On3 Timesaver layout

Just did one this past summer w/ 072 Wyes. I know it has been done many times in H.O.

What is the purpose of a time saver?

Thank You

Ken

I also am interested in the Time Saver game but in 3 rail.  I only have room for a small shelf layout twelve feet long but a narrow as possible.  I would want to use either Atlas or Ross turnouts are there any plans available.

Thanks

http://gdlines.com/Timesaver.html

The timesaver is a puzzle but do not attempt it in 3rail unless you use Kadee couplers.

Gunny

While I agree Kaydees would be "best", it will work with the regular claw couplers. Just place the magnetic uncouplers. We used Gargraves bumpers on the end of each siding. They provide a substantial surface to push against to close the couplers.

Gilly

It's a puzzle. You switch cars against time or fewest number of moves.

Here is the TimeSaver in 7 1/2 inch guage, 1 1/2 inch scale (1/8th full size).  16 feet by 85 feet.  Game is played by two man teams.  Engineer to run the train and remain silent.  Switchman to throw the switches and call the moves.  Clock starts and goes through the moves.  Clock stops.  Change positions, do the moves.  Add the times together.  Teens can do it around 6 minutes, adults 10 to 15 minutes, real railraoders up to an hour!  Kabittizing is encouraged from the peanut gallery.  NOT reccommended for married couples!   Russ

Gilly,

      The rules of the puzzle state no bumpers allowed! Since derailments count against you time wise.

Gunny

That is really VERY cool, Russ!  Must be great fun to participate in that challenge!

Here's one using gargraves track and RCS #5 switches.  It fits in 11'6" x 1'3".

I would think that with O gauge rolling stock and standard couplers, the rules would have to be adjusted some. 

Actually, to do it right, only Kadee couplers would be used for this exercise.

here's an interesting site on shunting puzzles.

http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/

If you define "right" as "by the existing rules", then definitely.  

I could envision rules that were more geared to O gauge rolling stock.  Like the ability to help joining couplers with your hands.  It would still be an interesting puzzle and you could still time it, I think.

But since you only need a few cars and one small switcher, maybe converting them to Kadee is the best way to enjoy these shunting puzzles.  I've often thought about our modular club, the Austin Tinplate Trackers, setting one of these at the various train shows we do, and have people try it out.  Perhaps with a winner getting some prize.  Dunno how popular it would be...

Russ, please get video of this up on YouTube. I think it's the next best thing to playing Monopoly with real buildings.

Thanks for the plan using gargraves and Ross switches.  Any idea what Atlas switches that would also work.  I have a number of Atlas turnouts that I woould love to use.

I also believe that kaydee couplers is the only way to go.  The claw couplers would not work very well considering the slow speeds the switching would require.

David 

No problem!  I'll post a Atlas plan soon.

David, Do you place Kadee magnets under the tracks, if so where ?

Here is the Lehigh Valley High Railers version done in O. The track spacing and wiring harness matches the Independent High Railers module template, so I can drop it right into the layout. These 3 modules are set up to be self contained and operated independently as shown below. I often use these 3 modules at the Allentown First Frost Train Meet to demonstrate TMCC and DCS. As I recall, I used the articles published in OGR about 10 years ago as the starting point for this set up.

Chris

LVHR

Huh?  I used my Lionel NW2 and 6464 series box cars successfully and O27 manual switches for a 3 rail timesaver 35 yrs ago.  Even the little Navy switcher worked. 

Having said that though, I do have a 2 rail timesaver that I use now with Kadee couplers and Weaver freight cars and a Yoder GE 70 tonner. 

Greg

Hey Matt, do you mind of I postpone the video until AFTER the SNOW is gone!   Russ

What?!? You guys don't have a rotary snow plow?!?

I think it can wait a while.

Matt, here's some videos showing some snow removal at Train Mountain.  Snow blower, rotary and plows.  Enjoy!  Russ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgqUQipVG8A

And

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ookodgDhnBQ&list=UUwh_ysmoF8G15G_GpSH3dHQ&index=6

And 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afMmhGwLaNk&list=UUwh_ysmoF8G15G_GpSH3dHQ&index=7

Well, after removing my foot from my mouth, two things occurred:

1. I was amazed by how much snow you guys get
2. I was impressed by how creatively you deal with it.

Do you guys run after plowing or is the snow clearance more to protect the track?

Most of the snow clearing is done where we call the 'top'.  Basically around the unload/load area, steaming bays, main yard and the BackShop area.  If the snow is plowing good (easy) we make a day or two run out to end of track just for fun.  The main purpose of clearing the shop area of snow is so we can continue to do rail equipment maint all year round.  Russ

Here is an 11' by 1'6" layout with Atlas O.  It uses 2 O72 turnouts, and the rest are wye turnouts.  All the straights are 14" cuts.  I'm assuming a standard 40' freight car takes  up 14"...

Thanks for the various comments and plans for a timesaver.  I have recently lost my train bedroom to a returning out of work English major son.  I was only able to have one small wall space 12x2 feet.  I was thinking about a switching layout and the old time saver plans came to mind.

David