Tiny Layout - Continuous Run Vs. Switching

[leighant]

I have shown this before, but it is in part an answer to this old question.

I have a lot of fun on a layout I operate mainly as a switching layout, which has a continuous run option.  2 x 3 feet in N scale.  Like an inplant industrial railroad with an interchange with a trunk line through a security gate.  But the "plant" is not an industrial concern but a naval base.  3 on-base spurs and 1 connection to trunkline rr = 4 turnouts.

I use the oval as a "circulation loop" to access various spurs and make runarounds, not for continuous running during "operation."

But when I set it up at train shows, I allow kids- even preschoolers- to run the train, and they run it around and around.  When no one is actively looking at the layout, I let the train run around and around to attract attention.  When an experienced model railroader takes a look, I invite him or her to pick up a cut of cars from the entrance gate and spot them.

And sometimes, someone will just look and say, my dad worked on the roof of the blimp hanger you painted on the background. 

A layout that though tiny plays multiple roles.

Speaking of tiny. I wonder if this type will look so tiny when I finish posting it.  I can't see any way to choose the type size.

[Southgate]

tstage

Nothing like blowing the dust off of a 9+ year old thread...

 

Ya know what? I'm so glad this emerged. It got me to thinking about my in progress layout. And I made a significant change due to thinking about a continuous loop.

You never know what effect a simple question can have on another. Perhaps that's a topic for a new thread, but the idea took seed here. Dan

[Jetrock]

Thread necromancy is always a dangerous thing...but it's intriguing to see one's own posts from 10 years ago! In Internet time, that's like finding lost medieval manuscripts. Back then I was just getting into the hobby. The old 2x6 point to point layout was a second prototype, superseded by a sectional shelf layout that currently runs about two-thirds of the way around an 11x24 room, currently up to around 20 industries, but I still don't have a loop.

[Geared Steam]

richhotrain

 

 

tstage

At least he didn't resurrect the post...then flame it.

 

 

 

 

True, but we could, Tom. 

You go first.   

Rich

10 year old thread, and some of the old guys on here now were old back then too!   (Not saying your old Rich, not at all)  Back then some of my teeth were still in my head instead of my pocket.