How many here have Trolley only Layouts ? or have them on your layout?

My main line and short line are all trolley. Don

Both Ohio and Indiana once had huge interurban systems that could get you all over those states....somebody must model those...

Do those bump n go trolleys require a lot of maintenance ?  Jim.

Just installed my trolley for two small stations. I used Z Stuff automatic reverse unit instead of bump reverse. It is much more realistic and is easier on passengers. Now I need to finish my town for it to run threw.

colorado hirailer posted:

Both Ohio and Indiana once had huge interurban systems that could get you all over those states....somebody must model those...

There is a gentleman near South Bend who has an extensive trolley layout in his basement (saw it on a tour with the LOTS convention in 2008), but he models New York City - go figure.  And he has a half or quarter size ride-on trolley in his yard - don't know if it is of a particular prototype.

His name escapes me at the moment.

Would love to feature a nicely done trolley-only layout in the magazine at some point. Ditto for a layout devoted to subway modeling. Our readers really enjoyed seeing Don McCuaig's handiwork on his former layout in California a few years ago before he moved to Hawaii.

My layout has three trolley lines, one elevated and two serving stations at ground level. The elevated double track loops are the longest, and are designed to run trolley cars, interurban cars and subway trains.  Each of the 36 foot loops have two 5% grades and are separately powered with a MTH Z750. I find the Z750 is marginal for running subway trains, but suitable for trolley and interurban cars.

As for bumper trolleys, I have several Rail King and Lionel cars. The Rail King reversing bumpers operate with considerably less impact than the Lionel cars, so the Rail King cars can be run at realistic speeds.

By far the best detailed and best quality trolley cars on my layout are Western Hobbycraft Brill cars. However, when it comes to operating features, the programmable MTH Rail King Brills with PS 2 and PS 3 superb.

I have one trolley line, which is a loop of O27 track that runs around the bus station block. I don't use the bump-and-reverse features on the trolleys (one Lionel and one Industrial Rail), so I can't help you there.

My bump and go has about 41' of track and I run it off my Lionel ZW. With the throttle set at 12-14 the trolley clips along at a moderate speed and climbs a pretty steep grade without any problem.I'm sure your transformers will work fine.

I would say this is a trolley only layout. Both mainline and short line work off of overhead power. This is the new layout in Hawaii. The short line has three locomotives (motors) all made by me with 3-D printer or kit bashed. K-line S-2 switcher power trucks or Williams 44 ton loco is power for the steeple cab.

I’ve realized recently that I’ve collected a number of MTH and Lionel trolleys and interurbans with no proper place to run them.  I’ve been thinking about setting up a shelf layout modeled after a modern railroad museum.  I’m not sure if anyone has ever done something like that before, but with that theme I could get away with running just about anything. 

For those of you on Facebook, there’s a great page titled “South Shore in Duneland” where someone has modeled the South Shore in a moderately sized “L” shaped layout.  He’s done a great job capturing the essence of the railroad and posts short videos every few weeks showcasing a particular scene. 

I have a trolley loop, about 20 feet or so in total, only MTH PCC cars currently see service on this loop.  Controlled with a MTH z-500 brick and a power master.  More than enough power for this function.

I have a trolley loop on my largely unfinished layout.   Since I model in S, trolleys are not common.  I have a loop of track buried in the street going from "downtown" to the main trains station.   It then continues into a tunnel which allows the car to return via a hidden track.  I eventually plan on using a Z Stuff reversing circuit to allow back an forth operation if I wish.  But that's a long way off.  Way too much to do and even way less time...

Great thread!

I have a small (30 ft) upper trolley bump-and -go from MTH. I power it with a CW80 with a single power feed. It is fairly level. No power issues or slow down. In fact I don't use much of the throttle to run this. While I don't run this all the time I have never had any failure of the trolley.

Elevated trolly line on my layout. When completed the trolly line will terminate on the opposite end of the layout which is an urban area. I hope to have this completed by this Christmas.   I want to allow for an interurban sort of flavor on my layout with the trolley disappearing into a tunnel on the rural side and emerging from the tunnel bringing passenger from the countryside  to the urban area.  

jimcotter posted:

Do those bump n go trolleys require a lot of maintenance ?  Jim.

Jim - all that must be done is regular lubrication.  I have had an Atlas Industrial Rail trolley since 2010 with no problems.  I also have an MTH trolley for the last 3 years and again no problems.  I think trolleys add a nice dimension to layouts.  

colorado hirailer posted:

Both Ohio and Indiana once had huge interurban systems that could get you all over those states....somebody must model those...

In past, yes.  The Western Reserve Model Railroad Club in Bedford Ohio had a large O scale traction layout.  As a teen many of these trolley modellers taught me how to make switches, solder overhead, and make pavement trackage.  Unfortunately this was in the mid 60s and all of these mentors were retired or almost retired at that time.  Their models are currently in a showcase in the Bedford Historical Society.  There is one fellow a few years older than me who still models local traction.  Many of the models were Northern Ohio Traction & Light and Lake Shore Electric.  

The club is currently an HO club.  I am the last of the original members.

Lou N

Hi Guys 

Thanks to Everyone that responded !  

great Pictures !  

I am looking to get a Brill trolley in future .  I might get a Bump & go trolley as well.  

My wife liked your pictures as well .  

It was her idea for a trolley .

jimcotter posted:

Do those bump n go trolleys require a lot of maintenance ?  Jim.

Jim,  In one word  NO!   In years past I have set  up a pair of 8' custom modules at train shows with a pair of MTH Bump & Go trolleys and they have run all day long from 9 am to 4 pm  Saturday and Sunday 6 shows a year for eleven years with never a problem.

I did use a two joist hanger as each end as a bumping post and safety. b 

If I only used one module I would let both cars bang each other all day long.

I used a Z-1000 with the speed control knob electrical taped in place at half throttle so no one would mess with it.

Never had a failure or accident.

I am now using the same 2004 trolleys  today on my new layout running free at express speed on an long eye level back ground right of way.