Adding train to Christmas Village

I think you are right about the no-switch double track being the best option for an unattended layout. The switches are likely to be the number 1 source of derailment. I couldn't open your file. Please post a pdf if possible.

Emile

OK   Did a jpg for now.  Have to run errand but wife "Really" wants only one track..  tried to give it more straights around switch and we went with MTH not Lionel to get a bit better engine  (2-8-0)  not great but will replace with Old Steamer type when it quits.  She wants the sound package and I liked the expansion of MTH plus local guys said MTH was a much better loco.  Not great but better than the low end lionel stuff.

I would also be concerned about leaving an unattended engine running through switches.  Maybe you could float a different idea - hide the second/return track under a hill.  My parents had a snow village and they added a vertical element to it by getting some glass block and plywood and making a "hill".  They made the angle/slope by using fabric for snow and placed a few kids sledding to make it appear solid.  With your layout, you could put a track under a hill next to the window (or the other side) sort of like a tunnel.  Whatever you do, best wishes.

It would be best to get rid of those two "S" curves.

Here is my crude hacking of your drawing in order to illustrate the point.

Dave

Thanks for the input.  

1st re the 2 track option.  I thought about that but the big side of the drawing faces 3 windows  so I have visibility from both sides.  Hiding a 2nd track seemed not to be an option although  you did give me an Idea and I am going to play with a sunken grade of a couple inches and a low hill.   I figure I need 5+" vertical clearance min and I can look at  2 " uphill on one side and 2" down on the return which means a low hill may be possible.. Have to noodle.   From everything I have read though it seems the Fastrack switches are bulletproof.  I hate that word.   Just asks for trouble.

2nd re the layout - Wife wanted the "undulating feel" in the track.   As for the "S"'s my local train store said that what I had should not pose any issue.  They advised that having at least a section of straight would alleviate the risk.   I will however look at your suggestions seriously as I want to error on the side of the "least" amount of risk.  Maybe I can achieve a better compromise.

Wow -  A great Forum and a WEALTH of knowledge.  I can see where this could get addictive.  I like the mechanics and the electrics/electronics as it matches my early career as a tech for a machine company and then an electronics company.

How about a train or trolley that reverses? Perhaps a 2 car Budd train. 

Dale H

I suggest that you lay out those "S" curves on the floor and run your longest cars, coupled together, before committing to a design.

Dave

If switches are a must, them your correct to go with the fastrack. Especially if this is going to be a temporary layout. My layouts are of the annual temporary Christmas type and I've had very little trouble with fastrack. I've had lots of grief from the nearest competitor to fastrack mostly with the switches. Good luck!

Emile

re trolley --  tried that first received a emphatic NO

Re layout.   Good suggestion.    Will do for sure.   I thing that is a plus is that we will be running train slow -   still want to look at hill tunnel scenario for a double track idea

Emile,

Since he mentioned manual switches rather than powered, non-derail types; can a Fastrack switch be used as a slip-switch when the train comes off of the loop?

Dave

Manual 036 FT switches are tough little buggers.  Here's a layout I did a few years ago for the upstairs Christmas Tree.  It used 2 reverse loops w/ 036 switches and a mini trolley line.  The main curves are 048 but the switches were 036.  This layout ran almost constantly over the holidays much to the neighborhood kid's delight.  NEVER had a derailment with the switches.

The "tunnel" could just be a backdrop in front of the track.