How often do you run your trains?

Well, for us, it is several times a week.

 

We are constantly looking for ways to improve the layout, whether it be scenery or new equipment. This keeps our interest at a high level and gives us both a lot of pleasure.

 

 

It's a fairly small layout, but I run it every day, when possible.  I rotate the engines and cars frequently, so it never gets boring.

 

For us it depends on the time of year.  We are just entering our "heavy use" season and will continue near daily use until the Spring when we can get back outdoors.

 

I welcome a long, hard, cold winter like last year.  I spent most of my time in the basement.

 

Ron

 

Usually daily at this time of year.

Part of my problem is the internet. While not big on browsing I find this laptop does eat up what use to be train time.

I'm not certain, but the PRR Panhandle probably hasn't run in at least 18 months.  As I've described in the narrative on the Photo Forum, problems with the metal bridge and a focus on scenery, buildings, and other construction efforts have been the culprits.  Basically, I have come to distrust the 7' temporary metal bridge that I erected between the Steubenville and Weirton portions of the layout. 

 

That's why I have focused on replacing the bridge.  Two years ago I started thinking about a permanent bridge.  I did another investigation of available commercial options, found nothing, and started planning and assembling components for my own wooden replacement.  Then I found a builder, negotiated with them, and a month ago acquired my bridge.  I am now in the process of getting the supporting pieces (bridge piers and a backdrop) in place.  Once that happens, we will be up and running again.  I'm trying to get the Panhandle operational again in the first quarter of 2015.

 

Once I do get it running, I would like to operate it at least weekly.

 

George

Very seldom, I think I need some steam power. This all diesel fleet is nice climbing grades but I like fast steam passenger trains.

 

Clem k

I can't get into my bedroom closet without moving my display. But that doesn't bother me a bit, because having the display in the bedroom assures the trains are never neglected no matter what time of year it is. Run'em almost every evening before going to bed.

Christmastime, when it's warm I'm outside!

Every day this time of the year, spring and summer, at least twice a week.

 

Art

I like to run them in the mornings before work, and when we have friends visit.  They get less runtime in the summer months as we spend more time at the lake though.

 

And sometimes, I'm reading the forum while they hum along.  Like now!  

Trains run just about daily, unless I am gone or working on the layout. My layout is new and still expanding and changing, however, I try to keep it so trains can run all the time. Right, wrong or otherwise, the first thing I did after assembling my Mianne bench work (which only took a few hours) was get some track laid down so trains could run. Now if I make any changes it's usually only down for a short time. Not the greatest to look at, but it runs trains.

Not near enough.  We have a large layout, and that requires track cleaning, which requires motivation.  My excuse is always that I am "working on it."  That's true, but also lame.

Hi SIR JAMES,

  I run just about every Friday and Saturday night, in the fall thru early spring.  Depending on how much beer is down in the cellar.

No regularly scheduled runs. Sometimes several times a week. Sometimes several weeks go by and no runs.

Its run more often recently because its done or "good enough"...no nagging mess to clean up or wiring to run....all that lowered my motivation to even go in the room. Things got really backed up..I was overwhelmed, where to begin with this mess?

Now its painless...and enjoyable.  

Being retired now i can run them almost every day but I run them mostly in the morning with a cup of coffee in my hand!

Not nearly enough. Job, friends, need more beer, this forum; in that order are the main distractions. Sometimes I will work on the layout or go to my club. My grandaughters will demand to run so that helps.

 

Ray Marion

Every day, maybe just for a few minutes.             unless . . . today the unless was that I was adding shelves and lights and had all the wiring cut off, but I try to run every day.  Probably about 320 days a year. 

depends on the time of year. In the summer we have a couple of old cars that keep me busy, so the trains not so much. When Fall hits that's my main train time till Spring comes back. Plus I work 21 turn, so it depends on the shift I'm on. I also put down a Christmas platform, so the trains under the tree will get run almost everyday.

When coustomers order loads and the ICG is ready for dalivery....

Not up and running yet still prepping the basement room. Hopefully will get some track down by spring of 2015.

My little brother and I go down in the basement to run my trains about a half hour a day for 4 or 5 days of the week.

I try to go out to the garage once a day for 5 minutes or so.

 

- Mike

I run the trains about 3-4 times each week -  Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring.  Like Passenger Train Collector, I try to come up with ideas to change or improve the layout, as it is "mature" like yours.

I run them a couple of times a week, more in the winter of course. I like switching out cars and engines on my 5 X 9 foot little layout.

Artie

Good thread.

During the summer about the only train running is when guests or grandchildren (of which there are many) come over.

More often during the winter; especially with a glass of red wine or scotch in hand.

 

Rod

I only have one subway set and a SP SD45T-2, i run both of them once or twice a month for now since i have no layout yet

I run at least one set every morning.  This way I know if I am developing any problems on any of the individual track line and there are no surprises!

 

-Pete

At least once a week to keep me sane after all the stuff I have to put up with on a weekly basis. Much cheaper than therapy, so it is practically necessary I run my trains.

Isn't there a law regarding the operating trains and alcohol 

Lately every night after everyone has gone to bed. My way of stress relief and escape.  

I run my trains all year long but seasonal cycles do impact on my operating time.  I spend the most time running them, which translates into every day, during the late autumn and all winter.  During the spring probably about three to five times a week while during the summer season I probably operate them once or twice a week at the most.  However, even though during the so called "off seasons" I'm always fiddling with or doing maintenance work on my engines, rolling stock and layout.  For me it is truly a year long hobby.   

Since I do not have a layout, the best I can do is run every other weekend because that is when the club has its open house.  I also get to run on a friends layout several times during the year.  It is enough to keep me interested and satisfied.

Run them almost every day, if only for 10 minutes. Huge stress reliever after an 11 hour day (with commute). Just crank 'em up and let 'em go, and all honking whistles at each other as they pass by.

 

Now if I can just apply that method to scenery, I'd be much further along.

 

.

Running the trains is definitely a good stress reliever. Doctors should subscribe it.

almost daily......when it's cold outside.....every day!

Only when I am in North Carolina, which is once every 3 months or so for about a week.

 

At Halloween and Christmas, my wife and I set up a display, and then the "seasonal" trains are run in Florida.

 

Bruce

Once a week at the club.  Once every couple of weeks on the home layout.  I find that I run more at the club than at home because I enjoy operating trains with other people.  It is more fun to have several trains running at the same time.

 

Joe

On again, off again. I like to get in a couple 1/2-1hr runs in at week at least.

  Maximum on time- pretty much every day, for about a year.

 Time off maximum is 11 months give, or take a few days. Never had a Christmas without them... ever!