service (trolley) is point to point.

2] Is there a particular reason for running [cw, c-cw] that direction?
Ans. - Freight- That is the direction the freight yards flow into the main loop.  Heavy Passenger- That is just the direction it feels most natural, Passenger station is on a dual track portion and for best visual effect (as per SWMBO) sits on the siding facing the oncoming freight.  .

3] If you also run other scales, what direction do they run?
Ans. - My old N scale layout was a dual track mainline, so it ran which ever way the engine was pointed (unless it was going in reverse!).

4] If you run a Christmas [under the tree] Train, what direction does it run?
Ans. - c-cw.

5]  What would make you consider changing direction of "usual" operation?
Ans. - The proposed freight yards in Green Apple Orchard (planned for summer 2008/9) are planned to flow into the main via a "wye" thus allowing point to point freight and passenger service.

[pimanjc]

Thanksgiving day I ran trains backwards to my usual [ccw vs usual cw] direction most of the day.  After adjusting a few trouble spots [that are not usually trouble spots going the other way], things went fine.  Today, I laid plans for a crossover so direction can be changed without [the big crane in the sky] moving the locos and/or power cars.
JimC.

[Anonymous]

I have a bi directional layout and i run them both ways all the time. I have two reversing loops and have automated two sets of points (switches) and i run 11/2 circuits in both directions and go around both reversing loops in opposite directions in a single sequence. I find going round and round pretty boring.I do have one clockwise and one counter clockwise reversing loops. This is not to do with the direction around the reversing loop more the direction the track leaves and enters the main drag. 

Ian

[alamosa]

CCW - I have a figure eight inside my main line and to make switching possible have to go CCW - if I do not care to have train go from main line to the eight then CW would work just fine

[Anonymous]

Sounds interesting mate at least you have a choice and can actually take your train somewhere, which must be pretty pleasant.Rgds ian

[Snoq. Pass RR]

My locomotives run both directions.  Just like the REAL railroads.  Forwards, backwards, clockwise, counter-clockwise, front of trainset, back of trainset.  Whatever it takes to get the job done.  Just like the REAL railroads.

[pimanjc]

Grandson Christian, runs the LGB Mikado w/ "Where's the Beef" stock car & reefer consist [CCW] on Thanksgiving day, through the tunnel, while grand daughter Kelsey, runs the Scientific Toys train on the inside loop [CW].

It was nice to be able to run trains both ways independantly.  Tunnel portals still need to be installed.  A new reverse crossover was planned today.

JimC

[Anonymous]

Well done.

Rgds Ian