Continuous Running..Is it important to you?

Yes, still important. My layout was designed for both point to point operation and continuous running for a few reasons. Mainly when I just want to turn a train on and run it while I'm doing something else in the basement, it's relaxing. Also, when non-model railroaders come over and want to see trains run, it's nice for them to just see something run. I wouldn't say it's a "must have" but I would definitely do everything I could to incorporate it. below is a diagram of my layout.

Continuous running ability is nice but if space is limited and I have to choose between continuous running vs operations/switching, continuous running is going to lose. In a small space watching a train go around in what is in essence a circle gets old very quickly. At least to me it does. I like to interact with the trains which is why I like using ground throws and why I like switching. You don't even need to be there to have a train continuously run.

This doesn't mean that I think having a layout that allows continuous running is a bad thing. Of course on a large layout that takes several minutes to get around it is easier to pull off believably but it still has it's place on a small layout too. Even if a small around the room switching layout were built in a back bedroom, each end could be made to connect. While it could be a dedicated switching layout that doesn't all the way around, for open houses it could be made to or maybe you just want to watch them for a while. Tom's layout is a good example of what I mean.

I personally feel that operations is most important but if the space is there that will allow continuous running then I'd definitely incorporate it. I will not give continuous running priority over operations though. That's just me.

Bob,
It was to me. In my 12 X 20 space I have basically a switching layout with the ability for a continous run too.

I like the switching capbilities but sometimes I like the fact I can just watch the train run "round & round." Prototypical? No. Enjoyable? Yes!

Malcolm

PS: THe grandkids and other guests like the continous run too.

Bob,
I never had it, and the only time it was missed was when non-railroad guests wanted it. They didn't like the back and forth of point to point. As always, it's a personal choice.
Ben Brown

quote:

Originally posted by reutling:
Bob,

Continuous running is definitely not important to me. I like to model point to point.

I have had many continuous in both HO and O, and 2 switching modules, one small and one larger, and now my short line which is point to point, no more ConRail [roundi-rounds] type of layouts for me.

But then I like V8 engines, or V Twins, and brunette/gray haired ladies.

Ed Reutling

p/s--------- I would get more people watching my smallish switching modules, than we'd get at a later time when we had a display oval. Curious?? I have no idea why.....

Continuous run was important to me too. I live too far out in the sticks for me to belong to a regular operating group and I will be operating alone most of the time. In addition, most of the O scalers hereabouts are not interested in operation and HO guys are rather thin too.

One thing I intend to try is to have the computer running most trains, while I operate one, obeying signals, etc. The layout that I designed has a helix in it's center which acts as serial staging and can be operated point-to-point into and out of the helix.

TT

quote:

Originally posted by Ben Brown:
Bob,
I never had it, and the only time it was missed was when non-railroad guests wanted it. They didn't like the back and forth of point to point. As always, it's a personal choice.
Ben Brown

Ben, the day I spend on your point to point railroad was so busy for me in trying to keep track of my switching activities I hardly noticed it was point to point until later in the day. The sector plate sure added nice capability to the overall scheme also.

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by Brother_Love:
Prototypical? No. Enjoyable? Yes!

Malcolm

Not prototypical huh? lol Well I beg to differ a bit. I work for BNSF as a conductor on an assigned freight train. It may not be in a "circle" but we go through the same spots everyday about the same time. Feels like running in circles when I'm on the dang train. From the outside looking in it's more of point to point, but when you're on the train, we have to turn around at Point A and Point B, so it's just one big circle with huge raduis curves.

I stand corrected

quote:

Originally posted by Laidoffsick:

quote:

Originally posted by Brother_Love:
Prototypical? No. Enjoyable? Yes!

Malcolm

Not prototypical huh? lol Well I beg to differ a bit. I work for BNSF as a conductor on an assigned freight train. It may not be in a "circle" but we go through the same spots everyday about the same time. Feels like running in circles when I'm on the dang train. From the outside looking in it's more of point to point, but when you're on the train, we have to turn around at Point A and Point B, so it's just one big circle with huge raduis curves.

quote:

Originally posted by Laidoffsick:

Not prototypical huh? lol Well I beg to differ a bit. I work for BNSF as a conductor on an assigned freight train. It may not be in a "circle" but we go through the same spots everyday about the same time. Feels like running in circles when I'm on the dang train. From the outside looking in it's more of point to point, but when you're on the train, we have to turn around at Point A and Point B, so it's just one big circle with huge raduis curves.

You work on a point to point switching layout! A really big one.

LMAO... For my real opinion..... I have both actually, a 3x20 switching layout and a 75' loop overhead in my bar and gameroom. They both have their purpose I guess. Switching cars can be fun, and I can spend several hours pulling the empties and spotting the loads. Since I switch cars for a living though, that can get real old sometimes It's nice to go up to the bar and turn the train on and just let it run. The new layout being planned at the moment will have both combined. Turn on a couple trains and let them run while we pull some empties and spot the loads. Gotta get the customers to stop calling in their complaints because they're out of "product"

My take on a circle layout is “it gets boring.” Most people I know that have continuous running layouts tend to be collectors and have big collections of engines. They get bored with an engine and trade it out for another and same for the cars. On the other hand, a layout set up for switching tends to keep you busy and not bored. I have a small switching layout in O that keeps my busy with one engine and 4-6 cars for an hour or so. I usually bring a train onto the layout, switch the industries and leave. I don’t have a lot of time to run it so the hour or so I do run it keeps me interested. When I’m done, I take the layout down and put it away in the garage. I’m also getting ready to get rid of my O scale collection that doesn’t fit the theme of the layout so I’ll end up with 3 or 4 engines, about 2 dozen cars. I too work for the railroad, and my big layout is 313 miles long. There is no way I could replicate that in model form even in Z scale. Also I prefer local type operations on layouts.

Greg Elems

Great question, difficult to answer.
For the last eight years I have been only able to set up the station/switching part of my layout. Fun to run, it required concentration at times, and was not exciting for visitors. Now I have more space and my switching layout has become a complete oval, with one straight side being the station/switching component and the other 12 foot run a straight shot along a city scene. When I designed my layout I built it in segments(not modules)so I could always have some switching ability and the street scenes made a nice display layout for engines and rolling stock. Now that it is finally all together, I love watching my tiny German 0-6-0 and Glaskasten pull a couple of Bavarian or Prussisn cars along the four foot radii end modules. Maybe now I have the best of both worlds.
All the best,
Miketg

I find that it's becoming less important to me. That may change if I build an outdoor line, but right now I've been designing various switching layouts and ways to tie them together into a larger point-to-point.

A "Continuous Run" option is underrated in my opinion, for on layouts that include trainloads [ or large blocks ] of open top cars -- coal hoppers / gons, for example, but logs, lumber etc -- it provides a way for the loads to go in only one direction and the empties in the other, which is typically what one sees on the prototype, without the necessity of removing / installing loads etc, etc.
In my opinion the ideal layout is "midpoint"-to-loops with a continuous run option [ and with an "inbalance" -- grades, traffic, etc -- either side of the modelled area ].
Of course that's just my opinion, based on experience and personal preferences. YLMV.

Best regards, SZ

For me it's both. I love being able to switch out industries with a local or get up some speed and run the loop. I am currently building my layout and I am going to have both so I can do either. It's fun to watch them go around and around at times'.

I understand why some people want continuous running. It is nice to put the trains on auto pilot and just sit back and relax. But, it can become boring after awhile.

However, unless you have adequate space, continuous running comes at the expense of prototypical operation. As a railroad engineer and rules examiner qualified on a lot of territory, I can assure you that railroads operate from point A to point B and back in the opposite direction.

I'm currently building a 17' X 17' L-shaped switching layout in my garage. The garage still needs to serve other purposes, so I couldn't take over the whole space. Yet, even if I could, in order to build it as a reasonably accurate model of a particular line, I would build it to operate as a point to point. Not to say that it would not be nice to sneak in a connection to allow for continuous running.

As it is, I'm limited in space. Being a historian and prototype modeler, I choose to model a Camden, NJ industrial branch circa 1957. Operation first. But that's just my two cents.

Michael Rahilly

I do love switching, but I also like to turn the trains loose sometimes and just sit back and watch.

CofG
"The Right Way"

For testing locomotives under extended operating conditions with various loads, a model railroad that features continuous running is important to me.

Joe Foehrkolb

I actually do not care for switching. I like turnouts, so I have a few, but all I ever want to do is watch the train go for a few minutes, then on to something else. this is a personal preference. there is no right or wrong way to enjoy a hobby. and that too is only an opinion.

Continuous running is an important aspect in my modeling pursuits because of the type of equipment that I like to run. My track plans(HO scale)always incoporated mostly main lines with very few industries/switching opportunities.

Right now I'm in the planning stages for my first O scale layout which will feature a continous over and under loop with about 4 industries for switching. I never cared about operation or switching as much as just running long intermodal and coal trains with run through staging. I always tried to create important scenes that would give me the feel of railfanning my favorite locations.

My focus has changed slightly since meeting a fellow model railroader who's focus is primarily switching and point to point operation.He operates in HO scale on an L shaped 16'by 10' layout with several very large industries and various other smaller industries, which is quite fun and challenging at the same time, to operate on.

Travis

My railroad features multitrack staging to staging running which can be operated in a continuous fashion for test runs or open house displays. For timetable operating sessions trains come on and off "stage" once in each direction an hour or so apart. Some runs are local freights - some through manifests. Due to the heavy grades on the Pittsburg Division, steam powered freights require engine changes and helpers. I built in a "cutoff" route which provides for optional river grade Middle Division loop running - handy for new equipment testing and operation by grandchildren.

Ed Rappe

I would suggest that continuous running has a lot of factors involved such as personal interest in the prototype, size of train room, types of operations etc. I would LOVE to have the space to do a Bay Head to Rahway NY&LB point to point, but limitations of space almost force me into continuous operations as my prototype demands strings of passenger cars running at a scale 50 mph or so. However, like many here I think the option to do both continuous running and switching when the interest occurs is a wise option to serve a variety of operating interests. My biggest challenge now is fitting a 54" minimum radius layout with a multi-track mainline into a 15'x25' space without having the layout elevated near the ceiling ... that may be an option though ... could provide for the multiple functions I need out of my layout room for other hobbies like drums, other musical gear, guest room etc ..... new idea!

I too like some switching, but also like to just let them run while I'm in the train-room reading or working on a project. I also like to see more than one running at a time. This is great for Grandchildren and visitors as well.

If you have a large layout and a lot of local friends or club members, I can see the desire for switching.

In my area, I'm pretty much a loner, due to the scale and a lack of other people modeling the exact same gauge (2-rail O-Scale).

Most O-people in my area are into Lionel and run their trains lickety-split with as much noise and smoke as they can manage. The newer oil based smoke is a real turn-off to me. I loved the old Lionel pill smoke of my childhood and Teenage years.

Thanks....

out n back for me. hiding the loop is the challenge.

I too; am a lone wolf.

Important? No.

I thought continuous running was a must for most of my life and four different layouts, but after joining a local club last year with regularly scheduled end to end operations, with operating schedules and switch lists, I realize plausible and interesting operating scenarios are WAY better, and show off the models better to boot. I'm making changes accordingly.

Bob,

If you have the space to keep it from looking like the typical loop under the tree, go for it! I see no good reason to limit things to just switching. I think the most important thing is to disguise the fact that you are going in a circle and the longer you can make your loop the better. Clever use of turnouts can do quite a bit to extend a run to the point where a fair amount of time passes before a circuit is completed, and use of view blocks and scenery can mask the fact that you are going roundy round. Look at it as connecting the ends of your switching operation. It's like having your cake and eating it too! I think options are a good thing.

Simon

It's like this...when you want to run your layout, a switching layout is truely fun. When you just want to let guests see some run, you need a loop. With more complex folded double dogbone... thingamajigs, it can mask the fact that the train is running circles. Especially when several are running.
I went to a forum member's house (NYC ZMAN) and did some car switching. It was great. We went upstairs and saw his Christmas display. It was also fascinating. It brought out the kid in me. The 2 trains ran a kinda bent double oval. Every time the polar express went by, I gleemed. No one had to watch for collisions or maintain switches. Sometimes simple works.

I didn't have enough room for some really good curves so some years ago I decided to move my O gauge 2-rail outside in the backyard where there's more room and natural lighting to boot. It also freed up a room for our daughter who returned to the nest

daveV

I'd say the continuous run is necessary on my layout which focuses on mainline running. But I have the option to run point to point planned in as well, switching a coal mine, and some industries, and a point to loop to a staging area also helps open up some possibilities to bring in and take away goods to distant places. I'm with Simon on trying to make it seem like more than a simple loop.

If I ever build a new layout and change the theme, I'm pretty sure I'd still include a loop in the plan. I figure that way if I feel like just letting the trains run, I can, and if I want to run point to point, I can do that too.

I too like running around my room as there are times when I want to let go and putz somewhere else while the train runs. hearing it and a random glace I get the thrill out of it. Just as long as the train isn't bothering me where I am working and have to move every other minute. I will split away from scenery detail or such and put my eyes to track level and enjoy the view.
But definitly, running for me is powerful entertainment as opposed to having to put 100% to point to point. Nothing like the sounds of click and clack, and the smell of hot gear oil in the train room.


Phill

quote:

Originally posted by Brother_Love: I like the fact I can just watch the train run "round & round." Prototypical? No. Enjoyable? Yes!

Malcolm

Prototypical, Yes!!! Actually there are some loops in 12 inch = 1 foot world! I recall one that is/was located within sight of the H*ll Gate bridge, that was essentially a circle around a building. Perhaps Ed R. will recall that one as I believe he might have supplied the image/photo??? I know he was involved in the discussion as he identified the bridge in the background of the photo.

Simon

They probably don't run trains over and over again in endless nonstop circles around it though.

I've had point-to-loop operations on my last two layouts. Both with a (generally hidden) cutoff for continuous run. The best of both worlds.
Plenty of protoypical operation plus you can just let 'em orbit when the in-laws, nieces and nephews come by and want to "see the trains". In the latest incarnation of the current layout I've removed the three track reverse loop staging and replaced it with 7 tracks of stub end staging.

quote:

I recall one that is/was located within sight of the H*ll Gate bridge, that was essentially a circle around a building

It was the Central New Jersey freight house, reached only by car float.

Jim Scorse

quote:

Originally posted by fredswain:
They probably don't run trains over and over again in endless nonstop circles around it though.

Actually it was flat out awful! 44 Tonners flying around the thing playing cat and mouse! A bloody shame to treat equipment like that!

OK, obviously I am just kidding! Actually the building in the old photo was encircled by what looked to be 40' boxcars that were being loaded or unloaded (maybe both). The point I was trying to make is that I wouldn't let the word "prototype" get in the way of having some fun. There is no GOOD reason that you can't run a loop and point to point on the same layout.

Simon

quote:

Originally posted by Simon Winter:

quote:

Originally posted by Brother_Love: I like the fact I can just watch the train run "round & round." Prototypical? No. Enjoyable? Yes!

Malcolm

Prototypical, Yes!!! Actually there are some loops in 12 inch = 1 foot world! I recall one that is/was located within sight of the H*ll Gate bridge, that was essentially a circle around a building. Perhaps Ed R. will recall that one as I believe he might have supplied the image/photo??? I know he was involved in the discussion as he identified the bridge in the background of the photo.

Simon

Simon,,,

And if I knew a few years ago, what I now know re:R/C, I would have built that operation for myself. I have the Box Cab for it, an there are plenty of cars and decals of the era to do it nicely.

Ed Reutling

quote:

Originally posted by reutling: Simon,,,

And if I knew a few years ago, what I now know re:R/C, I would have built that operation for myself. I have the Box Cab for it, an there are plenty of cars and decals of the era to do it nicely.

Ed Reutling

Ed,

Why not give it a whirl? If you start and find out you're not enjoying the process you can always stop.

You might think I'm cheer-leading you on, but my motivations are really quite selfish! You see, I really enjoy seeing your work, and I think you would do a dynamite job! You never cease to amaze me!

Take care,
Simon

quote:

Originally posted by Simon Winter:
...Actually there are some loops in 12 inch = 1 foot world! I recall one that is/was located within sight of the H*ll Gate bridge, that was essentially a circle around a building....
Simon

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