I have command only and went the opposite way, from no switches to about a dozen switches. Switch controllers mounted at the switches, no command control for them (maybe future). I definitely prefer the switches. I want to add even more when I expand the layout for more switching operations that I don't have room for now.
No switches on a layout?BOOOOOE-RING
The Carnegie Science Center layout has no switches for ease of operation.
In several scenes they angle cut track to mimic the look of a switch into a yard or siding.
I had 14 switches when I laid the track on my existing layout. The switches and track are Atlas. From day one I started to have issues with my switches (loss of conductivity). Instead of adding a jumper wire I removed the switch. I am now down to 6 switches all of which have the jumper wires and I don't have any problems. I don't miss the other 8 switches at all. Those that are left are basically sidings or a small yard which gives me the opportunity to highlight a freight car with a corresponding industry. Basically, the switches are for static display and I am quite comfortable with that. I sold all the extra switches and don't miss any of them. I have two main lines and two small ovals on my layout and with command control and the amount of engines I have I can run 9 trains at once. It's a little hairy so I don't do it too often!
The six switches are wired and I do use them occasionally to spot a different or additional freight car at the industry.
I run conventional & use remote switches but, in my switching/storage yard, which is opposite the control panel, I have found that manual switches are the best solution for me - no wiring, no controllers & diagrams, no guessing about complete
switch throws, simple operation.
Tom B
I am always looking for used turnouts and somewhere to put them. I know I would get bored vary fast without them. But that's what's great about any hobby do what makes You happy!
On my small 5x8 two-loop layout I only have one FasTrack manual switch within easy reach. It goes to a siding where 3 different freight cars can unload. At the end of this siding is a Lionel animated track gang.
My o gauge went from 26 to 20 with two track changes. Didn't miss them a bit. I find myself wondering why I put them there to begin with.I could get rid of another 4 if I wanted. Most of my running occurs on the two mains and going between upper and lower levels. Just like to watch them roll. You can't beat watching 4 trains rolling at once.
On my standard gauge permanent Christmas layout I have no switches. A figure 8 inner and a big outer loop. Completely independent. . Tried some for reversing course but they were noisy and unreliable with some rolling stock. Took them out and don't miss them so far. If Ross ever comes out with 42 standard gauge switches I would add some.
Runing trains without switches is boring!
Just out of curiosity, those that have had problems with switches, it it only on the curved section, or on the straight as well? I've always run the straight section along the main lines, and have never had problems going through that way, only with coming in to the curved section at speed.
Might reduce the number of them, but I will never eliminate switches entirely because I use the O-22/5132/5133 type, and you can teach your layout to do "tricks" by wiring switches together which allows the automatic non-derailing feature to throw more than one switch. By doing this a train can take different routes with no intervention by the operator, makes it kind of a magic thang that astounds non-train visitors.
Pete
I had to eliminate a crossover switch because it slowed down trains on the track. I miss it but I don't have to deal with trains stalling.
Originally Posted by Dennis:
I can't see a layout without switches being any fun.
.....
Dennis
I agree with Dennis.
I would imagine eliminating switches/turnouts is not a decision one would make overnight, but rather turnouts are an inherent design element in the layout itself... which is a reflection of what the layout is trying to accomplish. Going a step further, it's also a reflection of ones operational likes and dislikes relative to how one best enjoys this hobby.
If you just wanna sit back and watch trains roll, then a layout without turnouts is a viable option. OTOH, if you're the type who wants to mimic real-world train operations in miniature, then a layout without turnouts is gonna make that impossible.
My hunch is most of us reside somewhere between both extremes. We've all started with simple ovals, and many of us have responded with a follow-on layout that employed many more turnouts that it should have had. So we weigh the boredom that's often present with simple ovals against the operational nightmares that come with overly complex track designs packed into too little real estate.
I guess the real answer goes back to... It's really more of a reflection of how we prefer to enjoy this hobby. And there's no right or wrong answer.
Admittedly when designing my new layout, I've backed away from unnecessarily complicated track arrangements. Instead, I've tried to include elements of scenic interest (which will be fun to build) to help create a wonderful environment when "just running trains" is the order of the day. But I'd like to think there are still "just enough" turnouts in place to provide both visual and operational interest -- definitely nothing too exotic though. I've learned my lesson, and I've learned more about myself along the way.
David
