I look at my caliber of questions compared to other members, and just laugh. I ask hypothicical questions about items that are purely opinionated, while others ask how to fix an old PW switcher, or how to construct a retaining wall...I guess everyone starts somewhere!
I'm still kicking around a few ideas, seeing what I like, what will fit on my small benchwork, and what keeps my attention. I keep going back to some type of dogbone layout on my 13' x 3' layout (4'x4' on the outer sections, 3'x5' in the center). It keeps the amount of tracks to a minimum, but mandates that I use an incline (3.5") that must be used with every train on every pass. I can build a passing zone to store an extra train, and I have a siding that I can back an additional 70" consist into for storage, so I can move trains around, but really can't operate more than one train at a time without a lot of throttle work or wiring up safeguards like Frank did (which Bob has showed me how to do in past posts).
Do you guys feel that it is better to get a couple of trains working at one time on separate tracks (maybe smaller, and simpler loops), and have less scenery, or open up the design with less track, allowing more scenery. I feel that I really need two trains running at the same time minimum to keep my interest. I'm just looking for experience in the matter. I keep reading how rookies load up on too much track, and I don't want to fall into the same pitfall.
As always, thanks!
Wes
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
The responses to this will be very interesting. For my own amusement, I always try to get at least two trains running. Running them on separate loops is best because I prefer they meet head on vs. just chasing each other. Still, two (or three!) trains chasing each other is better than one train. Again this is just personal preferance.
In order to save space for scenery you can make one of the loops much smaller. Also, if space is at a premium you might consider not connecting the two loops. Finally, if space is really at a premium consider a straight reversing trolly line (or k-line superstreets).
As you can tell I really enjoy train motion in opposition.
Jim H
Jim -I do like seeing two trains pass just inches apart on a long straight. It gives a sense of motion. I think I can accomplish this on one of my loop backs, which should satisfy that need. I also currently have a smaller loop. I had to use 0-31 curves instead of 0-42, limiting me to smaller trains, but with this small of a layout, I don't know if big locos would look right anyhow!
Buckeye - Command control is in my future, that's for sure. You have much more room than I have to work with, but I bet I can get 2 trains to work pretty easily. I just have to build in passing zones to put the trains for a few seconds.
Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.
If the trains have sounds (like RailSounds), and your layout is small (like mine), you may prefer only running one at a time to appreciate the sounds. I tend to get bored with layouts that have mostly track, and minimal scenics...but, to each their own.
When we eventually move to another house, I'm going to consider a "dogbone" layout. It seems like a good way to keep both the tracks and the scenics "up front". Joe
Wes:
You can make running one train at a time interesting if you build in some options such as swapping out engines or changing part of the consist at one or more points along the line. I used to commute from New Jersey into New York and part of the trip involved swapping out diesel power for electric on trains headed into NY Penn Station and the reverse at night. I do pretty much the same on my layout, but since I'm modelling the mod 50's, I have steam, diesel, and electric engines in the mix. I run in one direction with steam or diesel power and run in the other with electric.
TMCC makes it really easy to "cut off" the engines when needed.
Good luck,
Mike
Thanks Mike. That seems like it would make a difference.
Here is what I was working on. Scenery isn't set.
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/weswhitmore/photo/294928804323360380/0
Sure, as long as I am driving them (or build in the safeguards). I extended the lower loop so it would hold a longer train before it turned around, and that helped a lot. Now I can park a train at the end of the loop and wait for another train to hit the switch in the other direction (following the waiting train), and then proceed. I like the idea of a waiting train. It's adds to the excitement. I can also leave a train in the station and go around it. I plan on putting some operational track stuff inside the smaller loops as well. I extened the grade as far as I could, and it's at 4% with a 7" rise. I don't know how much shorter I can go. It's around a 200" run. All of my decent trains can handle that grade in testing.
Yup, 1 foot square. I'm not looking for prototypical, but I need an incline that will pull a 60-70" consist without failure. I might be spoiled because my MTH 2-8-0 has built in speed control and basically climes this with no tire spin, no real speed change, and little stress. My Lionel won't climb a 2% grade, but the traction tires are shot. The K-line speeder will climb it without spinning, but it's very light.
Anyhow, I can put the loopbacks on a little grade as well to cut the incline down. Maybe cut down the portal some and try to make the elevated level as low as possible too will help tame the incline.
What you're showing us then is a 4x13 with future expansion then...
Got two options. 1) An upper loop and a lower loop (with possibly a connecting spur).
2) I flipped your upper level to the lower level and made it a simple folded dogbone, with both return loops on the same end. This gives you the run needed to gain elevation, and lots of space for industrial sidings, and a pass terminal in the middle lower portion...
Wes Whitmore wrote: Buckeye - Command control is in my future, that's for sure. You have much more room than I have to work with, but I bet I can get 2 trains to work pretty easily. I just have to build in passing zones to put the trains for a few seconds.Wes
Wes, there are plenty of houses for sale on this side of town with huge basements. In fact, my neighbor is putting her house up for sale this spring. Perfect finished train room down stairs. Hot tub on the back deck. Great screened in back porch where you could treat your neighbor, me, to a cold one on a hot summer day.
You could start building a layout right away with all the lumber I have in my basement.
Buckeye Riveter wrote: Wes Whitmore wrote: Buckeye - Command control is in my future, that's for sure. You have much more room than I have to work with, but I bet I can get 2 trains to work pretty easily. I just have to build in passing zones to put the trains for a few seconds.WesWes, there are plenty of houses for sale on this side of town with huge basements. In fact, my neighbor is putting her house up for sale this spring. Perfect finished train room down stairs. Hot tub on the back deck. Great screened in back porch where you could treat your neighbor, me, to a cold one on a hot summer day. You could start building a layout right away with all the lumber I have in my basement.
Too late, Wes! I just bought the house next door to Buckeye. I sure hope he doesn't mind living beside a Corvair wrecking yard. My dogs are really quiet ( 3 Rotti's, 2 Pitbulls and a Chihuahua ) unless they're disturbed by my flock of Emu's. I've been forced to move because of the number of neighborhood complaints about missing lawn ornaments and live scotch pines during the Xmas season. I can't wait to show Buckeye my new stereo too! 2700 watts of pure butt kickin' Gregorian Chant, any hour of any day! Sure hope he's equipped with Dewalt tools instead of that cheap Ryobi stuff I borrow off my current neighbor
Bruce ( thinks gasoline is a suitable lighter fluid ) Webster
Buckeye, I got you covered with your new neighbor. I also build loud PA cabinets and I have 10K watts of power. I can play "Hang on Sloopy" on endless loop until he gives up and heads back home!
I do have enough room in my basement, but my wife prefers if I don't take all of the kids play room for trains. I am cleaning up my old shop, which is a 11x20, which might just be enough room. I can move this into it,and keep going.
Fife, did you have a drawing fo me to see? I think I missed something.
Wes Whitmore wrote: Buckeye, I got you covered with your new neighbor. I also build loud PA cabinets and I have 10K watts of power. I can play "Hang on Sloopy" on endless loop until he gives up and heads back home!Wes
Ooooo! I feel a battle of the bands coming on! Time to dust off my "Sam the Sham and the Pharoes" collection!
Bruce ( there's no 11 on this amp? ) Webster
brwebster wrote: Buckeye Riveter wrote: Wes Whitmore wrote: Buckeye - Command control is in my future, that's for sure. You have much more room than I have to work with, but I bet I can get 2 trains to work pretty easily. I just have to build in passing zones to put the trains for a few seconds.WesWes, there are plenty of houses for sale on this side of town with huge basements. In fact, my neighbor is putting her house up for sale this spring. Perfect finished train room down stairs. Hot tub on the back deck. Great screened in back porch where you could treat your neighbor, me, to a cold one on a hot summer day. You could start building a layout right away with all the lumber I have in my basement. Too late, Wes! I just bought the house next door to Buckeye. I sure hope he doesn't mind living beside a Corvair wrecking yard. My dogs are really quiet ( 3 Rotti's, 2 Pitbulls and a Chihuahua ) unless they're disturbed by my flock of Emu's. I've been forced to move because of the number of neighborhood complaints about missing lawn ornaments and live scotch pines during the Xmas season. I can't wait to show Buckeye my new stereo too! 2700 watts of pure butt kickin' Gregorian Chant, any hour of any day! Sure hope he's equipped with Dewalt tools instead of that cheap Ryobi stuff I borrow off my current neighbor Bruce ( thinks gasoline is a suitable lighter fluid ) Webster
Bruce : hurry up & get moved in down there, that way me & Keith can start saving up to get some shoes & hitch hike on down to your place for a few weeks !! We should have plenty to eat that way between you & Buskeye's house !! Probably alternate meals so as not to wear out our welcome right away !!
Thanks, John
I'm perfectly content running one train at a time, although I change trains for variety on a fairly frequent basis. I also like switching operations, although my current layout is a bit too small to handle much of that kind of activity.
There's sure nothing wrong with having two or more trains operating at the same time, but one is enough for me unless I'm in a club-type environment where several people are controlling several trains. That definitely is a lot of fun!
csxt30 wrote: Bruce : hurry up & get moved in down there, that way me & Keith can start saving up to get some shoes & hitch hike on down to your place for a few weeks !! We should have plenty to eat that way between you & Buskeye's house !! Probably alternate meals so as not to wear out our welcome right away !! Thanks, John
John...I'm hurrying as fast as I can...but the wife doesn't load the converted school bus/camper fast enough for my liking. All the eats and drinks are on the house (Buckeyes) for Kieth and you. Just bring your trains to run. I promise not to play any Neil Young on the stereo
Bruce ( how do I get a green card? ) Webster
That's fine. I'm ready, and there is an 11 on my amp!
Of course his neighborhood was pretty quiet when I visited...
Fife, I tried reworking the design, but I didn't really gain any real run length to cut down the angle. Can you explain a little more?
Thanks,
Ok, I'' see what I can do. I need to keep the loops around as short as possible, as well, so I can start the incline sooner? I see two ways to do it. One with a right and a left switch (one for each loopback), or using a left for each loop. It decides if I keep the track towards the back of the layout, so you probably want double lefts.
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