OPERATIONS: Single main line advantages....

My railroad also has a single track mainlines. Multiple train operations get very exciting with only one operator, and would be nearly impossible without DCS. The key to successful operation is to have passing sidings at key locations.

When operating alone, I can safely handle three trains running simultaneously. However, the a N&W coal drag with a Y6b has rear ended the 20th Century Limited and most recently, the Flying Yankee "T-boned" the Chessie's Yellow Belly at turnout.

My treasured Milwaukee Road "Cedar Rapids" observation is lying in a parts bin awaiting extensive overhaul after being knocked off the railroad by an impatient Southern Crescent driver.

Bobby Ogage posted:

When operating alone, I can safely handle three trains running simultaneously. However, the a N&W coal drag with a Y6b has rear ended the 20th Century Limited and most recently, the Flying Yankee "T-boned" the Chessie's Yellow Belly at turnout.

My treasured Milwaukee Road "Cedar Rapids" observation is lying in a parts bin awaiting extensive overhaul after being knocked off the railroad by an impatient Southern Crescent driver.

Ah yes. Even with a double main you'd find a random uncoupling, an engine you were sure was moving isn't or it is heading in the opposite direction, and of course the last guy didn't throw the switch back to the normal setting. Have put up a few strategic "fences" though a new location will appear when you least expect it!

This is how my railroad operates.  If I run one train and watch it I have no issues.  But, just let me chat with someone or momentarily get distracted.  Wham!

Its a great opportunity for signaling.

Lou N

Sounds like dangerous fun! ONE train at a time for me, thank you!

Never could multi task even with DCS and Legacy! Furthermore, my OCD would not tolerate any damage to my trains!

Impressive!

Peter

Having seen and shot the Goat Lick Bridge in person when shooting John's layout for Great Layout Adventures #13, I have to tell you that video - even GOOD video like this - can't do justice to this massive bridge! It is truly impressive!

The single-track main line with passing sidings approach can provide a lot of interesting action on a model railroad. This is especially true if you have a group of friends with you when running trains. Just like the real thing, you have to pay attention! Cornfield meets are not fun. 

John,

That was impressive; trains at a rate faster than a train per minute!  Thank you for sharing!!

A lot of interest in operating on a single track main,you have to be on your toes.

My G scale outdoor line was single track with branches, etc and running two trains things could get really interesting especially since all my switches were manually operated. I got a lot of exercise and it was interesting to judge the closing speeds. You only needed two trains and no help to have  busy time.

Cool video.  I have a single main line as well with "sidings" and that's perfect for me.  I have enough track to clean and switches to maintain and operate as it is. However, I certainly like to see the action of trains passing in opposite directions on double mains.  

Loved the video John. I really like that small MTH 0-6-0 near the end of the video. I have the same one but in NYC. 

Mark Boyce posted:

John,

That was impressive; trains at a rate faster than a train per minute!  Thank you for sharing!!

Mark:

Typically, We don't run that fast!  It wasn't terrible, but it was a little quick.  When shooting these videos my hope is maximize interest but minimize the time.  My maximum is 10 minutes.  That is plenty long enough.

As far as this last video went, I/m just blown away! Really. I thought this video would be enjoyed, but NOT at the rate of some of the others. I looked this morning, 1 day after posting, and it had been viewed 517 times! That by far is the one day record for any video I have produced. Thank you to everyone who viewed it. I hope that you found it entertaining.

John, 

I know what grabbed me to watch was wanting to see just what your layout and operation is capable of.  Good show!  I realized that wasn't normal operation, but you did show it was possible to do it on your layout.  A lot of those were shorter trains than I have seen you run.  What are the lengths of your passing sidings?

I of course enjoyed the video but I have never seen a video of this type of model trains. It was kind of like videos of the prototype where one person stands trackside and shows various trains that went by while they were there. I really like this concept. Great job John. 

Mark Boyce posted:

John, 

I know what grabbed me to watch was wanting to see just what your layout and operation is capable of.  Good show!  I realized that wasn't normal operation, but you did show it was possible to do it on your layout.  A lot of those were shorter trains than I have seen you run.  What are the lengths of your passing sidings?

Mark:

My passing sidings vary in length and the shortest one can accommodate 20 to 25 cars plus engines depending on length.  I ran shorter lengths here because it was just me trying to do everything at once.  There was supposed to be one more train at the very end, but the last train you see "blocked" the last planned train's path, because I failed to throw a turnout and these last two ended-up nose to nose.  

I should have enlisted the Crew's help.  I had 10 people here two hours before I shot the video.  The biggest thing missed here, and funniest I imagine, was me scrambling like crazy to ensure these trains didn't collide, everything got moving in sequence and I threw the "right" turnouts at the right times.  It didn't go as planned, but the part in the camera's view was decent enough.  The view I had looked more liked a rushed exercise video.

I'm going to do a similar video in the future with longer and more trains passing over my scratch-built wooden trestle with one notable exception.  I'm going to get multiple others there to operate the layout, while I coordinate.  I don't need the exercise or experience a crash.

John C. posted:

Check out this video featuring a "parade" of trains over Connie Coy's "work of art" (Goat Lick Bridge) featured in OGR's Great Layout Adventures #13.

OPERATIONS: SINGLE MAIN LINE ACTION!

Thank you Rich or other OGR staffer who embedded the video.

Yes I can imagine you were very busy!

You're welcome, John.  

Great video John. I hope you have rested up from the cardio workout you got filming it.  Would love to see follow-up of the action on the passing sidings.

Bob

RSJB18 posted:

Great video John. I hope you have rested up from the cardio workout you got filming it.  Would love to see follow-up of the action on the passing sidings.

Bob

That is a good point about the cardio, Bob!

Yes that would be interesting to see the passing sidings.

Dear Bob and Mark:

I understand, hear and appreciate what you guys are saying.  I agree with you.  That would be a cool addition to a video.  BUT, the camera would be "shaking" as it would have to move a considerable distance to view the action on the passing sidings.  In addition, I absolutely would need the assistance of a majority of the crew to accomplish a very amateurish video of the opposing trains "meeting" one another.

I would need several cameras and a video editing program to properly and professionally display the trains on the Glacier Line running from end to end.  It would be neat if I had the know how (I don't) and capability to piece together four different views which all would be displayed at one time on one screen that would allow a viewer to watch all the "meets" along the Glacier Line.  Alas, that isn't going to happen unless you guys want to start a "Go Fund Me" page to pay for Rich Melvin to make a return trip to compose such a video.

In the future, for you guys, I will try to come up with an idea of how I can "display" the transition from single main to single main with passing siding in order that you may view all that is going on.

The best way would be to visit in person and I'm NOT kidding. 

Thanks John. Indiana is a bit of a road trip from Long Island but you never know......

Call Scorsese next time

John,

I know it is almost impossible for me to hold the phone to video and run a controller.  No new to worry about trying to do any more than the excellent job you have been doing.

Yes a visit to you and then up to Atlanta, Indiana to Mr Muffin would make a good trip.  

Mark:

If you (or anyone else for that matter) are coming here....somehow, some way, you should try to get in touch with Bob Bartizek (he's on here somewhere) and Dr. Bill Bramlage, both who have WORLD CLASS model railroads in the Cincinnati area; and beg for a visit.  That would make for one whale of a road trip!  I had the great privilege of seeing these layouts in person!

The very best most outstanding and awesome video production cannot capture any layout as well as being there in person.  Absolutely no offense directed toward Rich Melvin who produces the best layout videos I've ever seen!  But, nothing can prepare you for what you will see when you actually physically in person walk into:  TOWER city, the Pennsylvania and Western, The Muffins layout or even the Glacier Line.

I greatly envy Rich Melvin who sees all these beautiful layouts in person!

My favorite thing to do at the Glacier Line is watching for the look on visitors' faces as they descend the stairs and see it for the 1st time; and also hear their surprised comments.  :-)  Most are expecting what they've always seen: an 8 by 4 board or circle under the tree.  "Oh my gosh!"  "Look at this!"  "How did you guys do this!"  Now I just say:  "Read my book!"  LOL 

Steve and Liz Nelson (MR. MUFFINS TRAINS--FORUM SPONSOR) are working feverishly on re-assembling another HUGE layout in their new digs in Atlanta, Indiana.  Making good progress.  I can't wait to see the reincarnation myself! 

I really hope that one day you can make it this way.  I understand that its a long haul.

John,

I have seen the video of Bob Bartizek's and Dr. Bill Bramlage's layouts.  Yes I am quite sure you are right seeing in person would be so much better than the wonderful videos.  Yes, though Rich does a ton of work on the videos, he does have a wonderful opportunity seeing all of the great layouts.  We hope to get around a bit when we retire, maybe even before that, if caring for elderly relatives doesn't tie us down too much.  Thank you!