General Discussion (Model Railroader)

 Remember the switching layout John Allen built called the "Time Saver"? I would like to build one use while we are over seas. Anyone know a link to the track plan?

Thanks

Steve

The schematic is probably more important than a precise track plan, theoretically the Time Waster (oops I mean "Time Saver") could be about any length, you would just use more cars.

TimeSaver

 Just remember, the Times Saver was only a Game, not meant to be used in a layout.

http://www.gdlines.com/Timesaver.html

http://www.housatonicrr.com/timesaver.htm

Rich

MS:

Here, try it out:

http://www.precisionlabels.com/shunt/jpage320.html

Also try Inglenook Sidings:

http://www.precisionlabels.com/shunt/jpage330.html

Sure, it's a game.  Why not?  This whole hobby is tabletop gaming. 

It sounds frustrating, especially after reading that article.  I'll stick with watching trains go round and round or something to that effect.

A more flexible and realistic layout that can be built in just a little more space is Linn Westcott's "Switchman's Nightmare", which predates the Timesaver by about a decade. Unlike the Timesaver, which is basically a "shuffle the empty slot" puzzle, the Westcott's layout allows one to do more to simulate real railroading.

This layout and a recent version of it were discussed in a recent thread
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/136400.aspx?PageIndex=1

I also wrote about it recently in my blog.

Byron

 This site has many, many small layouts including variations of Timesaver.

http://www.carendt.com/index.html

Enjoy

Paul 

 I disagree...  I've used the basic Time Saver diagram, often modified a bit for the space and structures, to build numerous switching districts on larger layouts.  It has all the elements you need for an interesting switching puzzle with the switchback siding, a facing point and a trailing point switch, and of course, the run around that makes it all possible.

What makes it frustrating is if you don't allow enough room on the run around to handle the number of cars you will be switching.

This is part of a modified time saver, note the switchback on the right.

Looking the other way, you can see the other trailing point switch between the engine and the lumber yard siding.  It curls around to the left to serve a bakery.

A little further around the bend is a third siding and the end of double track.  The crossover seen in the above photos allows for switching to be done more efficiently after I extended the overall siding to hold a 20 car train.

Lee

wm3798:

I disagree...  I've used the basic Time Saver diagram, often modified a bit for the space and structures, to build numerous switching districts on larger layouts.  It has all the elements you need for an interesting switching puzzle with the switchback siding, a facing point and a trailing point switch, and of course, the run around that makes it all possible.

What makes it frustrating is if you don't allow enough room on the run around to handle the number of cars you will be switching.

Once you lengthen the runaround and provide adequate leads, you're right, it can be fine ... but it's not the classic Timesaver any longer, either. The whole point of John Alen's original Timesaver parlor game was that you didn't have room to work ... which is the opposite of the situation 99% of the time on a real railroad. Lots of folks call any concentrated switching area with a runaround a "timesaver", but I think that confuses the issue a bit. Just my opinion.

Byron
Model RR Blog

richg1998:

 Just remember, the Times Saver was only a Game, not meant to be used in a layout.

http://www.gdlines.com/Timesaver.html

http://www.housatonicrr.com/timesaver.htm

Rich

 

richg1998:

 Just remember, the Times Saver was only a Game, not meant to be used in a layout.

http://www.gdlines.com/Timesaver.html

http://www.housatonicrr.com/timesaver.htm

Rich

 

My problem is I will be in Russia for at most 1 more year and then were not sure where in the world we will be. I figured the time saver would give me a place to run equipment and practice my track and scenery skills but also be portable.

The other plans are interesting though. When we go home for Christmas I plan on putting together a box to ship to myself so I've got some time to decide. 

 

Steve

 

Lee,

I enjoyed your video. How do you get the clicking sound? Sounded just like a real coal train going down the tracks.

MC

richg1998:

 Just remember, the Times Saver was only a Game, not meant to be used in a layout.

Rich

 

True...but for some of us it makes a small, shelf layout, interesting. My own Newburgh, Dutchess & Connecticut RR is loosly based on the Peliz Bay (you can do a Google - although I think the website is no longer active or try Welcome to Port Kelsey in the MR archives. While my layout doesn't feature a dock; it has basically the same track plan. When all you can do is run trains back and forth along an 11' board - things can get pretty boring rather rapidly. Regarding the Timesaver track plan and rules try www.wymann.info/shuntingpuzzles which features the Timesaver as well as some other layouts. Shunting (switching) puzzles are popular, in Europe, where layout space is at a premium. I cannot tell you the number of hours I have spent engrossed in a complex switching problem...it is addictive! Hmmm, perhaps we could start a thread that would address shunting puzzles?

Oh, I like the pictures of your layout...lots of fun in a small package. I like to change up the rolling stock mix by using 50' cars (or a mix of 40' and 50' units) instead of my usual 36' (1899) varieties. The puzzle completely changes when you can only fit a couple of 50 footers (or larger if you so choose) where you are used to placing three smaller cars. There is a Switch List generating program on the web that looks interesting - although I haven't tried the demo version as of yet ( www.minirail.com ). Another bonus of trackplans, like the Timesaver et. al. is that we can concentrate on one small section of scenery at a time...makes it seem like we have accomplished more. Thanks for the pictures.

Ray