I do both. My layout is set up to be operational. (from mu HO days). But I can also just watch trains run. By the way, I do this on a single track main line.
I'm a little surprised yet very pleased to read that so many responders are at least somewhat interested in prototypical operation of their layout. For me, it's operation all the way. The layout is point to point with a single track main line 550 feet long with 6 towns, 4 staging yards and 127 switches. It keeps a dozen operators busy for 3 1/2 to 4 hours running the 20 trains on the schedule and doing all of the yard and local switching.
I did install some crossovers that short-circuit the main line and turn it into 3 very long loops, but I've never run it in multiple loop mode. I occasionally use one of the loops for breaking in a new locomotive (let it orbit for 20 minutes in forward then 20 minutes in reverse), but when I run a train or two for fun I run them the length of the main line.
I have two separate layouts right now. One is a classic two track oval with multiple sidings and a small fiddle yard and engine service facility. I run passenger trains and local freights with plenty of switching opportunities. It's loosely based on NYC in Buffalo NY 50's - 60's ish.
I have a second point to point layout approx. 45' in length which is done up in modern period again with Buffalo NY local flavor. My operating scheme includes inbound delivery of 8-10 freight cars from a NS transfer to Buffalo & Pittsburg, swapping inbounds with outbounds, departure of outbound and then classification and two locals switching industries. I'm looking to have an operating session in the future and figure I could keep 2 - 3 operators busy for a couple hours. Shoot me an email if your in the Niagara Falls area and want to experiment with an operating session. Running TMCC/Legacy and looking to add DCS when I get my South Buffalo S-2's from MTH.
In my old age I prefer running on my dual mainlines round-the-room although I have 17 turnouts, a Service Yard with engine house and 6 service towers and with spurs extended to a Denim mill and one to a Sawmill and Lumber yard.
But very little running at all for several years due to health issues.
"Running Only" for now but hope to add multiple operations and switching as the layout grows. Would love to see pics of some of your layouts, they sound awesome.
I would prefer a layout that's heavily operations oriented with the option for continuous running available. I must admit, it is hard having a switcher and no yard for it to work!
I would prefer something that's simplified for the sake of saving space, time, and money, but I want it to be complete and be able to support all of my rolling stock.
Aaron
This time of year it's running, for 30 minutes per day while I ride my road bike on rollers. I call it "training"
In a sense, "Operating" a layout is a subset of running a layout!
I have two levels on my layout. The upper level has two ovals where I run two passenger consists each one running in different directions. The lower level is dedicated to freight operations with switching capabilities.
Neither. I play with my trains.
Pete
I run trains: I set them and my 'Streets vehicles running and leave them to it: sometimes I just watch, other times I'm working on a project, etc. They just run.
I never stand at the controls or operate them in the sense discussed here.
If I have em, I run em... 8 loops on an 8' x 5' display. However I just finished the bench work for this years display and was thinking what I would use the bottom shelve for. Lately I've been wondering how to rationalize three ZW's when I only use two. There maybe four more loops on the bottom shelve in my future.
I throw on my three loops and bump-n-go trolley shelf and relax and watch them run. If I have to get involved in switching, how will I be able to hold my beer?
My layout is very small: 036 curves and 35" of straight on sides and 5" straight on ends. Inside there are 5 Command Control switches and a Super Street connection from one siding to another siding for TrackMobile operation. So I can "run" a short train on the loop, but there is fairly extensive operation within the loop. The next to last freight car has electro-couplers.
