I have found that sometimes it's best to start with an operations book. If it's based on the prototype you'll normally quickly see why the road was built the way it was. Although if given the choice and resources were not an issue, RRs would want more track with larger clearances to increase throughput and avoid choke points.
Richard
A lot of good suggestions here. I do think you will have more options for operating with a double-track mainline, especially if you have two engineers (a friend with you) each running your own train. I also like the suggestion of a crossover or two - again giving you more options.
It all depends on whether or not you want a lot of run through trains moving on the layout. That is your decision. Personally I like a layout with some single track mainline with the passing sidings located only at towns served by the railroad. But, my consideration was a lack of space to include a double track main on certain parts where I wanted scenery to be the focal point. You have to weigh all the options and then decide whats best for your individual situation. Good luck!
I have many years' worth of experience (too many?) on UK outline modelling in OO/HO and N and have moved to US outline N in the last couple of years. Over here, most main lines are double track, so folk modelling a main line model double track. [Some main lines were reduced from double to single in the late 1960's and early 1970's, but the Salisbury to Exeter line is having double track restored in some areas, to improve efficiency.] So far as my research tells me, there is a mixture in the USA, so it does rather depend on the area you have chosen to model whether you have single or double track.
Most branch lines over here are single track, and most folk doing a UK branch lihe will, therefore, normally do single track. For some reason, the overwhelming majority of UK branch layouts seem to be of the old Great Western territory, even for someone living in Scotland!
Most of us over here don't have basements, and very few of us have layouts in the loft, though some do. Mine is in a spare bedroom and represents the terminus of a branch line, out and back with return loop. I moved away from the end to end as designed originally because it didn't "feel" right. Yes, it's single track.
It's really a matter, as others have said, on what YOU feel best suits YOUR requirements.
Happy modelling!
Pete
hi again,
though the OP seems to have quit-ted, reading through the thread reveals we are talking about a rather short point-to-point layout; built for at least a 9 men crew. Running a lot of through trains will probably not be an option, unless massive staging yards are available.
Double track might be the best option anyway, to keep different local engineers apart. Like John Armstrong did in a design "Tailored For The Way Freight.
I have the impression the OP would love to have a lot of through traffic on the double track N&W mainline, but is struck with his point-to-point configuration. More then "to double track" or not the concept of the layout is at stake. Will his plan make 6 engineers happy, beside two doing classification jobs in the yard?
Paul
Hi,
Not sure if a third alternative has been brought up, that being a double main with a third track (between the two mains) used as a passing siding by both. As I recall, the Illinois Central had this going in southern Illinois, and to the best of my information it worked out just fine.
Anyway, this would allow you to just freely run two trains in opposite directions and not have to tend to them (sometimes I like to just sit back and watch trains run). Or, you could pull a slow freight onto the siding so that passenger train could go by, or ?????
Back to your original alternatives (double main or single w/passing sidings), it really comes down to personal preference - also dictated by the prototype you are modeling (or not).
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Their are a lot of things to consider when building a model layout. You have already passed several hurtles already. You know what railroad you want to model and you even have picked out a division. That said, you're next decision is how close to the prototype practices you want or can follow in the space available to you. If I had to make you're decisions I would be more inclined to do as the N&W did on the division .You're decision to run large steam would encourage me to keep my minimum radius in the 40" area and keep my towns/locations down to no more than half a dozen at the most. Each end of the layout could be a terminal. That would leave you with perhaps no more than 4 intermediate "areas" to model. I think that the layout would look awesome going from point A to point B and passing through a few of you're favorite intermediate locations. If you have chosen to model the Pocahontas Div., and it was a double track affair, I think you should go that route. I personally wouldn't be satisfied to do it any other way and with you asking for other opinions, I suspect that what you currently have isn't satisfying you ether. Don't be afraid or ashamed to pray about it.
Paul,
I have been reading through this thread, again. I found one mistake that I made which is that the mainline is 210 feet not 120 feet.. That is a big difference. I am look at a third 4 track hidden staging track near the mid portion of the western section.
Craig North Carolina
Cass shays,
I have decided on the N&W's Pocahontas Division in October,1957. The double train mainline is a big part of the Division. I have one section of about 12 feet that is single tracked. There is a second section that goes single track through a tunnel. The 2nd section would be easy to double track.
I guess that I was thinking that some areas of single track would cause more operational opportunities. But, that stems from my lack of knowledge and experience with operating a model railroad.
I am going to look into double tracking the mainline through the 2nd "tunnel" and see how that works out.
Thanks to all who have been kind enough to give me their input with this thread.