Enjoying the "Lionel Showroom Layouts" DVD

To be correct, the DVD was made in 2005, though the footage is from 1994/1991 and was digitally remastered.

Still you're right, both stories are very interesting, and done in the vivid style we've come to know from TM.

The Showroom, Display and old department store window layouts of the 50's usually have several simple loops to have several trains running at once to provide the action and interest.  Many may have a few switches but they often do not work and the layout requires little operator attention.  The turntable in the Jackson, MS 1949 layout did not work, the switches were not hooked up, and the track plan diagram by the ZWs had no switches or any control at all.  Most accessories were not operated and many not hooked up.  The engines did not have E units or if so, they were locked in forward.  I doubt the original 1949 layout had a working TT.

None of this is to belittle the layouts.  They are made to operate reliably with few derailments and little operator attention.  They only have to hold the viewers interest for minutes and an hour at most and to "Wow" the viewer.  I love to see them.

Just as a simple loop home layout will bore most operators in a few minutes a home layout of several loops with several trains operating will probably still bore after more time.

 My operating layout was made intricate and complicated with 27 working switches, 20 uncoupling sections, 3 transformers, turntable, over 12 operating accessories and three loop operation with two loops having two train operation.  It has kept interest for over 30 years.

But if I am having an open house in the Christmas season, having my wives second grade Sunday school class of 12 or so come view the layout or others over for causal viewing, I try to keep things reliable and simple.  I normally run three trains, one per loop and pick my running engines and cars that are best at staying on the tracks.   I lock them in forward.  I will switch engines on the TT and change a train with one on a siding but never operate two trains per loop as doing so with my short loops requires both trains to operate at very similar speeds and even so wrecks are often to happen.  I usually only operate the milk car and cattle car un-loaders that are close at hand to give a helping hand and I let the visitors operate them.  Nothing is more frustrating than to have lots of derailments and wrecks.  I do not want to have to concentrate on switching and spend time with my visitors.

If I have model train savvy visitors I will give them the works or at least run anything they show interest in seeing or doing.

Charlie