I have been searching for quite a while now looking for layout designs that can accomodate multiple continous runs and I am surprised about the lack of layouts out there for that. I figured now with DCC being able to control multple engines independently that there would be an abundance of layouts now that have multiple (3-4) trains being able to run at the same time but I am not finding any layouts like that anywhere
I could run 3 trains simultaneously, but it was hardly worth the effort. I had a subway train that just popped around at a slightly lower level. I had one large loop that could accommodate 1 train running independently, two trains chasing each other but I constantly needed to adjust speed to keep them apart, or two trains running in opposite directions using passing sidings, but that required constant attention. Or, I could run the main loop train by itself and do some switching, only "stealing" the main line briefly when I needed it.
I am not in a club and I don't have multiple operators. A multi-train layout that can run unattended is really a display layout, and most of us, I guess, would prefer a more hands on approach.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
My layout is DC, and it's wired for block control at the main control panel. I have two other control panels, so I can perform switching at different spots on the layout. I can run one train continuously, while another operator can perform switching duties.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
Are you looking now for a different approach than the layout that you described earlier?http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/280477.aspx
Layouts with multiple independent loops running at once seem to be more popular with the “tinplate” (like Lionel) folks than with scale modelers, although there are examples here and there. You’ll probably need to start from scratch for a design for your space. If you describe a bit more the overall room and what you are trying to accomplish, some folks here may be able to help.
Good luck with your layout.
Byron
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
MisterBeasley...I am not in a club and I don't have multiple operators. A multi-train layout that can run unattended is really a display layout, and most of us, I guess, would prefer a more hands on approach.
I agree. While I'm a DC operator, even if I were using DCC, I would run only one train at a time. My railroad is single track, with passing sidings in all towns, but it is my opinion that a train in motion should be the object of my full attention.
If you plan to have multiple operators, then that would correspond with my position, but having trains running with no one enjoying running them seems pointless.
Wayne
wolf10851 I figured now with DCC being able to control multple engines independently that there would be an abundance of layouts now that have multiple (3-4) trains being able to run at the same time
Have you ever been to a train show with big sectional layouts set up by clubs? They run 3 or 4 trains, or more, BUT, each train has an opertor, for realistic operations.
3 or 4 trains running around is like what Byron decribes, layouts used more for show and the WOW factor.
If you want a layout like that, than just set up 3 or 4 independent loops, put a train on each one and watch them zoom around.
Mike.
My You Tube
We usually have 3 or 4 runnign on the east main,a dn 3 or 4 runnign ont he west main. At public shows, it's what we have to do, to keep the general public entertained and not bored to death. Each train has an operator though, who must follow the signals. I liek to switch cars, so often I will sit at the big coal yard and switch cars back and forth between the yard and the breaker. People watch that for maybe 5 minutes before they wander off, bored to tears.
Because you CAN run multipel trains on the same track with DCC, there's little reason to have a special type of plan for running multiple trains. Even a fairly basic 4x8 can run multiple trains easily with DCC - they may have to be short ones, but they can run.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
It is very possible to design a layout for both prototypical operating sessions and good display running of multiple trains, no matter the control system, DCC or DC.
But you will not find such a layout in too many published track plans.
I wish I had my track plan ready to post here. It incorporates a double track continuous mainline with hidden staging. So for operating sessions, it functions as point to point from the hidden staging tracks.
The staging is behind the scenery and the basic loop is a "twice around".
Or, two trains can just run on the mainline loops.
Or, there are some carefully placed cutoffs that turn the two loops into four independent display loops. For operating sessions these cutoffs also serve as interchange junctions.
In addition, there is a separate single track loop, partly hidden, which functions as a section of a different railroad. It too connects to the double track main for interchange/operation, on can just function as a display loop.
So in display mode, 5 trains on dedicated loops, and still the ability to switch trains in the yard and industrial areas while they run.
Or, the whole thing can support a crew of about twelve people for serious operating sessions.
All this in DC. with no block toggles and with CTC and signals.
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRAL It incorporates a double track continuous mainline with hidden staging. So for operating sessions, it functions as point to point from the hidden staging tracks.
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Double track mainline, continuous running, with hidden staging and point-to-point operation on the layout:
-Kevin
Living the dream.
A double mainline is the best way for running two trains IMO. You can "set and forget" then watch trains run. My brother's last layout was DC set up this way mostly for his two grandsons to each run their own train when they were young. As they got older he showed them how to use the block controls, switching etc.
doctorwayne MisterBeasley ...I am not in a club and I don't have multiple operators. A multi-train layout that can run unattended is really a display layout, and most of us, I guess, would prefer a more hands on approach. I agree. While I'm a DC operator, even if I were using DCC, I would run only one train at a time. My railroad is single track, with passing sidings in all towns, but it is my opinion that a train in motion should be the object of my full attention. If you plan to have multiple operators, then that would correspond with my position, but having trains running with no one enjoying running them seems pointless. Wayne
MisterBeasley ...I am not in a club and I don't have multiple operators. A multi-train layout that can run unattended is really a display layout, and most of us, I guess, would prefer a more hands on approach.
I have a 160 foot double mainline on which I can somewhat safely run two trains sumultaneously on each mainline. And, to keep things interesting, I run trains in the opposite direction on each mainline (counter clockwise on the outer and clockwise on the inner). But running four mainline trains at once simply appears unrealistic because of the compressed distances. And, any operator error will likely result in a collision.
So, what I do is to run only one train on each mainline track while conducting operations in the yards or passenger stations with a single switcher. Anything more than that will overwhelm a lone wolf operator like me.
On a moderately sized layout, running four trains simultaneously, one each on its own track, is strictly for display purposes and will quickly result in glazed over eyes by the viewer.
Rich
Alton Junction
Two layout ago, my workbench was right next to the layout, so I would often set one of my steam locos iwth soudn going at a slow speed while I worked. Just going around and around, no one controlling it, for the background sound.
My new paln is really basically just a really big dog bone, so the main is all double tracked, but at the staging loops at each end, loops back on itself. Continuous run? No problem. Through train, or just from off-layout somewhere to the yard and then back, or other sorts of prototypical operation? Also all provided for.
With the size of things, I should ahve no problem wunning 2-3 traisn at a time in each direction, continuously. However, they can;t be completley unattended, no matter how carefully the speeds are set, eventually one would start creeping up on another. Unless I want to startr messing around with computer automation, and I really don;t want to do that. If I set one train to looping the whole layout while I do somethign else like switch the yard - I will likely be able to complete all switching before I see that train come around again.
My turnout controls with their local lockout that is disabled by default (so turnout local controls work) unless the dispatcher station is switched on make it so that I can run the whole railroad alone in a casual manner, or go full blown ops mode with a dispatcher position to control train movements on the main. It's not one or the other - I never did get the mentality of these big operations-oriented railroads where it seems like they layout gets used once a month when the owner has an operating session, and maybe a little bit in between while they owner restages everythign to prep for the next operating session. I like running trains too much to limit use of any layout that much.
richhotrain doctorwayne MisterBeasley ...I am not in a club and I don't have multiple operators. A multi-train layout that can run unattended is really a display layout, and most of us, I guess, would prefer a more hands on approach. I agree. While I'm a DC operator, even if I were using DCC, I would run only one train at a time. My railroad is single track, with passing sidings in all towns, but it is my opinion that a train in motion should be the object of my full attention. If you plan to have multiple operators, then that would correspond with my position, but having trains running with no one enjoying running them seems pointless. Wayne That may be hard for a newbie to understand, but it is true and I agree with Wayne and Mr. B. I have a 160 foot double mainline on which I can somewhat safely run two trains sumultaneously on each mainline. And, to keep things interesting, I run trains in the opposite direction on each mainline (counter clockwise on the outer and clockwise on the inner). But running four mainline trains at once simply appears unrealistic because of the compressed distances. And, any operator error will likely result in a collision. So, what I do is to run only one train on each mainline track while conducting operations in the yards or passenger stations with a single switcher. Anything more than that will overwhelm a lone wolf operator like me. On a moderately sized layout, running four trains simulataneously, one each on its own track, is strictly for display purposes and will quickly result in glazed over eyes by the viewer. Rich
That may be hard for a newbie to understand, but it is true and I agree with Wayne and Mr. B.
On a moderately sized layout, running four trains simulataneously, one each on its own track, is strictly for display purposes and will quickly result in glazed over eyes by the viewer.
All good points, a few more thoughts about my display scheme.
When the mainline is configured into four loops instead of two, trains still pass through staging because the staging is a decentralized series of sidings along the hidden portion.
So in display mode, one operator can set 4 trains in motion, and then randomly park one and replace it with a different train from the staging along that section.
The layout will stage about 30 trains.
And yes, for any kind of real operation, each train requires an operator, and preferably a dispatcher, and two additional tower operators.
Sheldon, I like your concept of four trains running simultaneously and continuously on four separate tracks, but using hidden staging to delay their reappearance.
richhotrain Sheldon, I like your concept of four trains running simultaneously and continuously on four separate tracks, but using hidden staging to delay their reappearance. Rich
Thank you. A few more details.
Each loop spends about 35% of its "route" in the hidden staging before it would reappear a pretty good distance from where it went off stage. So even if you just let the same trains run, there is both time and distance before they reappear.
Even the single track loop, which represents a stretch of the Western Maryland, has staging that allows three different trains to appear.
With only two or three operators 5 to 8 trains can easily be kept moving in display mode, with plenty of variety.
The main yard and industrial areas are arranged to not conflict with mainline traffic at all, so operators can work the yard or switch the industrial belt lines while display mode or operating session trains travel on the main.
It was very important to me to have both types of operation.
Sheldon,
Any idea when that final track plan will be done? I would very much like to see it. It sounds great!
Mike
Water Level Route Sheldon, Any idea when that final track plan will be done? I would very much like to see it. It sounds great!
I will publish it on here when it is ready. Hopefully in a few weeks. It is drafted on mylar the old way, not done on a computer. Once it is done I will have it scanned.
I have been very busy with work, but it is coming along. The layout will pretty much fill about 1600 sq ft.