Further: The layout was designed for operations, and we hold sessions every month or two, with a dispatcher, yardmaster, hostler, and 3-4 crews running through trains, passenger trains and locals. Turnouts are hand thrown for the most part and uncoupling is with picks (homemade and Ricks, I think). N Scale is great for operations, but uncoupling can be challenging for operators used to oversized trains. :)
I own and operate a 135 square foot N Scale layout set in upstate NY in 1954 (NYO&W). The layout is folded dogbone, with stub end staging tracks on both sides of two through tracks, but the through tracks are used as staging during operations. When my granddaugther is over, she'll mostly run around the layout but also do some switching. If I'm cleaning track or testing locomotives, the through tracks are handy. But I rarely just run in circles.
I am fortunate to belong to the operating crews of two large N scale layouts. Both are designed for point-to-point operation. One has a double ended staging yard that allows for continuous running if desired. The other is a very long double-track main with large staging loops at each end (actually stacked one above the other). These loops also allow for continuous running if desired. I personally model the Santa Ana & Newport which, when absorbed by the Southern Pacific and connected to the SP mainline, created a prototypical loop of track around central and north Orange County, California. Thus, my HO scale layout offers simultaneous point-to-point AND continuous loop running. The SP ran a mixed train around this loop several times a day to handle local commuters and local express freight. It was labelled the "Merry-Go-Round" train. My layout assumes the SA&N remained independent and operating into the late 1950's. Local SA&N, SP, ATSF and Pacific Electric freight trains have to make their point-to-point runs while dodging the continuously looping SA&N version of the Merry-Go-Round train. This makes for a very busy timetable!
I would recommend designing a track plan for point-to-point operations with some means of connecting the two ends to allow for continuous running when desired. This will give you great operating potential while still allowing you to just watch trains go by. A double ended staging yard would be the best way to make this connection. Use a "through" track down the middle of the yard with "eastbound" tracks on one side of the through track and "westbound" tracks on the other side.
Hornblower
I run my layout on a loop. I basically run it around without getting bored. I have a backdrop in the middle which is exciting to watch trains run thru.
I do have a switch for a industry. When I feel like I'll make a local freight and rotate the layout.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
WRGMILWQuestion, how many of you set up your layouts for Switching operations vs running in various ovals ?
As the majority knows I loath loop running so,even in N Scale I built ISLs except for a 80" HCD layout that I built featuring a yard,industry area and double track main.
The yard and industry area was located on the inside loop (#2 main) so a train could run endless loops on #1 main.
My wife and I displayed this layout at several train shows. It was used twice for the TV news intro and once for the reporter's closing background.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I've always enjoyed running around the oval and doing a little switching when I get bored. As cuyama said, the best of both worlds...
I do, as do many N scale folks I know. But often it need not be either/or.
WRGMILWDo you find it less boring than having trains run on ovals ?
Yes.
Many times it is possible to accommodate switching operations and continuous-run in one track plan. Best of both.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Hi There N scale PEOPLE
Question, how many of you set up your layouts for Switching operations vs running in various ovals ?
Do you find it less boring than having trains run on ovals ?
thanks in advance
CHARTER MEMBER OF THE MILWAUKEE FALLEN FLAG MODEL TRAIN CLUB . I COLLECT HO, N , O-3rail & On30 Trains & run them ! I Use KATO HO & N scale Track . I also Use Lionel Fast Track ! I change track layouts Often !