Variations on the Lionel D-27 "disappearing train" layout

I've always liked the novelty of this layout. I often wondered if it could be pulled off with 36" radius (O-72) or larger using scale equipment since it would require larger clearances. But it would be great for laughs and grins with a small mountain with a short tunnel absorbing a long train.

I've adapted the previous plan to fit in 4'x 8'.

I wonder why they don't use enough cars on the train to preserve the illusion as Lionel originally did with the 2035 and the 1002 gondolas.

Here is another video:

1950 D-27 Lionel Magnetraction Dealer Display Layout - Disappearing Train

It's still a good effect when the train disappears completely into a small hill. I suspect it may be more difficult to keep a longer train going through that contortion reliably.

That's easy to do on a flat layout as per your plan:

If I saw a D-27 type layout and the whole train is out of sight in the tunnel, there is simply no "wow" factor.  That's easy to do.

I found another video of a D-27 layout built by All Gauge Toy Train Association in San Diego. This one has really nice scenery. Sorry Rob, they still aren't running the train as long as you want!

http://www.agtta.com/anniversa...sary-videos-WMV.html 

(In the link above, click on the layout picture for the video)

The D-27 "Disappearing Train" layout is touted as a novel effect, but wouldn't it get old after seeing it a few times? Because the trick simply repeats without variation.

I got to thinking about a variation on the D-27 theme which has different routing possibilities to keep an audience guessing. With this idea, a train going into a tunnel can do at least three different things:

1) It can go straight through the tunnel

2) The train can disappear and make one or more turns on the hidden circle before reappearing on the same side of the table

3) The train can make a half-circle or more turns in the tunnel and reappear on the other side of the table

With O31 curves, train length is limited to about 78". An electrical wizard could devise random routing circuitry for this layout.

Ace-  Great idea.  I'm always impressed with your ability to take a good idea and make it better.

Ace -- really love this concept.

I believe that is the sole downside of the dealer layouts, they are neat for a few minutes but their novel nature wears off quickly. I guess when in a store that is somewhat the point, get the kids attention for a few minutes, not keep his attention for hours.

Thanks you for taking the time to create adaptations on this theme.

A variation on the previous item, this would allow limited two-train operation.

The next step is to add a (double) reversing loop somewhere to make all tunnels dual in/out.  Right now it's a one way operation.

It could be done if there was a completely hidden sub level which housed the switching.  Trains could pop out of any tunnel, in any direction, at any interval.  It's like Whack a Mole with trains!

Hi Ace and Folks,
   
        How about this arrangement?   Did it quickly in MS Paint, but I am sure Ace can do it up properly. 
         
          Take care, Joe.

OK, here is a 4'x 8' layout possibility with double wyes. When the train goes into a tunnel it can reappear in three different places. It involves six hidden switches so that could be a challenge to make it run reliably. For scenic variety I'm showing the back side of the layout with a visible wye junction.

I like that "Whac-a-mole" concept for a display layout that keeps the audience guessing, where will it show up next?

Hi Ace,
 
      Great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   This would probably be a good application for one of those programmable chip circuits (Picaxe) to throw the switches in what would seem like a random sequence.   Thanks!!!!!!!!  Would be a big hit at an exhibition!  Take care, Joe.

Is there any way you can tell me how many of each piece of track you would use to build the 4 x 8 version you came up with?  Thanks ever so much!

I would use a timer circuit, to stop the train in the invisible section. Then I would have a track side accessory such as a gateman signal when the train is coming. This way the train will appear and disappear more like real trains. I would not use the turnouts unless they are good ones that do not cause problems. The grade is a problem for stalling,I would set up a voltage boosting system with some diodes.

If you want 2 direction operation,I would just use a passing siding with 2 turnouts. 6 turnouts that close could be a derailment headache. I would automate the passing siding to make it a hands off system.

Dale H

In running the "disappearing train" layout, it seems that the main problem is providing sufficient ascents & descents. In my pending layout, it looks like I can get 9 tracks on one side of the underpass, but only 6 or perhaps 7 on the other. Is it best to run the train with the gentler incline, or descent? Either way, I will have the descent section isolated from the rest of the track, and it will be controlled by a separate transformer at a lower voltage to avoid derailing.

Hi Folks,

     I saw a disappearing train layout at Mike's Train House in Columbia Maryland back in the fall of 1991 while Harry Turner's touring "Wonderful World of Lionel Trains" layout was there in the parking lot.  The gentleman in the store who was monitoring the disappearing layout would periodically use what I now believe was some sort of a fiberglass brush to keep the outside rails on the incline free of foreign material to prevent slippage.  He would open a hinged section to access the incline tracks and run the brush over the outside rails.  So I mention the following for this type of layout or for anyone needing good traction on an incline, and that would be to use some compound like Bullfrog Snot to provide a non-slip surface on one side of the outside rails (not wheels).  I don't know if the product, or similar gripping coating, would peel off of the rail's running surface, but that would solve the big issue I see with traction.  Fortunately, in 3 rail we only need one outside rail to be conductive.   And in this situation the incline's tracks are hidden, so the coating could be any color and even look bad.  Perhaps if the coating is painted to encase the entire rail, underside included, it wouldn't peel off.

Hope this can help someone.  Best wishes to everyone building their Christmas layouts!!!!

Take care, Joe.