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I saw the D-27 "disappearing train" layout discussed in another thread, and saw video of one in operation. The effect is interesting.

 

D-27 disappearing train layout video   - there is about a minute of video showing different angles.

 

I thought it would be fun to draw some track plans on that theme. My versions use "easements" on the visible curves and I've tried to make the plans reasonably compact for possible portability as display layouts.

 

The original D-27 layout plan had a somewhat extreme (but short) grade of about 10% coming out of the hidden section. It's do-able if the train consist is selected carefully. The vertical curves would need to be built carefully for reliable tracking. I've used a railhead-to-railhead clearance of 4" to try to minimize the grade. This may need some adjusting depending on the track, roadbed and trains used.

 

4x10-disappearing train-FasTrack-1c2

SCARM plan shows the spiral track inside the intended tunnel section.

Use the attached AnyRail file to identify the track sections.

4x10-disappearing train-FasTrack-f

 

I'll be adding some other variations ...

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Last edited by Ace
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The D-27 "Disappearing Train" layout is touted as a novel effect, but wouldn't it get old after seeing it a few times? Because the trick simply repeats without variation.

 

I got to thinking about a variation on the D-27 theme which has different routing possibilities to keep an audience guessing. With this idea, a train going into a tunnel can do at least three different things:

 

1) It can go straight through the tunnel

2) The train can disappear and make one or more turns on the hidden circle before reappearing on the same side of the table

3) The train can make a half-circle or more turns in the tunnel and reappear on the other side of the table

 

3x8-disappearing train-a

 

3x8-disappearing train-b1

 

With O31 curves, train length is limited to about 78". An electrical wizard could devise random routing circuitry for this layout.

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Images (2)
  • 3x8-disappearing train-a
  • 3x8-disappearing train-b1

Ace -- really love this concept.

 

I believe that is the sole downside of the dealer layouts, they are neat for a few minutes but their novel nature wears off quickly. I guess when in a store that is somewhat the point, get the kids attention for a few minutes, not keep his attention for hours.

 

Thanks you for taking the time to create adaptations on this theme.

The next step is to add a (double) reversing loop somewhere to make all tunnels dual in/out.  Right now it's a one way operation.

 

It could be done if there was a completely hidden sub level which housed the switching.  Trains could pop out of any tunnel, in any direction, at any interval.  It's like Whack a Mole with trains!

OK, here is a 4'x 8' layout possibility with double wyes. When the train goes into a tunnel it can reappear in three different places. It involves six hidden switches so that could be a challenge to make it run reliably. For scenic variety I'm showing the back side of the layout with a visible wye junction.

 

4x8-Trick Tunnel-a

 

4x8-Trick-tunnel-b1=

 

4x8-Trick-tunnel-b2=

 

I like that "Whac-a-mole" concept for a display layout that keeps the audience guessing, where will it show up next?

 

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Images (3)
  • 4x8-Trick-tunnel-b1=
  • 4x8-Trick-tunnel-b2=
  • 4x8-Trick Tunnel-a

I would use a timer circuit, to stop the train in the invisible section. Then I would have a track side accessory such as a gateman signal when the train is coming. This way the train will appear and disappear more like real trains. I would not use the turnouts unless they are good ones that do not cause problems. The grade is a problem for stalling,I would set up a voltage boosting system with some diodes.

 

If you want 2 direction operation,I would just use a passing siding with 2 turnouts. 6 turnouts that close could be a derailment headache. I would automate the passing siding to make it a hands off system.

 

Dale H

In running the "disappearing train" layout, it seems that the main problem is providing sufficient ascents & descents. In my pending layout, it looks like I can get 9 tracks on one side of the underpass, but only 6 or perhaps 7 on the other. Is it best to run the train with the gentler incline, or descent? Either way, I will have the descent section isolated from the rest of the track, and it will be controlled by a separate transformer at a lower voltage to avoid derailing.

Hi Folks,

 

     I saw a disappearing train layout at Mike's Train House in Columbia Maryland back in the fall of 1991 while Harry Turner's touring "Wonderful World of Lionel Trains" layout was there in the parking lot.  The gentleman in the store who was monitoring the disappearing layout would periodically use what I now believe was some sort of a fiberglass brush to keep the outside rails on the incline free of foreign material to prevent slippage.  He would open a hinged section to access the incline tracks and run the brush over the outside rails.  So I mention the following for this type of layout or for anyone needing good traction on an incline, and that would be to use some compound like Bullfrog Snot to provide a non-slip surface on one side of the outside rails (not wheels).  I don't know if the product, or similar gripping coating, would peel off of the rail's running surface, but that would solve the big issue I see with traction.  Fortunately, in 3 rail we only need one outside rail to be conductive.   And in this situation the incline's tracks are hidden, so the coating could be any color and even look bad.  Perhaps if the coating is painted to encase the entire rail, underside included, it wouldn't peel off.

 

Hope this can help someone.  Best wishes to everyone building their Christmas layouts!!!!

 

Take care, Joe.

Last edited by Joe Rampolla
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