Hi all. I've started planning for a larger layout down the road. Currently, I have an N Scale "L" shaped, double mainline layout that is 19' long x 30" wide with an 8' long "L". The basement room I have available is 19' long x 10.5' wide with concrete walls all sides. A doorway near one corner. I've attached a work-in-progress layout that I'd like to resemble the C&NW through parts of Iowa. That said, any critique of the current plan is appreciated, but know that I don't consider it close to finalized. It's more to give you an idea of the shape, room size, layout footprint, etc. My mental dilemma is whether or not to incorporate a double mainline. Know this, I am a single operator and am unlikely to have op sessions involving multiple users. That said, does it make sense to have a double mainline on a layout of this size? If running multiple trains, is one concerned about an unattended train? What's the real point of running a train if you can't watch or operate it? It may come up in discussion, but I have no desire to do a duck under or lift gate style for continuous running. I've been there, done that and don't care for it myself. I find layout design and spatial definition much more difficult with a double mainline. It's simply harder to get industries situated for operations with enough on each main to make it worthwhile. Does anyone have any thoughts on my dilemma on what size mainline to run on a larger layout? Thanks, Dave
One thing you might consider is to double main around your yard and through heavy traffic areas, but single main through the "countryside". Allows for easy passing (even if one train is stationary - just awaiting a clearance), and the variety is reflective of the real world. Your center peninsula could easily be a single main line
I can't see a double main in rural Iowa to start with. And, it's a common belief by MRRing experts that a single main looks longer than a double main. And I agree. I'd use passing sidings.
In most areas, a single main with passing sidings is what would be prototypical. A few railroads had up to 3 mainlines in high traffic areas (like the Northeast) and around Chicago. But a lot depends on what you want to run on your layout.......if you like to turn on trains and sit and watch them run, then a double main makes sense. If you like to "get involved" and actually run your trains, then a single main ads more interest. And as you point out, the double actually makes switching industries more difficult. It can be done, but it will require more turnouts for cross-overs at each location, i.e. more money. As far as your plan goes, it will work fine as drawn, or simply remove sections of the double line. Leave the double line at your yards and industrial/switching areas as passing sidings so one train can perform switching moves without blocking the main, and convert the rest to single line......maybe add a passing siding "out in the country" as well, like along the left side of your drawing. You didn't mention what length trains you will run.......if you plan on running 100 car trains, your passing sidings will end up being double track for almost the entire layout anyway.
