This is a conversation I was having with a friend. We thought yes because the wheels get more equal wear but the crossover is rough. What are your thoughts.
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My layout consists of three loops of varying sizes and a trolley shelf. Personally, I prefer the look of loops to figure 8s, and if it's just wheel wear that you're concerned about, just change the direction the trains are running every so often.
When someone mentions "display" I think of a train running in a store window that is left unattended when it is running. If that is the case use the "kis" (keep it simple) theory and use ovals or a variation on the theme. There will be far fewer problem with derailments.
The S.P. Division of TTOS has sponsored the train exhibit at the La Habra Children's Museum since the 1970's. We rebuilt the layout around 1984 and added a loop with a crossing that turned out to be a disaster. There were weekly derailments, and someone was running out there all the time to fix the problems. In the 1990's the layout was re-built with basic ovals, and a new timer system to control the trains by a kid's push of a button. No more problems! As an aside the only motive power we now use on that layout is Williams. They run forever (well almost).
Regards,
Randall
And the answer is, yes...
...until a coupler lets go 
---PCJ
Originally Posted by RailRide:
And the answer is, yes...
...until a coupler lets go
---PCJ
That's what superglue is for. 
Of course, you could always drawbar the cars together.
Seriously, a figure-8 gives more even wear on the flanges and more track in roughly the same layout space, but it creates some potential, but minor scenery challenges.
Really, you're worried about wear on a toy train. How long will it have to run before you even see measurable wear? I'm pretty sure other things will break before wheel wear becomes an issue.
Have the best of both worlds and do a folded over/under. That way you get equal wear and more interest than a plain oval.
Originally Posted by sinclair:
Really, you're worried about wear on a toy train. How long will it have to run before you even see measurable wear? I'm pretty sure other things will break before wheel wear becomes an issue.
Ask this guy about worn flanges.
Originally Posted by Silver Lake:
...We thought yes because the wheels get more equal wear but the crossover is rough...
Everything will wear more evenly.
The FasTrack crossings are silky smooth!
I like a loop for a small layout for 2 reasons...the scenics can "hide" the train for a while, and there is room for more scenics for variety and interest.
I decided this year that I'm never going to put a figure 8 on my public display again. I couldn't get anything but my little k-line porter to run reliably on it and I can't always be there to supervise it when it's all operating.
For our club's storefront display this year, we ran back-to-back reversing loops connected by a 45 degree crossing. It has run Fri-Sun throughout December w/o the first derailment.
Gilly
