@MainLine Steam posted:One of the reason I started this Thread was to find out if 2R Home Layouts (not shelf switching layouts) are practical without needing a huge space.
BigBoy we might be on the same "Track" Pun intended. That said, I have been also considering what you suggested Matt. I started a post 3R Blasphemy recently as one idea I had to use 3R equipment on 2R track via dead rail.
So it looks like I may start a tread discussing my quandary. I will start it under layout planning, since we will be discussing both 2R and 3R options. That seems like the most appropriate area to me!
I will probably catch a little flak for this, but if it can be done in 3RS, it can be done in 2 rail.
Can you run everything under the sun? Absolutely not. But you can put a layout together and have plenty of entertainment with a reasonable sized space if you're willing to make a few sacrifices.
I have a 2 rail layout. It has a *gasp* 36" minimum radius. I started laying it out in 3 rail and decided to switch it to 2 rail (the pandemic did strange things to people). The space limitations were already set, and it runs perfectly fine. Its a fictional short line. 4 axle diesels are at home, and a lot of vertical can motor 6 axle diesels will also can run on it without a problem (even an ES44AC, yes, it looks a bit goofy, oh well). I recognize I cant run huge trains and huge equipment, and its fine by me. If you're willing to accept whatever limitations you put on yourself, then there isnt any reason why you can't have a 2 rail layout. IMO, the minimum layout size is an 80" circle (36" radius plus overhang). Will that layout be fun? Probably not, but it is "practical" since a train would run.
