Anyone eliminate switches from a layout?

I did..At one time I had about six of them ( MTH) and I had in my minds eye..all sorts of plans for them and when the layout was done I realized that they took up too much space in relation to what I had and...I enjoyed the layout just as much when I didn't use them. 

Theres always that temptation when I start a layout to have every possible route and it becomes a ridiculous spaghetti bowl...crammed into every square inch making the layout seem smaller and instead of a mainline, the whole thing ended up looking like a yard.

I had a friend who said..well then..What do you do with equipment that won't fit in storage?

I said that's what they made shelves for.

There are certainly many examples of layout designs which do not include switches.  If you like to watch your trains run there is nothing wrong with not including them.

 

You can always just manually throw your switches like the real world.

 

--Greg

Even running conventional I have not tired of switches.  I've run without them, but int he end look for ways to add them, not remove them.  I wouldn't remove, them, but instead leave them and park extra cars on them to make them part of the scenery.  This way if you find you want to use them again, they are already there and you just have to pull the cars off of the track.

I have a basic 4x8 layout.  I was using o27 tubular track and had two reversing loops, each using a right hand Lionel switch.  Both caused problems, sometimes the train would even stop if not moving fast enough.  Out of anger, I determined to go full speed ahead through one of the switches and of course the loco and tender flew off the track and off the table when rounding the o27 curve just beyond the switch.  I swore off o27 switches and pulled them immediately.  I recently upgraded to Lionel Fastrack and use a different track configuration with two right hand remote switches.  They operate flawlessly and have restored my faith in switches.

SJC,

   The inner most oval of my Christmas layout has no switches, only because Lionel has not released their 031 Command Control FasTrack switches yet.  If you invest in the right switches they are almost bullet proof and make running a dream, with the wrong switches your layout will be a night mare, especially if you run Tin Plate Trains, like I do. 

PCRR/Dave

 

The US Army SF Train on the 1st level inner oval, runs with no switches at this time.

I can't see a layout without switches being any fun.

.....

Dennis

Dennis,

   I have to agree with you, however for a little boys 1st Christmas train, a simple circle around the Christmas tree is magical, especially with a big Tin Plate Crane Car to play with.

PCRR/Dave

When I was using Fastrack I had 2 switches, never had an issue with them but didnt "use" them much either- they just led to a pair of yard tracks where I stored cars.  Once I switched to tubular, I originally had a pair of #042 manual switches in a similar configuration, and again didnt use them much.  Difference is, they were rough running over them, and some engines stalled/went into neutral when passing through them.  So, I eventually removed them and didnt regret it- I didn't do much switching in O gauge anyway, and after they were gone I never had another track issue- no stalling, no derailments, nothing.  And it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the layout at all.

We normally don't do a lot of heavy switching and most of the time our running is pretty much just laps around the loops. However, it is nice to have the option to drop off or pick up a car, etc.

We use 022 switches on the tubular holiday layout and Fastrack switches on the floor layout. Both types of switches have been dependable with Frastrack being super smooth.

 

The items that I'd consider removing instead of switches are the uncoupler and operating track sections. I seem to run into compatibility problems with some newer locos where the control rails cause short circuits when the loco travels over them.

 

SJC,

You'll see this quite often in tinplate. My last two layouts had no switches. One layout was Std Gauge the other O-Gauge. This was done because of the gear-flanges would not clear in most cases.

 

It's one of those personal choices. Let's face it, all our trains do is go in circles. It's up to you if you want it done smoothly or not.

I like switches for different routes or setting out cars at industries. I can put in more but I feel I have just the right amount. I like a lot of space, no spaghetti bowl here.   

 

Clem

On my initial layout, I had twenty four. I removed all I could because operating switches just got in the way of running trains.   Now I have only two: both are used for the Y on reversing loops and I've actually cut to control cable at the switch so I can' operate them: they are just there for their automatic  auto-derailing operation. 

 

So I have no switches at all to operate.

I did it!

Had a switch on a corner of my board that I take to shows.

parked an oil tanker and had a shell tank stationed at that corner

to make an oil field location. the problem is that every once in awhile

the locomotive would come around that corner and derail.

so OFF came the switch and I moved the oil field off the board.

I run continuous loops now with NO switches.

have not regreted it.

I love switches!  I only run conventional, and i've never had a problem.  However, all my mainlines are independent.  I always had sidings were I would parck cars and place accessories, but the next layout will have blocked sections of track so I can operate a switcher engine in the switchyard while still running a train on the mainline.  A freind had a modular layout with a switchyard like this and I always wanted one for my own.  I spent hours behind tthat row of toggle switches turing power on and off to the different sidings.

Funny this topic has come up because I just recently pulled two Lionel switches(only ones)  off my layout. Didn't use them much and some of my vintage tin had problems with them. About two years ago, I was in Duncansville outside Altoona, Pa. and was watching a bunch of guys building a big O scale layout. Turns out most the guys working were NS railroaders and I told the one working on track that switches were a pain and I didn't want them. He laughed and said that they were a pain for the real railroads too !! I would like to try some Ross switches but they are pricey and do take up room if you are restricted on space.

The only switch I have left is on my subway line to stage another train or keep MOW equipment. My 0-84,5 rail 0-72 and 0-36 have no switches at all. I'm very content just watching them run.   From a Beep to a Big Boy with no problems.   I have a section off the layout I may just build a small switching yard if I want to get it out of my system. 

I have a minimal amount of switches, all Ross. One to reverse direction,  two pair  to cross-over from one loop to the next and back, and a pair to create a passing siding and that's about it. This is on a multi-level 27 x 17 conventionally controlled layout with about 300' of track. With this combination I can run two trains at one time on any loop in either direction and have them switch loops and change direction without danger of a crash. I can run a third train if I want to, but then it becomes a lot more work to manage traffic. IMO, with no switches things could become boring, with a lot, headaches & derailment problems would increase.

Very interesting comments.  It appears switches detract from some operator's joy of watching the trains run.  It also appears switches may cause lots of electrical/mechanical problems.  It also appears switching operations eat up too much space for scenery.

 

For me, I enjoy the challenge of operating consists and moving them through a defined route.  I enjoy the challenge of developing a track plan that is electrically and mechanically sound.  But, as I have progressed with my scenery upgrades it has become apparent to me that I may have too many tracks.   I will begin ballasting the east side of my layout soon and yesterday I was day dreaming about how to reroute my lines and open more table space for scenery.  Just perhaps I might loose a few switches.  You have given me some food for thought.... 

I have a small layout to begin with, 7' x 9', but when I had tubular track I had seven switches.  Between problems with single axle pilots and frog derailments, and fear of electrical spikes frying components I removed all of them.  I then switched to a switchless Atlas nickel track layout and never looked back.  I have three independent loops, no muss, no fuss.  If I had a large layout I'd probably go back to a limited number of switches, but switching requires room to maneuver and negotiate, way more than what I have!

 

Rich 

While I personally cannot imagine a layout without them, I do think it's prudent to eliminate those that are not needed or within easy reach.

I have a small 36" x 80" O-27 layout. The outer loop has no switches as there is no room for them, but the inner loop has switches. Originally I had some spurs for switching cars, but I eventually changed it around to eliminate the spurs and set up 4 switches in the inner loop to allow for reversing or o convert from oval to figure 8.

Like so many things it is a trade off which determines what you do. Space?  Amount of track? Scenery?  Switches?? Money ??  If I had a hue space fro a layout I wouldn't have the $$ needed to build a big layout with room for track, buildings, scenery, switches, yards plus a control system to run it all. Plus time-I am old-I can't build a ten year project so you do what you most enjoy. I hope.

I like to be able to move trains to either outside loop or inside loop. I also wanted a passing loop. This way I can have three trains on the layout operating. Also sidings add storage space. So for me the advantages out weigh the possible disadvantages.

On my 6x9, I have 12 O22 switches. My outer main line only has two switches in easy reach, and that's where I run the more temperamental items.

On my 5x9 layout (modeled after one of the 1950's Lionel Dealer Displays) I have no switches. There is a siding that runs into a tunnel portal that's dedicated to operating milk car and cattle car.

you have me a little confused how do you get on to the siding with out a switch? unless its a separate line by it self.  

Yes, and then I quickly put them back in.

NEVER use switches - both of my layouts in my two homes have three ovals each in both O and standard gauge. Easier on drive wheels and NO derailments or shorts!

 

Works for me! 

I have planned out a layout (came across an early track plan of the Panhandle the other day) with a large number of switches.  I removed two of them when actually building the layout as they were hard to reach and made the descending yard lead to my hidden storage yard impossible.  In June of last year I decided to remove my double cross-over (4 switches) on my bridge.

 

But no, I haven't considered eliminating switches altogether.

 

George

This is a good discussion.

I agree that Fastrack switches/turnouts are almost bullet-proof.   Even so I am careful about the placement, and I always use turnouts of a larger radius than the minimum diameter.   My small 4X8 layout has a minimum O-36 diameter, with minimum O-48 turnouts.   Its been very reliable and enjoyable.

 

Turnouts that are of the "drop in" kind to replace a section of curved track, have a tighter radius/diameter due to the section of tangent (straight) track that is a part of the turnout.   Look at the short straight section leading to the points.   To compensate, the curve through the turnout must be a bit tighter than the diameter of the curve it "drops in" to replace.

 

The only layout I have ever had without switches was my first one as a boy.  It was a simple oval and it didn't take long to get tired of just watching it go around it circles.  I have a hard time imagining a layout without would be much fun to operate, but if you are never going to use them, why not eliminate them.  It's your layout and the only it has to please is you.

 

Art

 

 

Interesting and currently relevant topic for me, too.

 

This past fall I tore down my basement layout and am now in the process of building a new one. One explicit design goal I had was to include one independent loop with no switches. It's going to be small (O-31 tubular loop with just a couple of straight sections) but it should allow me to run almost anything (old, new, tinplate, wind-up) without the problems that I've found my Fastrack switches can create.

 

  Of course, the rest of the layout (Fastrack) is going to be filled with switches :-)

 

Derek

I don't do much switching so I use them just for routing.  I use 4 022 switches but in the hands off sense on a passing siding and 2 reverse loops due to limited space.   I may add an isolated siding that I would actually have to trigger myself...someday.

Probably not.

 

Had PW 022's, hated wiring, went to manual 042's.

Running my old, vintage trains was another reason to take out my switches. I only have two 022s and when I priced new ones in decent shape I backed away. I have several Standard gauge switches up in the attic. The old Standard gaug really hammer across those switches !!

Personally, I couldn't imagine owning a layout without switches. I would probably give up trains before doing that. In my mind - no switches = no fun. Fortunately I don't have to worry about that with over 200 switches on my layout.

Lionel eliminated switches to a great extent on the 1949 showroom layout as they were for the most part inoperative, and the upper loop with O-72 reverse loops was soon modified to eliminate the switches and that section became a simple dog-bone loop. Even they had issues with the otherwise trouble-free 711 switches when subjected to rigorous use.

Yep, separate line. As mentioned this is a Lionel Dealer Display Layout (D-105) design used primarily to display the 12-15 operating accessories. The spur contains milk car and platform and the cattle car. 

Interesting replies...appreciate everyone's insight. 

 

A few comments...

1) I use all Ross switches so the quality isn't an issue - Ross is the best of the best. 

 

2) I don't have major compatibility issues but of course, the occasional derailment, sometimes caused by operator error, is not uncommon. Some engines, particularly steamers, handle switches better than others. 

 

I'm not suggesting I'm going to rid myself of all switches. No but have considered it. I may even remove the two on my layout as a "test run" to see if I miss them at all.