My little HO scale switching layout is only about 20 ft long, point-to-point with about 4 feet of that as staging (will use cassette or sector plate to maximize this in the future). My trains are no more than about 8 or 9 cars maximum, one engine and a caboose.
At the Pasadena Model Railroad Club, we frequently run 30-50 or more freight cars, and passenger trains can go 10-20. Here's a hundred car train being pulled by a scratchbuilt UP coal turbine. It was fine in the flats but it all went a bit pear-shaped when we hit the 2% grade... A couple of broken couplers and one stringline. A couple of mid-train helpers got us up the hill.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgn3S-iXKjk
SP&S modeler, 1960's give or take a decade or two for some equipment.
http://www.youtube.com/user/SGTDUPREY?feature=guide
Gary DuPrey
N scale model railroader
Hello All,
On my 4x8 table-top pike I have run a 4-unit consist of GP40's with twenty-four 32-foot hoppers and a caboose.
I admit that it looked absolutely unprototypical. There was less than two cars distance from the lead loco to the caboose.
Typically I run between 4- to 16-cars per train. I have a 4% grade to get up to the coal unloading platform. On that grade I run a max of 8 hoppers with a consist of 2 GP30's and a helper GP30.
On the mainline; consisting of 18- and 15-inch radius snaptrack, I run the longer 16-car coal drag.
Because of the tight radius curves I only run GP's or 4-axel switchers.
For the Olde Tyme excursion train I run a USRA 0-6-0 with a Vanderbuilt tender and two 47-foot passenger cars and a bobber caboose. This is able to negotiate down the 15-inch radius corkscrew trestle.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
I currently am running a switching shelf layout. I have run-around tracks at each end of the layout that can handle about 10 40' freight cars, so the normal train is about 8 cars with caboose. I have one town in place, and am adding another (track and buildings in place, but no scenery yet); each town has industries that can handle 8-9 freight cars at max.
Eventually there will be reverse loops added as the layout continues to expand, so eventually I will be running passenger trains up to 7 cars, and iron ore trains around 30 cars long.
My shortest train is a passenger train made up of 6 Roundhouse Palace Cars being pulled by a 4-4-0, while my longest train is a freight made up of 40 freight cars (good micture of 50' and 40' cars) being pulled by a F7 ABBBA set.
8 to 12 40' freight cars with one or two diesels to fit the sidings. Small point to point with switching layout.
Wish I had a bigger one.
Guy
Modeling CNR in the 50's
The OP only asked about freight trains so my first reply was to that. My passenger trains include everything 2 car commuters to the 9 car Walthers 20th Century Limited set. My favorites are the 3-4 car local passenger trains with a mixed consist of heavyweight and lightweight cars. I think those have a lot of character. My new branchline will have a doodlebug.
richhotrain riogrande5761 richhotrain BATMAN I get a great deal of satisfaction watching all those cars go around the layout for an extended length of time without a derailment. Liar, liar, pants on fire! You make it sound like a bad thing! I make it sound like an impossible dream. Extended length of time without a derailment? Not in my house. Rich
riogrande5761 richhotrain BATMAN I get a great deal of satisfaction watching all those cars go around the layout for an extended length of time without a derailment. Liar, liar, pants on fire! You make it sound like a bad thing!
richhotrain BATMAN I get a great deal of satisfaction watching all those cars go around the layout for an extended length of time without a derailment. Liar, liar, pants on fire!
BATMAN I get a great deal of satisfaction watching all those cars go around the layout for an extended length of time without a derailment.
I get a great deal of satisfaction watching all those cars go around the layout for an extended length of time without a derailment.
Liar, liar, pants on fire!
You make it sound like a bad thing!
I make it sound like an impossible dream.
Extended length of time without a derailment?
Not in my house.
Rich
Rich,
It is really not that hard to get derailment free operation - but it takes good trackwork and high standards for rolling stock.
It also helps to not be pushing things to limits - no 85' passenger cars on 24" radius, #6 and larger turnouts, easements, reasonable grades, etc.
Sheldon
My layout is a moderate sized layout based on California mountain railroading in the 'forties and 'fifties, so I can run relatively short trains that look "longer" because of scenic interruptions (cuts, tunnels, bridges, etc). Generally speaking, my through freights will run between 15-25 cars, locals anywhere from 4-8. Passenger trains are between 6-10 cars (though one is a fixed articulated at 4 cars). Grades are between 1.5 and 2.4%, though not continuous, so double-heading is often done on trains of over 15 cars (I run 95% steam).
Works for me.
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
BATMAN richhotrain Liar, liar, pants on fire! Laugh NA NA NA NA NA Actually Rich this is the first layout that I have had such success in the bullet proof trackwork department. I put it down to two tings. First as I entered geezerdom, I was a much more patient man when it came to being maticulous. However I think the fact that this was my first layout on foam is the real reason. Eliminating a large part of the expansion/contraction issue has made me notice that I spend very little time fixing the slight movements in the track that you would get when the subroadbed was wood. If there is a next time for a new layout, it will be foam on steel studs. That would make it only get better as far as "environment proofing" my work.
richhotrain Liar, liar, pants on fire! Laugh
NA NA NA NA NA
Actually Rich this is the first layout that I have had such success in the bullet proof trackwork department.
I put it down to two tings. First as I entered geezerdom, I was a much more patient man when it came to being maticulous. However I think the fact that this was my first layout on foam is the real reason. Eliminating a large part of the expansion/contraction issue has made me notice that I spend very little time fixing the slight movements in the track that you would get when the subroadbed was wood.
If there is a next time for a new layout, it will be foam on steel studs. That would make it only get better as far as "environment proofing" my work.
My passenger trains average about 3 cars, and freights average 4-5 cars. All hail the mighty 4x8.
-Alex Warshal
My Layout Photos- http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/ajwarshal/library/
My layout was designed to simulate the prototype I've chosen to model, so the sidings, staging tracks and platform arrangements on the Nihon Kokutetsu are all sized to take:
If longer-than-ordinary cars are included, the car count goes down.
The steeper, sharper-curve Tomikawa Tani Tetsudo usually runs:
One thing to note. Typical of Japan, the traffic density is astounding by US standards (but a little less than normal by Broadway Lion's...)
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
I have run 5- 'F' units and 62 cars but that is grossly to long for my layout. I have to split it up to use the reversing loop. Normal max is 32 pieces which includes engines and 40' cars, as that is the longest train that will fit in the reversing loop. Normal is 15-20 cars and whatever engine or engines I feel like running.
South Penn
ATLANTIC CENTRALDerailment free operation is easy - large curves, smooth grades, carefully installed track, proper car weight, sprung/equalized trucks, proper coupler heights.
That's a excellent way..
Here's my method that works as well.
Truck screw tighten completely down backed off 2-2 1/2 turns.
Coupler and trip pin at the correct height.
If used, plastic wheels in gauge, better is metal wheels since they put weight on the rail.
I use two 1/4" oz stick on weights over the trucks.This places the weight over the wheels which IMHO is far better then in the center of the car's floor.
My ISL flex track and switches is checked for flaws and for wide or tight gauge and then it was carefully laid and the club track was carefully laid as well.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
the old train man Just curious as to how many freight cars you normally run on point to point trips on your layout?
Just curious as to how many freight cars you normally run on point to point trips on your layout?
Does staging back to staging count for those of us with layouts that allow continious operation?
My layout is designed for 40-70 car trains, typical of prototype operatons in this region during the 1954 era I model.
Derailments? What are they? Operator error would be the primary cause when it does happen. Automatic Train Control prevents most of those........
Derailment free operation is easy - large curves, smooth grades, carefully installed track, proper car weight, sprung/equalized trucks, proper coupler heights.
Passenger trains vary from as few as several car locals and RDC's, to mainline name trains up to 14-15 cars.
BRAKIE richhotrain I make it sound like an impossible dream. Extended length of time without a derailment? Not in my house. Rich Maybe I'm the odd man out but,for me its 100% derailment free operation or its no operations until I fix the problem.
richhotrain I make it sound like an impossible dream. Extended length of time without a derailment? Not in my house. Rich
Maybe I'm the odd man out but,for me its 100% derailment free operation or its no operations until I fix the problem.
Ditto. The only "acceptable" derailment at my layout is one caused by operator error - never equipment or track. An unattended train at an open house can run all day without an issue.
Rob Spangler
Doughless I model a contemporary shortline. 3-4 car trains are pulled by a switcher. 7-9 car trains are pulled by a 4 axle EMD GP. 10-12 car aggregate are trains pulled by a 4 axle U-Boat or ALCO.
I model a contemporary shortline. 3-4 car trains are pulled by a switcher. 7-9 car trains are pulled by a 4 axle EMD GP. 10-12 car aggregate are trains pulled by a 4 axle U-Boat or ALCO.
Here's how I operate the Summerset Ry or Slate Creek Rail-SCR for short.
The number of cars is rotated some days its none and other days 1-8.
On the days where there is no inbound cars my crew picks up the empties and takes them to the NS interchange.
If there is no switch work for the crew to perform then the remove their train crew hats and put on their maintenance hats which may include cutting grass and weeds around the office building.
If there is no work they receive 4 hours show up pay and go home.
richhotrainI make it sound like an impossible dream. Extended length of time without a derailment? Not in my house. Rich
Rich,If I may ask.. Why do you accept that as normal?
Maybe I'm the odd man out but,for me its 100% derailment free operation or its no operations until I fix the problem..
They vary with car length, but 50-60 cars with 3 engines is pretty typical for my freight trains. On those rare occasions when I show my layout I'll go over 100. The largest train I've run to date was 107 cars and 7 powered locomotives, 5 up front and two mid train. All on DC and a conventional block system.
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.
richhotrainLiar, liar, pants on fire! Laugh
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
I have run thirty forty foot NYC Pacemaker freight cars using an ABBA set. F3 and F7 setup. A steamer was normally used.
I believe the NYC used around ninety freight cars. The low profile caboose was unusual. They only had five and were built from former boxcars.
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
My one man "operations" usually involves making up a couple of 40+ car freights,getting them out on the main line in opposite directions,and letting them run around the layout while I continue switching the yard,or run engines through the servicing area.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsB6fBn_lMI
Mike
I usually run a couple of freight cars because its all i have! I modeled some of the pere Marquette railroad so the cars are hard to find. Right now I have two pere Marquette cars (refer and box) and a DT&I coal hopper.
BATMAN I will sometimes have my two Atlas train Masters pull around forty or so cars through my Rocky Mountain pass. I get a great deal of satisfaction watching all those cars go around the layout for an extended length of time without a derailment. Maybe at the same time my BLI C&O 2-10-4 will be pulling a dozen Rapido coaches around. I usually have my Bachmann Spectrum 4-4-0 pulling 4 or 5 cars around at a scale 25 MPH when I am working on the layout. I just have to remember it comes by the area I am working in every 5 or 6 minutes. I worked in logistics for 36 years, using every form of transportation one can think of to solve problems. Switching cars just doesn't cut it for me after real life juggling of transportation issues. Watching them run through believable scenery with a glass of wine I find quite relaxing.
I will sometimes have my two Atlas train Masters pull around forty or so cars through my Rocky Mountain pass. I get a great deal of satisfaction watching all those cars go around the layout for an extended length of time without a derailment. Maybe at the same time my BLI C&O 2-10-4 will be pulling a dozen Rapido coaches around.
I usually have my Bachmann Spectrum 4-4-0 pulling 4 or 5 cars around at a scale 25 MPH when I am working on the layout. I just have to remember it comes by the area I am working in every 5 or 6 minutes.
I worked in logistics for 36 years, using every form of transportation one can think of to solve problems. Switching cars just doesn't cut it for me after real life juggling of transportation issues. Watching them run through believable scenery with a glass of wine I find quite relaxing.
My layout is designed for operation but I agree with you that my greatest satisfaction comes from running trains through believeable scenery. I found I am more a railfan than an operator although I do enjoy doing both. I'll have to try the glass of wine when I am railfanning.
Just testing at this point vs "operating", but all my return loops, passing sidings and staging yard tracks are designed to handle two 6-axle or three 4-axle diesels, twenty 100-ton hoppers and a caboose.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
Freight train length varies, 10-15 cars with two locos on the mainline. 4-5 cars with a single loco on the inner (local) line.
Passenger trains vary as well. Paired E8s with 2-3 express cars and 8-10 Athearn Streamlined cars, BLI Hudson or Niagara with a couple of express box cars and 8-10 Athearn heavyweights or sometimes 6-8 Walthers streamlined cars.
I sometimes run an RDC by itself or with a Walthers streamlined coach in tow.
Amtrak trains are generally 7 cars with matched AMD 103s.
My grandson has a mixed passenger and freight train on the mainline right now with 8 Athearn heavyweights and 7 tank cars with a Hudson at the head and a NYC caboose bringing up the rear. No rhyme or reason to his trains, but he loves them.
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/
I model in HO in the transition era and I've determined the practical maximum is 25 cars, mostly 40 footers. I designed the classification and staging yards to handle 50 car trains but a train that long dwarfs the layout. It stretches from one town to another. On top of that running a train that long on a curved grade tends to pull the cars off the rail to the inside of a curve even though my curves are superelevated. A 25 car train looks enormous in HO and creates the illusion of a full length freight train even though it is quite short by prototype standards. To me it is just another form of selective compression.