Switching layouts...lets see 'em

So I'd like to see if some of you that have switching layouts would post some photos, trackplans, etc. How do you ballance the need to run the big locos with long strings of(insert favortie car here)when you're confined to switching only? Not that a switching only layout is bad, I just am finding myself conflicted in the lack of switching(which I like) in my trackplan to accomodate my need to see the "big power", even if the train is only 20 cars long. So how about it?

 

Here is the switching module addition to the JJJ&E. The ballasting is not finished. A finer ballast has been added after these photo's were taken.













Stay cool and run steam....

 

I'm not sure what your idea was or what you are looking for. Maybe just pictures. Mabye ideas.
I can only show an abstract of a plan:


It is based on Plan #10 in 101 Track Plans by Linn H Wescott
The Idea is that of a shortline with the yard is in one area and the "train" actully travels to the industrial area.
In the Grey and Grandure I added an interchange track and a loop for running trains with an idea of future expansion.
Hope this helps.

 

Speaking of switching - I would like to incorperate - the Timesaver (I believe it's John Allen's) Puzzle as one of my yards to keep an operator busy.
Does anyone have a link to - or the plan on their PC. ? Haven't got the time to scoure my old MR's.

 

Here are a few:

http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/

http://www.nscale.net/Article128.html

http://www.precisionlabels.com/shunt/home.html

http://users.iafrica.com/c/ca/caroper/tutorial/challenge.htm

 

Wow ! Thanks Tad -

 

Updated June 30, 2007 to show currently available Railimages picture of a few snipets of layout...



2' x 3' switching layout with continuous run which is not mainline but industrial circulation loop track.
Switching trackage connects with mainline railroad at track leading through fence and gate off front edge of layout. Mainline is not modeled. Cars are placed by hand as if they had been set out or picked up by mainline local train. Then the base switcher picks up the cars and moves them where needed on base.
Continuous run makes cuts of 4-5-6 cars practical. Besides the spur connecting to the outside world, there is a Fuel Dump spur for tankcars of aviation gasoline and regular gas for ground vehicles, a spur serving a warehouse (boxcars of general naval goods) and spherical containment tank for helium gas (helium tank cars) and one spur for outside storage and end loading of vehicles piggyback style. Painted on background is World's Largest Wooden Structure. Holds 6 blimps. (As long as they are only paintings...)

 

Ron, how much space do you have?
The plan I posted is an abstraction. It will have more industries on table 1. Table 2 will be more for running said long trains. The loop will suffice for now.
some day the layout will be L or G shaped.

 

Kenneth,I really like the simplicity of your layout.Looks like lots of action on a small layout.

 

Steve, I've posted my papermill on a different thread. This will be my switching layout untill I get the 8x3 main portion of the layout built. The layout will be the 8x3 with the 4 foot papermill extension.

 

Tad those are some great links. This one's my favorite:
http://www.nscale.net/Article128.html
Gues that pretty much shuts those of us up that say it's hard to operate in a small space.

 

My layout is 23' 1" by 12", well 11 1/2 before the bullnose of the board starts. here is a start of a track plan...

 

Wow that sure is a lot of switching action for a small layout.
Lots of work to be done with a switcher on that layout, lots of industry scenery also.

 

This is my all time favorite and the basis for the design on the first page of this thread:


If I was to build this and keep it a point to point I would put a "main line" or interchange track around the outside. That said it will become a "module" on the GandG II. This design provides:
Switching
Scenery
Storage
Continuous running

 

Here's one

 

Excellent! :thumbs_up: :thumbs_up:

 

Train1, here is a great write-up on the John Allen Timesaver, should answer all of your questions, lead you to links to more info:

http://www.gdlines.com/Timesaver.html

Also as you can see, the above is part of a great effort by some folks to document the Gorre & Daphetid RR and the model railroading of John Allen.

Enjoy.

 

Don't forget Carl Arendt and his site.

Wolfgang

 

I tend to think of my medium sized bedroom layout as a “switching layout” that just happens to have a pretty good continuous run mainline.

I can keep a train running on the mainline while doing switching operations at several locations.

At most of these spots, train movements have to be coordinated with the mainline train, which doesn’t stop, or collisions will occur.