The Engine "Escape"

I just saw this over on Facebook and it's a good solution for those without enough room for a loop. However, I'm not sure I like the idea that the engine then has to run backward on the return trip. It might not be so bad for diesels, but I can't see it for steamers. We see a lot of trains on I-10 and I-40 during our travels and while we see engines being "pulled" backward, I don't ever recall seeing a lead engine being "run" backward.  The addition of a simple turntable without whisker storage tracks or a roundhouse could be used to turn the engine in the smallest space. It also doesn't let me run unattended, but I realize that's not the point.

Engine escape.  Not a new concept by a long shot, but my O gauge toy trains live to run in circles on my 4x10 garage setup, because they know I love to watch them going round and round with the lights flickering behind passenger silhouettes, and listen to the joyful sound they make running on tubular track.

I am, however, in the process of designing a 2x4 N scale setup using Kato unitrack where "engine escape" comes in to play on the branch line.  Notice it includes a loop for continuous running.

Pete

DoubleDAZ posted:

 I don't ever recall seeing a lead engine being "run" backward...

There are many excursion roads that do this. The Adirondack Scenic RR does an engine runaround at points north of Utica with their diesels, and the Arcade & Attica does it with steam. 

At the A&A, the tender is coupled to the consist going north, and at Curriers it does a runaround and the tender leads the train south, loco pulling consist in reverse.

Thanks, Rob, I should have said other than excursion/scenic railroads.

The Strasburg RR uses run-arounds to move the loco from one end to the other at each end of their line. They run the loco in reverse on the east-bound run.

"Realistic" is a product of illusion.  A point-to-point model railroad is a perfectly realistic representation of a railroad if one models a railroad of insignificant length.  Were my layout a point to point, it's scale length would be about 1750 feet.  I don't know of any RRs that short, and, if some exist, they certainly don't run mainline steam. 

The loop gives the model RR the illusion of going somewhere far more effectively than a point-to-point does in most cases.

The "point" of this post here and elsewhere is/was to offer an alternative to those with limited space to have a model railroad.  Without: loops, turntables or Wyes, the need for a wide area are significantly reduced.  Anyone having a wall in their house has room for a layout.  I have seen fantastic work done in the smallest of spaces!  The possibilities are many on shelf switching layouts! 

The point to point configuration offers something that loops don't and that is participation and involvement.  My personal observation has been that giving people participation into any activity is far more likely to generate future interest.  Model railroading is no different.  

The railroads that I have seen, including the show-stoppers in awesome--people go see them once and they are done.  "Gee, that was nice."  But, give them some buttons to push for sound or accessories or let them actually control a train and they will spend much more time.  I know several modular clubs I'm familiar with and one I belonged to realized this reality.  Give people a chance to run your layout and that may give you future hobbyists, new members or customers.  Ask Mr. Muffin!  :-) and other hobby shops with layouts.       

I appreciate those who want to simply watch and I appreciate those who like to become involved and participate in the railroad.

If you haven't given participation a try please consider trying it in your layout, I encourage you to consider it.  Seven of my nine home layouts had very limited participation and I was a lone wolf.  Today, I offer nothing but participation opportunities and I have 6 to 15 people show up every other Sunday night.  It is fun and challenging "sharing" the rails and changing out consists.

I believe that participation offers opportunities to grow the hobby that we all love.  There is room for all of us in this hobby from the loop runners to the rivet counters and the rest of us in between of all scales and gauges.

Peace and Merry Christmas!