@DoubleDAZ posted:John, I’m a big fan of dual mainlines, mostly because you can run trains in opposite directions and simulate having turned engines without actually doing so. I’m also a big fan of over/under sections, elevation chamfers, etc. I have no affiliation with railroading, so I have no idea how things are done in real life. I just know what I like to see as we travel around the country and that’s trains going every which way. We see a lot of trains along I-10 through New Mexico and we especially enjoy seeing them pass each other out in the wide open spaces. I was hoping by now we’d have some additional eyes offering ideas, so I’m going to have to give this some more thought as I get time.
Sounds like we are in the same mind set with over/under sections, two close main lines for opposite directions. Having said that it is also important to have some realistic operations and purpose with industries and towns. My only affiliation with railroading, was my Dad worked for the Pullman company out of NYC and I would visit Sunnyside yards in Queens NY. That and getting Lionel trains for xmas. At one point I thought about putting in towns and then industries and building a railroad to meet the needs of the industries and towns. Which is the way it naturally evolved when the country went from wagon trains to steam trains. With the space I have (which I am grateful to have) the layout should have some purpose and lots of fun with a bit of nostalgia thrown in for good measure. My trains have only been put up around the Christmas tree these past couple of years since we adopted our daughter. So that is about the extent of my knowledge and wants with building a model railroad.
