Don't matter......or Does it ??

[Anonymous]

Good point Capt. Bob, about flange wear. Another item most newby's (like me), don't think about, since they haven't run trains much yet. Maybe I should consider 'Y's for the spurs, instead of a fixed direction. (Throws spring plans in the trash, start over) <grin>.

OkieRRr

[Capt Bob Johnson]

What about running in both directions to even the wear on the flanges and gearboxes??

If you think I'm keeping track of how much time I have run any given loco in any given direction you got another think coming! I'll run it til it dies then get a new one!

I submit you do have a valid point about the Shea, but what about the angle of view for those who live on the other side of the tracks?

It's your railroad, do that which pleases you! Don't it give you a feeling of power to have all that much say about how things are done???

[Anonymous]

Running trains Clockwise, or Counter clockwise around the track.

People putting down new track often ask, " Any advice for a newby". Which most time has many answers, depending on what area they have, what type setup they want to do, what type trains, etc.

However, I saw one old post where it was asked, " What direction should I run my trains, CW or CCW. Most said, doesen't matter...your choice.
Which is mostly true, but .....

In the case of a Shay Engine, if you will view mostly from inside your layout, then CW would be best. If mostly viewing from outside your layout, then CCW would be best. ( To see all those gears turning....only on right side of engine.)

Still no problem, just turn engine around for best viewing. But, think about the track layout for spurs. I like to back my trains from the mainline onto spurs, therefore, its best to think about whether your going to run trains CW or CCW before you get the track all laid.

Guess I'm taking something simple, and making it complex.....Doesn't really matter....or does it ????

OkieRRr