On30 "Timesaver" ideas?

From my point of view, I would get tired of playing with a switching only layout. It's nice also to just watch the trains run. But, a tunnel is important to me to hide the loop. Another nice thing to do is to have a passing loop in the tunnel so you can run trains in different directions. The tunnel and hill will also provide a location for the mine. A switching yard at the front will give you the operating variations.

http://gdlines.com/Timesaver.html

Simon

Allan,

Investigate some of the layouts on Carl Arendt's Micro Layout website.

The Avalon Brick Works (On30") is 34"x16" with switching and continous running.

Yes, I should have noted in my initial post that I am already familiar with the John Allen G&D site, the late Carl Arendt's wonderful site, and several others that I have had bookmarked for a long time.  More interested now in learning if anyone here has constructed one of those various alternatives.

The Avalon Brick Works on Carl's site has definite possibilities because it's about the size I am looking for.

Allan, have you found any plans you like?  I find layout #10 in 101 track plans a interesting small layout.

And thank you for your service to our country.

Al

I'm still researching and procrastinating, Al.  I definitely want to get at least some of my On30 up and running, but am still trying to decide where I might make some space available.  So many trains; so little space!  

 I'm still researching and procrastinating,

Heck Allan, that is half of the fun.

Al

Space is always at a premium for most. I have been trying to convince my wife she works too hard. I suggested we live on take-out food and get a Job Johnny.  This eliminates the need for the kitchen and bathroom. If we send the kids to live with their aunt that frees up even more space. No more up and down the basement steps. This will free up the entire first floor.  

If you compare 1:48 to 1:87, an O Scale version I'm familiar with is 12' long x 32" wide. Assuming similar radii, On30 should easily fit in approximately 7' x 18". If you have or can get them, Wyes will tighten things up some. Making use of flex track, you can get the siding lengths right and meander the sidings a bit. You can use this to your advantage to reduce the overall length and add realism.

Buildings are fun, but make sure you have a clear line path to your switch operators. It's no fun trying to reach over stuff when you're running.

These things are a blast to run.

Gilly

Allan, how much space do you have and where is your location?

Al

When I was researching this one of the points that jumped out at me was that the whole intent of "timesaver" was that is was a *PUZZLE* or a *GAME* and not a layout or layout element (which was what I was trying to make it).  I decided I was trying to force it in where it didn't make sense and for the wrong reasons.  I'm not saying that it is *WRONG* or you *SHOULDN'T* do it that way.  Far from it!  If it works for you, great!  I decided to do mine on a couple of modules and see if I like it before doing anything permanent.

One big tip that is important is that the lengths of the sidings relate to the lengths and number of cars.  If I remember right, having the sidings too long gives you too much room and makes the puzzle too easy.  "Space" is supposed to be a major constraint.

Have fun and post pictures!

Allan,

What are the dimensions of the cars you intend to use?

Gilly

I'm still trying to "evaluate" the space that might be available.  Might try for something in my bedroom (about 7' of space in front of the window, and can probably go about 24-34 inches in depth.  Also might be able to reconfigure some space in the dining room along one wall there there a currently a couple of low bookcases beneath a couple of large wall-mounted display cases that house part of my Marklin Maxi collection.  Pretty much the same space available as in the bedroom.

I need to approach the fellow who built the Timesaver layout (3-rail) that's going to appear in the next issue of the magazine.  I would pay him good money to build me something like that and freight it to me.  You folks will see what I mean when the article appears.  Beautiful craftsmanship, and designed for portability.  All I need is the foundation/table.  I can take care of the track, wiring, etc. myself.

Not exactly sure, Gilly!  Depends on how I want to scenic the layout with some purposeful industries (at least somewhat).  I have ore cars, log cars, boxcars, flatcars, and cabooses available, and probably a couple of other kinds.

Picking siding lengths is just like plugging the magazine on a shotgun. If it's only supposed to hold "2", get the O.A. length of your three shortest cars and then subtract the length of one truck. Double check against two of your longest cars.

Thinking about On30, if these are O scale width, 32" will be more than sufficient for O.A. width.

Gilly

This was posted as part of the March 8 2013 weekend photo fun.   Matt I.'s Time saver modules for the Fort Pitt Hi-Rail Modular layout.  3 ft X 12 ft (2 modules.)

The Time saver modules are doubled on the mainline modules. Cut line is the tight "S" Curve and the two bush rows next to the asphalt highway, part of the main line module.

The control panel pictured controls all Time saver switches and uncouplers. Units/locomotives are TMCC controlled.

Fort Pitt Hi-Railers at the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show.
Matt's Time Saver Modules.

I've heard the criticism, also, about the Timesaver being too much of a puzzle and not enough of a realistic layout.

IMO, the siding length stipulation is what makes it the puzzle, and makes switching moves unnecessarily complicated and unrealistic.

Industries often had less than ideal locations for their spur tracks. Many times cars would have to be moved temporarily from an active loading dock to service other industries farther down the spur. But, every effort was made to make things as easy as space would allow for switching crews.

Someday, I, too, want to build something roughly patterned after the Timesaver, but with a few changes in siding lengths, switch placements, etc. to make operations easier and more realistic.

Jim

• "too much of a puzzle and not enough of a realistic layout"  Those of us that are old enough to remember when railroads switched railcars in major downtown areas will tell you that puzzles are very much a part of real railroading.  On the Yolo ShortLine we had a cannery that served 24 cars at a time, they only had DOCK space for 6 cars.  We did a lot of frequent car moves into and out of their area.  Russ

What I envision is something like Matt's Ft. Pitt Hi-Railers setup, although modified for On30.  Those modules appear to have a purpose over and above their switching activity potential, and that's what I'm looking for.

I would be using small motive power, even though I have examples of most everything Bachmann has produced in On30.  I'm thinking primarily of gas mechanicals, 0-4-0s, 0-4-2s, and the like.