Post 30b 1-14-2023
Layout Train Operating Capabilities
A major objectives of building this Traditional 027 Postwar Period Train Operating Model Train Layout starting in 1977 was:
"A major objective of this layout was to make the track plan and layout active and challenging to keep the engineers busy with operation, switching of multiple trains and including many operating accessories, all to keep up interest in running trains and improving the layout." I wrote this objective after my brother and I lost interest in our childhood layout after only having it under the Christmas tree two weeks a year and though it had a oval and figure 8. The below descriptions of Train Operating Options show I met the building objectives.
Picture of Total Layout below
The Active Control Panel Diagram pictures below show the track plans and all the push buttons, to operate the layout of the two major train boards that make up this layout.
Track Diagram of Main Train Board (1977) Below (Red, Green and Yellow push buttons are for the 31 Marx track switches and Blue push buttons are for uncoupling/accessories)
Track Diagram for New Train Board (1988) Below
Train LW Transformer Selection
A transformer selector switch on the Main Control Panel allows the Red Lighted transformer to operate the Whole layout or switched to allow Red lighted LW transformer to operate the inner loop and the Green lighted LW to operate the outer loop. When a New train board was added, to make the Layout an L shape, another Transformer selector switch was add to the New Control Panel that allows Green lighted LW to control the New train board or to allow the new Orange lighted LW to control only the New Train board.
Major Train Operating Capabilities Used
Single Train on Whole layout – Ultimate freedom of operation for one train on Whole layout, with access to 31 Marx switches and even with up to three trains occupying three sidings: The train can reverse in Outside loops with New train boards Double Dog Bone and reverse, using the Wye, on Outside loops. On the Main inside loop, with the figure 8, allows reversing in both directions and running the figure 8 and the oval. The Main train boards Inside train, running Clockwise, can traverse and reverse from Inside loop of Main board, to Outside loop of Main board, through Wye to New board Outside loop or vice versa through 5 switches in a row
Two Trains – One train on Main Inside Loop with reversing in both direction with oval and figure 8: second train on Whole layout Outside Loops with reversing in both directions with Double Dog Bone and reversing in Wye by backing up in one direction. Possible for the trains to swap positions and have Inside Loop move to parts of outside loops and vice versa. This scheme is most used on the layout,
Three Trains – One train on Main Inside loop, with reversing with oval and figure 8, one train on Main outside loop, with two sidings, one hidden and one train on New board with reversing on double dog bone. It is possible for some trains to swap positions and have Inside Loop move to parts of Outside Loops and vice versa. This operating scheme is easily converted from the Two Train scheme above by just putting in service a train like the Operating Car train that is normally on the lower siding on the New train board. Three trains running loops is most often used when I have visitors to layout as it shows lots of train running action.
Four Trains – 2 Trains on 1 track loop, for Main Inside loop. And 2 trains on 1 track, loop on Main Onside loop and/or 2 trains on 1 track loop on Outside loop on Main board and the Outside on New board
Five Trains - 2 Trains on 1 track on two loops. - 2 Trains on 1 track loop on Main board Inside loop and 2 Trains on 1 track loop on Main Outside Loop and 5th train runs on New board to loop or run and reverse on the double dog bone.
Reversing trains on Inside loop of Main board with oval and figure 8, on New board with Double Dog Bone and on Outside Main and New board with Wye
Layout Sidings – Main train board has outside loop 2 sidings and New train board, has 2 sidings but use of one for train storage will block the use of the double dog bone for revering although the Wye can be used for revering.
Switching cars or making trains on inside main board, one outside main board and/or new board with 18 uncoupling sections
Turntable operation allows swapping engines or providing engines for new trains and storing engines
Turntable operation allows reversing engines and cars
Use of Accessory Operating train on Main inside board
Use of Accessory Operating train New board
Reversing trains on Inside loop of Main board with oval and figure 8, on New board with Double Dog Bone and on Outside Main and New board with Wye
Commodity Movements and Operating Accessories
Load logs from log loader to log dump car and dump logs to lumber mill and make lumber
Load coal from coal mine to coal car
Load ice from Lionel Ice Station to refrigerator car, to bad Lionel did not make a hatch on the milk cars to hold ice blocks
Load transport cattle from one pen and unload in second pen
Unload milk cans from two milk cars to two milk platforms
Unload barrels from car to barrel loader, transport and load barrels from barrel loader to another barrel car
Unload logs or coal from car to dump receiver
Uncoupling /dumping – numerous sections around layout
Load oil drums from AF oil drum loader
Gantry Crane - Remote controlled - Unload and load canisters, Mercury capsules, covers for covered gondolas, flat car and gondola car loads
Load water from water tank to coal tenders by hand
Operate wrecking train with wrecking crane car
Operate trolley on Main Street
Operate Ice Skating rink
Operate Civil war 4-4-0 engines and cars
Track Maintenance train
Operating track tie ejector car
Operating gang cars
Control Tower with moving operators
Gateman operating
Switch tower with man down steps
Blimp with lighted moving message sign
Beacon tower
Oil Well Derrick
Blinking micro wave tower
Ducking Giraffe car train
Christmas train
Charlie
