Point to Point or Continuous. Thinking about my layout. I was going to do an 8'x12' open in the middle loop, double mainline, a few passing sidings and a small yard. This gives, more or less, 40' linear feet. After doing some more reading and thinking, I'm now considering a point to point of about 50' linear feet (L shaped) This could be expanded another 25' or so (unfinished basement, wall mount). For this I would use a 16 inch shelf (2 rips of a 4'x8'). I like the simplicity of the PP layout, the long straights (modeled with dips and curves, just like the terrain of the Front Range I'm modeling), and the fact that it takes up very little of room, which is also the kids play area. The downside is no continuous running. I could put in some turning loops on either end, but those would take up a bit of space (I have a Big boy that looks stupid running on anything less than 28 radius, and it doesn't look great on that). Even hidden loops would have to be 24-26 radius minimum. The other idea is auto turning blocks so the trains would never run into the bumpers. That way the kids could watch them just go when they wanted to. Any thoughts on all this rambling?
Well, my layout is a loop. A big oval. There're two points: the station Westport and the staging yard. This way I can run trains point to point, from staging via Westport to staging. My staging yard represents two towns. Therefore the trains run from South Jct via Westport to International Falls. Next session this train runs from South Jct to Int. Falls. Wolfgang
Several years ago, I decided that building layout curves to accommodate one locomotive (a Challenger) was not a good idea. I run 4-axle stuff with 18" curves at each end of an U-shaped layout. The Challenger runs point to point (between end loops)...while everything else can provide mindless non-stop running when the need arises. I have never regretted my decision.
I ran into a 'real life' problem when I made 'ups and downs' on a long run HO track. It ran from 'o.o' grade up to '1.0' (inch) in 14', down to '.5.0' in 6', up to '3.0' in 28', then down to 'o,o' in 60 feet then level to point of beginning in the yards. No steep grades either way, but enough that a string of cars were constantly 'bunching and stringing out' against my engines. It was necessary to pay close attention while continually working the throttle or there would be derails and runaways. For one thing, it was quite a large layout, which I thought would be fun to run 100 car strings of freight, while enjoying the rod and valve motion of the articulated engines. The other thing I found, It was not as much 'fun' as 'work', with little time to just 'watch'. In real life it would have buffed or string lined the cars, and broken knuckles, but on the model, it simply derailed them or the plastic couplers failed, until I finally learned how to manage the throttle to make it around to the beginning. I eventually smoothed out the 'dips' (called "sags" in real life), to make one constant grade up, then left the constant grade down. This provided enough 'hands on' when I wanted long trains, and would allow constant 'hands off' running of shorter trains and passenger runs when I just felt like 'watching'. That is why you see 'fills' and 'cuts' on real railroads. Maybe you want to keep this in mind and allow means to change the 'dips and humps' if they turn out to be a problem after the track is down. It was a 28' by 32' around the walls layout, and was disappointing when the train got on the far side, so I haven't built a large layout since. You may find it different for you, so this is just my opinion, as how I experienced it. Having cars coasting is only something I had not thought about before hand, and it was a real job for me to make the changes.
I too enjoy just watching trains run. It's great when guests come over and all you want to do is have a beer, talk and just watch trains. However when I operate the railroad, the trains leave staging, do their work on the visable main line then terminate in staging (point-to-point). I am blessed to have the room to accomodate the best of both worlds - your situation may be different.
Thanks for the feedback guys, that helps a lot. Will 6 axle stuff negotiate an approximate 18" curve if you put an easement into it? If not, I'll go with 22". Conagher, I think your point about making the layout for one piece of equipment is spot on, thanks. Watash, thanks for the feedback about terrain. I will heed your advice with fills and cuts. I want to be able to just watch when I want to. So it's the L with to turning loops. Thanks again, Jeff
You can have ups and downs Jeff, just make them slow and try to keep them less than 2% if you can. Yes use easements, and 22 to 24 or more curves. The 3 axle engines with long cars need plenty of 'swing over-hang' room. Make your track as smooth as you can, and keep in mind the middle axle on a 6 axle engine Will cause it to derail over a hump in a curve or turnout. (I turned mine down about .015" diameter. (Most do not have a flange, and are plastic anyway, so only the gear is used to get power to the other axles anyway.) They will go around an 18" curve, they just don't like to.
My mainline curves will be nice and wide, 28" or wider. The tight curves are for the reverse loops at the end of the layout. The Big Boy will be limited to the mainline. Construction should start next week. J
I would say, even if you can't get 28" on the ends, go for the largest you can. 18" is really too small as a general-use curve.
i agree with triplex.i run 90% 6 axle and a big boy they do like the larger curves. as to running point to point or continuous like wolfgang and flashi can do both jeff
My sharp curve at the branchline has about one foot radius. But a few brass engines from my friends will not make it. What about a craddle 0-5-0 for the big ones? Wolfgang
Wolfgang - I love that RDC shot. I just picked up a Life Like B&O RDC at the hobby shop yesterday - my old Athearn RDC is on it's last legs. Nothing like going out into the garage after a day at work and watching a nice coal drag slowly winding around the layout. I have a nice padded bar stool with arms and sometimes I'll take a magazine or book out there and put my feet up and just relax. Continuous running is great for me - had a point to point years ago and grew tired of it fast.
