I can't seem to find two answers. (1) What size loco was it designed for, an SW7 or 1500 maybe? (2) I assume the switches are #4 but not sure.
Try this on for size - includes the parts list!
http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/Timesaver/MR1976.jpg
Neal
I looked at the Website referenced by Neal http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/sw-timesaver.html
It does not specify the loco, but it does suggest that a loco with a short wheel base will be a time saver. Pictures seem to show both steam and SW engines. As for the switches, I don't think there were strict parameters about that. To me the key sentences are this:
"The longest track and as such the defining element for the minimal total length of the layout is the line running through from C to D in the illustration here. The overall length of a Timesaver layout is thus the total of 6 times the length of the longest piece of rolling stock used (bear in mind that this could be your locomotive) plus the length of two points (the third, turning off to E, forms part of the middle track section holding 2 pieces of rolling stock)." http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/Timesaver/timesaver-trackplan.html
And there is a picture next to it. I would interpret that as, you first need to determine the length of the rolling stock, then design accordingly.
Anyway, an interesting game for sure!
Simon
leewal(2) I assume the switches are #4 but not sure.
The article posted above shows them as Snap-Switches, which are quite a bit sharper than #4s. (and the Atlas "#4" is actually about a 4½). Unless you gotta have a Timesaver, there are lots of other engaging (and slightly more realistic) options for a small switching layout than the Timesaver, which is more of a move-the-empty-slot puzzle.
IMHO, only, of course.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
I remember attending a combined PCR / Daylight NMRA convention back in '85. They had a very large timesaver layout that required two folks to run it. One was the engineer, who actually rode the locomotive, and a conductor to direct movements and couple / uncoupled the cars. The pairs of operators competed for best time with fewest derailments with a nice prize going to the winners.
That contest was a hoot!!
Don; Prez, CEO or whatever of the Wishram, Oregon and Western RR
I thought about building a "Timesaver" when I saw an advertisement for Ticket to Ride's new switching puzzle, which resembles the "Timesaver", but seems to require manual movement of the train cars & loco. Looks like a toy for kids but it could get them interested in model railroads. The hobby DOES need more youngsters. Some of the train shows I've been to look like visiting days at the nursing home with grandpa playing with the kids. I'm one of those grandpas, but not in the home yet. I never thought of it, but I don't think "snap track" had #6 switches, unlike Atlas' Custom Line. Thanks to all who replied.
Snap switches are about 18" radius on the diverging side.
The November 1972 of Model Railroader has an article by John Allen with track plan. It shows 3 #6's, 2 #3Y's, and 1 #4Y. One of the #6's is for the purpose of connecting 2 Timesavers together to allow teams of 2 players.
From the pictures it appears that the locomotive is about the size of a freight car.
What's critical to the game is the capacity (shown in number of cars) of the spurs and sidings.
You could use any size turnouts and cars as long as the capacities are followed and the cars and locomotive are all about the same length.
Paul