Ever consider just a switching layout?

My older son and I built a classic fifteen foot HO switching layout from an Atlas track plan book. It did not turn out to be as much fun / interesting as either of us thought it would be.

It was dismantled after a while.

 

While I find some switching to be fun, I like to be able to run my trains continuously.

Something I've always wanted to do in HO in a small space. Doesn't have to be fancy, use a handful of freight cars and a Model 40 or 44T, etc, some REALLY rough track and have fun. 

Built a switching layout in N scale once. After some time just got tired of only having the ability to switch cars. So I added removable reverse loops on each end just to watch trains run. Made it more enjoyable plus kept me on my toes because I had to switch polarity on the mail line every time the train was in the loop.

 

Mark

The switching layout for HO is something I am also contemplating, especially since to have a continuous layout in that scale would require me to create a wide radius circle for any curves.  Such a wide radius defeats one of the purposes for using HO scale in the first place--smaller platforms.

LV High Railers Module

I have a switching layout now using Ross track and switches. It is along two walls. It is 24x2.

 

I just did not have enough room for a larger layout. I found that switching is not my favorite thing to do so I just run my 3RS engines back and forth. 

 

On on the second level I do have On30 that has circular running. 

 

If if you only have space for a switching layout, then do it. It keeps you in the game while waiting for a larger space to build your dream layout. 

 

 

 

My thought would be what rob posted. A module, or a set of modules you can use at home, then take with you to a club to get the continuous feeling.  Then you could incorporate it into your layout in the future.

Gilly's Timesaver

No; I'd get bored with it/

I find I get bored with the trains running in circulars over and over.

 

I think I can easily add a section of track to connect the two ends together.  The layout would be a U shape and I could easily connect the ends of the U together by a removable and storable module for when I just wanna watch the trains run.  

My first layout was in "N", and designed and built just for a switching yard.  Then, as now, my first love in modeling is switching. After 2 weeks of switching, and not seeing outbounds of the cars I had put together, I spent less and less time on the layout, (I actually became bored),vowing next one would include 1 or more loops so I could sit back and watch the train I put together pull out. It also now meant I could drop these cars off, pick-up filled or MTs. Take these back to the yard and sort them for next outbound or return to parent owners. I took from what I learned in "N", to "O".

Take the word from someone that's been there, and done that. Now builds to enjoy both worlds of running and switching.

I have a work in progress 2 rail layout under way.  Atlas flex track, old atlas turnouts. I agree it can be boreing but the challenge is trying to create a visually appealing model in a small space.  This model is forced to fit in an eight foot by two foot space.  At first glance it seems tight but it works.  Straight DC set at very low speed, all hand thrown turnouts, weighted weaver cars, 40 foot boxcars or their short covered hoppers plus some unintended rough track makes this interesting to run.  Continuous running is reserved for the three rail layout.

I would for sure, keep a loop to just run trains when the mood hits.

My RR is a double main large radius loop 16 ft. by 22 ft. I like passenger trains and and long freights.

  I have two switching areas, one is along the main and the station where I can switch passenger cars, REAs and RPOs between east-west runs and north-south runs of the Santa Fe and NYC. and provide for overnight drop-offs.

The second, an island, is the engine servicing portion and turnaround for steam, coal and oil and diesel.  There is also an operation for icing refrigerated cars.

Due to the support requirements for operations there is a constant demand for small freight trains coming and going in the midst of daily passenger and refrigerated operations and, of course, all the equipment to support the locomotive servicing. 

 

So, I have the best of both worlds and that is what I recommend. Operations and switching are fun, but when it is beer-thirty just watching trains roll by is soothing as all get out.

 

Ron

 

One of my favorite HO layouts I built was a U shaped switching layout. It was 7' or 8' along one leg, 5' or 6' along the other and about 4' across the "bottom" of the U. It had small yards on each leg with a short bit of "mainline" running between them, plus a branch along the back of the middle portion. I used four wheeled diesel switchers  and 40' and under cars. Turnouts were hand thrown using homemade switch stands and I made my own simple walk-around throttle control. This was when I was 17 to 21 years old.

I had one other switching pike that never made it completion as I got bored with it. It was in On30 and only about 6' long. Not a lot of room to really make up a train, just shuffle cars around.

Nowadays loops are just fine. To shake things up a bit I can throw switches and change one loop from an oval to a figure 8 and back. I do the reconfigure while the train is running for a challenge!  lol

Haven't done any switching yet, but I would agree with the above and want switching and continuous running both on my layout. Provides a lot more variety that way.

Either one can get boring after awhile, switching, or just running around in circles. I have a switching layout because I didn't have room for anything else where I could run all my articulated engines. Not to mention I switch cars for a living, so coming home to switch cars on my model RR is usually not very enticing.

 

I built my switching layout to use as a backdrop for photo taking, for the cars and engines I was detailing and weathering to sell. I decided not to do that anymore as I just don't have the time since we are building the layout over at my parents house. Now I use it for "practicing" scenery techniques or testing engines once in awhile. It's fully functional, I just don't use it much at this time.

Yes, but in 2-rail.

 

I have too much invested in 3-rail to dump and switch, but I wouldn't mind a single 2-rail engine and a few cars (I took convert some of my 3-rail rolling stock back to 2-rail).

 

But then again, my 12x12 3-rail "empire" covers both loop and switching moves.

 

AND...I've been bitten by the passenger train bug lately and wouldn't mind having a loop to run just passenger trains overhead.

 

Further, if I can clean out the other half of the upstairs I may extend my 3-rail mainline all the way around the perimeter of both rooms.  That would give me a mainline of 100-150 feet.  Heck I could even make the 2nd room portion 2-rail and put in some transfer tracks!

Switching layouts aren't for everyone... just like simple continuous running layouts aren't for everyone either.  So it's strictly a personal decision, and inquiring here will only get you lots of different opinions.  Guaranteed. 

 

I built an HO switching layout when I was a teen, based on the Kinnikinnick Railway and Dock series of articles from Model Railroader back in the early 1970's.  I enjoyed it, but admittedly there were times I missed just sitting back and watching the trains roll.

 

A big component that made switching layouts worthwhile was the fact that newer (for that time period) walk-around momentum throttles became generally available -- which allowed for super smooth movements of locomotives while you followed them around the layout.  Does anyone remember the TAT IV throttle from Bruce Chubb???    Back in those days, you wouldn't even think of building a switching layout in O-Gauge, 'cause the transformer technology and locomotive motors that could provide smooth switching movements were non-existent.

 

Nowadays, Legacy and DCS systems -- along with the latest locomotive motors/gearing -- provide for ultra smooth switching movements as well as walk-around control.  But standard O-Gauge coupler technology still leaves a bit to be desired, unless you're converting to Kadee-style couplers on your rolling stock.

 

Aside from that, it's a matter of personal choice... and whether you'll be happy with NOT being able to just sit back and watch the trains roll once and awhile.  For me, that layout I build as a teen back in the 1970's was a great learning experience... enough so that I've decided I probably won't undertake a purely switching layout again.  My dream O-Gauge layout would provide switching possibilities, but I gotta also have at least a dual track mainline where trains roll through the sceneryt when the feeling strikes me.

 

David

 

No, because to me, switching is just like working some kind of a puzzle like Rubik's Cube or something.  I detest puzzles. 

 

My layout has just one pair of switches, and the resultant siding is not actively used.  It's more for appearance and engine storage.

I probably have about two dozen switching layout designs for various space parameters based on the ever changing mode of the "Secretary of the Interior" as to a right-of-way land grant. I attempt to base them on complimentary industries, plus a couple are modeled after street-running locations.

JD...I was in the same position as you.I get tired of going in circles no matter what the shape of the circle is or even double tracked with bridges and etc..My solution was(and I'm lucky to have the space)I built a 8x16 yard next to my existing layout and tied them together.Now I have the option of doing both.Nick

I have thought about doing a switching layout once I am done with college in less then 2 years. The layout I had was continuous running which was fine but I want something with some switching because I think it would be more interesting.  I am still trying to decide what era and industry I should model.  

I am adding a extension  to the Atlas 0-20 Texas Western . So I have the whole garage  the entire length + with for switching . And the entire breezeway will have the mainline. Again look and see what I am doing. The Texas western  Atlas 0-20.

I am going to start a switching layout in the basement. I have just about utilized all the space possible on the attic layout I found I didn't have the room I wanted for switching except for the freight yard and a few small sidings. I'm planning two separate areas for switching on the new layout. The Buffalo Creek Railway to serve numerous Grain elevators and the South Buffalo Railway to serve steel and auto stamping plants with a  few smaller industries thrown in..................Paul

I would not do this. The beauty of O-Gauge engines and equipment is to watch them run, not just a back and forth operation.

 

You have a beautiful ship and it needs to be the center-point of your new layout, but you don't have to eliminate main lines.

 

If you have six months, take your time, look at a lot of options, get some advice on a track plan, and then do it right so that you will be happy with it for a long time to come.

I think you can have the best of both worlds.   I'm in the process of tearing down my old layout and will build another in its place.  I'm going to try and incorporate the inner most loop as a switching layout.   Perhaps a small maintenance area based on this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A = interchange track or connect to complete a second loop

B= Car clean-out track

C= Car cleaning facility

D= Cars awaiting cleaning or repair

E= Car maintenance shop

F= RIP track

G= "Dead" car storage

H= Engine pocket (could also use F for this if A connected for 2nd loop)

I= Yard office

 

You could easily replace the above destinations with other industries.  Bottom line is the plan allows for switching all but A and H without fouling the main.  Could switch to your heart's content while a 2nd train runs interrupted.

 

--Greg

I think the best idea is to combine the enjoyment of continuous running with the complexity of a switching layout. You can do this with a single track main line with passing sidings and industries to be served along the main line. You also need a main freight yard for making up and breaking down the trains. Combine all that with a staging yard at each end and you've got a railroad that captures almost every aspect of the hobby!

 

Just ask Bob Bartizek!

I REALLY like Greg's layout above. Maybe that will be my do-over one day. A perfect arrangement for switching and running.

 

My layout is a little less than 5 x 8 so without switching there wouldn't much activity. I have inner spurs to park engines and long outer spurs for parking and putting consists together. This allows me to move things around and connect and disconnect. Kind of a random operation because I don't know much about real switching. It's fun though to see if I can get through a whole operation without screwing up. Then as a reward I get to sit back and zone out while the consist I've created cruises the loop.

No.  I just like to set them running and leave them to it, so switch operation just gets in the way...  But I have heard of folks who have and if you are into that it might be fun!

I have been running a switching shelf layout for two years now - due to space.   The layout is "L" shaped with two - 2 foot by 6 foot sections so the layout is 2 feet by 12 feet.    I just actually revised it last week.   It is Fastrack and is a lot of fun in a small space.   I use Legacy with an Alco S-2 switcher and I have it now set up as an modern Industrial park with a siding for local freight and a siding for local scale grain elevator.  The local yard is off the layout so you have to in your mind see it and there is a set off spot for cars to be switched / returned.   Lots of fun until I move to a bigger place.

The best thing to do if you're thinking about a switching layout is to go to www.lancemindheim.com and look at the layouts and read about them.

 

My On30 layout has continuous running, but I set it up for lots of switching. One of the best things I ever did was to design the layout for EASY switching, with no complicated switchbacks Or other gimmicks. Keeping switching simple is a must for keeping it fun.

 

Jeff C

Rob,

 

Thank you for remembering me. This has been a fun little layout. When we do demos at train shows, the time passes very quickly. In general it is fun to run.

 

Gilly

Consider... heck I'm doing it! I'm building a 1.5ft x 8 Ft switching layout, modeling the Rio Grande. I don't have the budget, time or resources to build a large o scale layout. This has been a perfect enterprise. It will allow me to detail everything, and so far I haven't lost interest because I see results quickly due to the fact I have a small space to tackle. This has been a great experience for me. Oh if I want to run trains in a circle, I just throw fast track on the carpet, run and pull it up. In this small space I'm able to fit two sidings, a runaround track, four switches, and room for two major industries and building flats. The switches are hand thrown to keep the operator engaged and I'm using MTH Scaletrax with cork roadbed and a foam base.  All the above is everything I have ever wanted to use in building a layout. Just enough to keep things interesting. Good luck.

The layout that I am building consists of a double mainline, local and catenary passenger tracks with a large classification yard for the double mainline and local industry spur tracks, the double mainlines both have switching leads. This type of configuration requires a large area, large control panel and auxiliary panels, and complicated wiring, I am enjoying the challenge in building this layout. Some modelers prefer a switching layout where cars are switched in a localized industrial area and some prefer continuous loop running. My personal belief is that a combination of a switching and loop(mainline) operations mimics how a real railroad system works.  

 as I'm building my layout, I made an engine yard and a car yard, so far. Some days I get full enjoyment just making up a train. I'll put the head end engines into the engine shed and move a fresh set out onto the mains.

 I have an Atlas engine that has electric couplers on it. I send it into the car yard tracks and pull out strings of cars. I get them out towards the main and have the mainline engines pull them forward.

 Sure, when I'm having company I just run what's out there around the loop. I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to do switching. It doesn't have to be huge. Some simple moves can bring real train excitement to your RR.

 

This is the primary reason I didn't build the On30 layout I was dreaming of, for a very long time. Then, I got hooked up with some of the groups who do operation sessions on other layouts (mostly HO and a nice On30 one) and found that I didn't even want a loop. I'm so glad  never built a loop as I find operations something that'll keep your attention to just running in circles. I could have built a loop quite easily on my layout but I feel I'll get so much more out of the problem solving of switching.

Frankly, I have no idea why so many 3-railer types not only never do switching but also look down on those who do. Most of the 3-rail people and groups just wanna run trains in a loop, as fast as possible to still stay on the tracks. And many of them seriously talk smack about those who want to operated layouts in some type of manner that a real railroad would do.

Only amusement park RRs and city belt lines run in a loop. Every HO layout I know of which was built to loop around that wasn't built for public viewing eventually turns into a parking lot for rolling stock, then a long and expensive set of shelves...

I firmly believe that continuous running is a valid way to operate trains, but it's not the only way. Everybody should do what they enjoy.

 

Jeff C

I think the concentric loop layouts are popular in 3-rail O because the 3-rail segment of the O Gauge hobby evolved from the loop around the Christmas tree many years ago.

 

That's the nice thing about this hobby. There is no "right" way to run your trains. It does not matter whether you are a "Loop Runner" (a term coined by OGR author Dr. Bill Bramlage) or prefer more prototypical operations with lots of switching, the objective is the same...to enjoy the time you spend in the hobby.

For me their is no need for one (switching yard) or the other (open road running).  When I began my layout I read extensively the work of Frank Ellison. His perception of model railroading was to use the model as a stage.  Built onto that stage required a multitude of operations.  It is important to provide a staging yard, sidings, distance running, short line running and interchanging locations.  I am fortunate to have the space, about 270 sq feet of table top.  This give me plenty of room to have a major yard which is about 70 sq. Feet.  A wye to reverse equipment, 2 main lines, 1 short line connecting three activity locations (town, city, industrial area and a passenger terminal) plus 5 major sidings.  Every track is accessible to every other part of the layout.

I began all of this with the goal of "operations" which was a lot of fun.  But, no matter what you have, it is easy to become bored with it.  So, I have moved on to modeling the structures and enhancing all the details.  More fun. ��

Someone mentioned cost.  I have been working on my layout for about 8 years.  I do not choose to dump tons of money in this hobby.  Much of my layout and all of its equipment is second hand and much of it is not the high end stuff.  But, it doesn't have to be.  You can buy good durable track and switches at a reasonable cost.  You can scratch build wonderful structures.  And, you don't need more then 5-6 engines to run a very fun layout.

Every time I run my trains, I make up a consist, deliver the goods and put them all to bed at the end of the day....  Just saying...