Question for PW Operators

I have fairly extensive mileage for separate HO and O27 and O gauge layouts. My preferred method of operation is to run a variety of different trains sequentially. On the HO scale layout I have different meeting points and junctions and layovers. With the 3-rail O-gauge I typically run one train and park it, then run another train etc, sometimes doing "hopscotch" with the parking places. This type of operation I rationalize as a mix of "dispatcher operation" and "railfan viewing" with a procession of different trains getting over the railroad.

For medium and larger size layouts, I like to have a substantial visible yard area where a variety of different trains are on display and ready to run on the layout.

I also have some smaller simple one-train layouts where I just make a few circuits with the one train. Those layouts achieve a sense of small community orientation where you watch the usual daily train go by. I like the variety of different operations, large and small.

For my O27 layout I expanded the yard from four tracks to six, later seven tracks, with cut-down switches. It handles an assortment of prewar and postwar trains. Small loop-runner layouts can be fun with a variety of different trains available to run from a yard.

Conventional P.W. or Prewar where not really designed to crawl. When they were made they didn't take that idea into consideration I would believe. Now if you really want to get them to crawl the best you can do is add like TMCC to them but your still not going to get real crawl. The main problem your trying to compare a can motor to a AC pul-mor the other AC motors. They don't compare really. I had ( but recently sold ) a Dual Pul-Mor motor NS SD-40 that I installed TMCC it would craw to a degree but it surely didn't like it as it would growl basically. 

I presently don't have a layout but When I build again I will probably basically run conventional but will have the ability to run TMCC also probably with a Cab1L system. I have TMCC engines but I have at least 3 times that number in conventional. ( I presently have 17 engines on shelves and only 3 have command in them. ) 

I also do some light "operating" with my Postwar (and modern era derivative) trains. The layout I am building now has a loop for continuous running, but also layover space for four trains, which can be brought into the loop and run for a while. Then the train can either "continue on" (back to the layover track) or be broken up in the yard. An alternate route to and from the layover tracks is over a bridge, which has a very steep approach on one end, giving the opportunity for helper service. There are also a couple of industrial sidings. Basically, I read John Armstrong's book and asked myself "how much of this can I get into a spare bedroom?" The biggest thing I don't have is two-way traffic with meets. I don't think fast enough to pull that off on such a short mainline!

I think it's a fallacy to believe that "operations" always have to be done with realistic trains. Whether it's done with Proto-48 or with tinplate, if you're setting out a car, you're setting out a car, and if you're sitting in the hole waiting for the limited, then you're sitting in the hole waiting for the limited. The only difference is the level of abstraction you want to accept, and whether you're happier operating in a true-to-life model world, or in your own imagination!

Count me as a 'loop' runner.  I have sidings with quite a few accessories, but 99.9%  of the time, I just turn on the trains and watch them go.  Very relaxing...

Earl

"Conventional P.W. or Prewar".  

Thank you, RTRAINCOLLECTOR, for that clarification.  It's late, I'm tired and sitting here reading P.W.?   After awhile, I though, oh, it must mean pre-war.  But then you took the time to spell it out and it penetrated.

Remember, he who laughs last, had it explained to him.  

I have about a 10 x14 loop on a shelf in my room, no turnouts yet, just 072 curves and good straight level track. So its turn them on and let them run. I have 13 engines, 5 diesels, 8 steam, 18 freight cars, 2 heavy weight passenger cars, and 7 pw aluminum passenger cars. The worst part about it, is having to climb a ladder to change out trains.

With O gauge, I've always been mostly a loop runner.  To me it's relaxing, I just get them moving and let them run.

I've done realistic operation in HO- making setouts and pickups at industries, etc.  I enjoyed it then, but can't get into it anymore for some reason.  Seems too much like work.

Bruce,

   You bet I am a loop Runner on Multipule Levels, trains going opposite directions at the same time, on inner and outer loops.  Even have a few sidings thrown in.

PCRR/Dave

Big time looper. I build my layouts to display my collection more than anything else.