davidmurrayGroup operations, a few adualts, with multple trains, each adult in an office chair, would be likely to present a greater ability to get in each others way.
And I suspect a few sideswipes and rear end collisions as well-got wheels? Roll about.
Chairs has been prove to work during operation like those old timey "block operator" layouts (remember those?) where a operator is assigned to operate a certain section of layout that may included planing meets.
Of course some old timey clubs used a "engineer's crow nest" where the person operating the train could view the layout from above.
If I may..The two types of layouts I mention was considered state of the art back in the day..With advances in layout design and control we gain "walk around" and today we have wireless DCC.
Who would have thought that possible 60 years ago when the above layouts was popular?
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Howard ZaneThen in 2006, a visitor with......well let's say a bit overweight (450 lbs+) became wedged in after going to ramming speed. We had two pulling and two pushing on the caboose...to no avail. After a brief period, his back was hurting badly, so I grabbed the saws-all and cut him out thus eliminating a section of the layout.
Howard, doesen't this imply that the isle was too narrow, not to low? I have a duck under on my layout that is 48" high and I added a handrail on each side so when I go under I just grab the rails and 'slide' through. Now I just need a sign to remind me of when to stand up (after I pass the end of the duck under!). BTW I am 75 now and have had many, many visits to my chiropractor! My layout varies from 49" to 55" and I like the 'view' that it gives.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
The aisle for duck-under was actually too narrow....26" and lined with Masonite. Not only was the vistor extemely overweight, but tall as well. I had built it for me, as I never at the time even dreamed I'd have so many visitors. I did have a low stool with casters for folks to use while negotiating duck-unders, but somehow that evening it was not used.
After taking the whole section down, I completely redesigned it by moving water heater and furnace to the side creating a separate maintenace room. Please don't construe the next statement as a plug...but for those who have my book, it shows the original pike with duck-unders. Allen Keller's last video on my layout (number 58) shows layout with new section without duck-unders.
While in the redesign phase, I then realized that any layout design can be accomplished without using a duck-under. For an around the walls pike that would require such a duck-under arrangement, build a swinging section or lift-up instead..... a bit more work, but as you age, you'll be happy you built it...and then some!
HZ
Howard ZaneFor an around the walls pike that would require such an duck-under arrangement, then build a swinging section..... a bit more work, but as you age, you'll be happy you built it...and then some!
And above all add a automatic stop in case the "bridge" is in the open or raise position.
Yes,I've seen several lift/swing section designed as a bridge. A sweet touch on one layout was working signals red the "bridge" was up or not completely locked in place and green if it was down and locked.. If the red signal was ran the train automatically stop after passing the signal.
This is my duck under and it has a river, three curved arch bridges (exiting a tunnel on the upper level) on it and it is about 28" deep. I couldn' t see any way to do this other than the duck under.
Howard Zane...I did have a low stool with casters for folks to use while negotiating duck-unders, but somehow that evening it was not used...
Are you sure that your portly guest didn't sit on it and unwittingly take it home, wedged where the sun hadn't shone for years?
Wayne