OPs vs continuous running

[Gary B]

Right! This is what I was going to point out. To some people operations = switching (at industries or yard drilling), but there is another kind of operations called dispatcher operations. Here the idea is to move as many trains though the layout (or cover the most ground) with the least amount of wait time. Make many routes in the track plan so the dispatcher can decide where to run the trains to meet the session goals. Passengers (greatest penalty for stop time) get shortest or fasted routes, get them around the drag freights (least penalty for stopped time), etc. Run that heavy train up the track with the least grade so it doesn't need additional power added or a helper. Don't send to many helpers up the hill without scheduling a way to get them back down. Need to mix it up more? Have some sort of event cards like "hot box" stop and set out car with bad axle. Or the Princeton Yale football special extra needs to run through. Can even make a schedule and see if you can keep all the trains "on time".

Think of the board game "Dispatch" or "C&O B&O" only in real time model train form.

Don't know if one can do it in 8x8 in HO scale, but it is an operations style that a lot of people overlook.

Hmmm, never thought of that but might just be possible on my layout. Realistically, couldn't run more than three trains, but might be fun to try.

 

[davidone]

I like running trains, no switching for me, imo its like watching grass grow. I do have a 4 track yard to store cars and engines but if I want to watch grass grow I could push some cars into the tracks if the desire hits.
Btw nothing wrong with switching if you like it please do it. There is no wrong way of doing things if you have a layout.

 

[troyphoto]

Are you planning a stationary layout? Semi-permanent that isn't tilted out of the way, or shoved under a bed?

If so, I'd recommend this book:

https://www.amazon.com/Design-Model-Railroad-Lance-Mindheim/dp/1627008314/

Lance is a great layout designer and modeller, and this really helped me tune my visions of grandeur down into a manageable layout. I already had my double deck benchwork built, so I had to retroactively apply his principles. But I plan on continuous run, with some switching on both levels. Like Willie, my layout may stay two separate decks. I'm not sure I want a helix. But that may change.