As I recall, Armstrong rcommended double track for small layouts, because single track between sidings would be so short as to seem odd.
ATLANTIC CENTRALI like to "watch" trains as much as "run" trains, and I consider display running key in sharing the layout with non modelers. So the whole concept has been carefully constructed to provide for both, display and "session" operations, for a crew or just me.
Hi Sheldon,
I totally agree! I have watched my critters run literally for hours when our club's portable layout is on display. I find it very relaxing, almost like meditating except when the wee beasties stall or derail which is rare. (In case you are wondering, I don't sit there like a zombie. I do make every effort to engage with the public especially since most of the enquiries get directed to me as the club President).
I designed the club's new layout with both running and operating in mind because most of our club members have never had an opportunity to actually operate. We want to introduce those members to operations but if they don't want to operate they can still have a lot of fun just running their trains. Mind you, we will discourage them from going into zen like trances while watching their trains because they will obviously have to give up the right of way from time to time! In the two 'running' sessions that we have had since the main line became operable several people seemed to have missed that point! At our Open House we had repeated rear end collisions because people were gabbing and not watching their trains!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I just watched Ed's (gmpullman) video on the Broadway Limited PRR turbine linked in another thread. That would seal the deal on going double track for me. The "romance" of big time steam in a busy double track corridor trumps a lone freight on a single track line.
Ray
I am also moving into a new layout space, albeit small, (10' 8" x 11"), I'm considering a double track main, possibly another RR crossing at the double diamonds (short line RR). I'm working off two different published track plans (from the MR Track Plan Database), that I will use as guidelines. I want a minumum 24" radius turns and little to no grade, with plenty of switching possibilities. I think the MR Database is a good place to start in addition to the above suggestions
The ultimate decision rests with the OP. I tend to look at modeling from a prototype perspective, so my advice echoes that of others. What is your prototype and what did it do in the region that interests you? Why not start out with a plywood pacific with a single track mainline and see if it is your cup of tea, before you tackle scenery. If you like railfanning vs. meets and such, put in that other main and enjoy. Today many lines that once sported double track show their history with wider than normal rights-of-way, track centered on extra-wide bridge decks or, wider than normal bridge piers supporting an off center single track.
Post World War II traffic declines, CTC, and mergers saw much multi track territory reduced to single with the above indications left in place. That trend has been reversed with increased traffic causing the need for more capacity only additional track can provide. Some double track, especially in the west is gaining a third track. If your single track initial layout says your operating scenario requires more than one main track, the plywood pacific would be easier to modify than a layout with scenery--cheaper too. If you decide you like the challenge of single track railroading, you can include some of the remains of what was, for a very different look, not often modeled.
I did not mention that my new layout will be using DCC and computerized CTC with an operational PTC system to make sure that the operating rules are enforced.