Rationalisation

[yelrow]

Hi, I run various gauges, with many ovals, both DCC and DC. Have in the past built and planned to run many locos, as the same time, eg 3 rail, TT, 00 and N. Dcc being on a separate tier. I would like to know from fellow members, what is the maximum number of locos, they are able to run, on their layouts, at any given time, be it any gauge, dc, or DCC.. This will help me decide, what tracks to prune, as i wish to run more 3 rail locos, and simply have no space, to lay rails, without reducing other gauges. At present, i have 2 N loops, 2 TT loops, 1 3 rail loop, 6 dc 00 loops, and 7 DCC loops. I realise this is a personal choice thing, but if the norm for DCC, for example is 4 loops, or 3 for dc 00, then i can plan to reduce my existing modules. I got a tad carried away, with roundy roundy, loops, and it has just kinda taken off. I dont want to omit any gauges, as village kids, happily get a chance to see the different sizes in action. thanks. john

[Walkingthedog]

4 locos John. 3 is easier.

[yelrow]

Wtd, hi, thanks, got a bit carried away, over the years. Can take from DCC, and DC , 00, without much harm. Wanted really, 3 , 3 rail loops, as they need to be run on regular basis. John

[IanS]

Unless the tracks cross each other and can't be left running reliably, the more the merrier. Actually controlling them seems to max out for one person at 3 or 4 where you vary speed and routing.

[Mountain Goat]

In theory, you can keep going and going. (Assuming none of the loops conflict). Innpractice, the more track you lay the more track that needs cleaning. My last layout wasn't that large but had a lot of track. So much so that it took me 30 minutes or more if I wanted to clean it all. Most of the time I just cleaned the main running lines instead.
I was once toying with the idea of having one or two loops with multiple gauges which is more then possible, especially now I have learnt how to make track, the thought being that a 9mm gauge (To run 009/H0e/N) and 16.5mm gauge (To run 00/H0/016.5/0e/0n30), and having the three rails could easily be adapted to run Hornby Dublo 3 rail and possibly Trix Twin. I was going to make it with a garden railway in mind.

[Walkingthedog]

I don’t understand this 'lots of track to clean'. I rarely clean mine, just little bits when needed, not the whole lot and even then it wouldn’t take long.

[Mountain Goat]

I didn't run my trains that frequently. Maybe once or twice a month on average. Was teenage years to adult years when there was a lot going on. Umm. Adult years... I am still an adult....

[Walkingthedog]

Same here. Haven’t run anything since January. Have to have a play soon.

[yelrow]

I have not run since Jan, but thanks to this forum have 2 new to me, 3 rail sets, plus a trix set, and Dublo 2 rail set. All these now serviced could do with running, As I have plenty of track, need to revise to make this possible. Have removed a DCC loop, giving space for 3 rail loop, and have Trix loco, up and running on Dublo 3 rail,

[Steve M]

Very worrying thread - realised that I’ve not run anything on ‘Shaddeholme’ since August (but it may be longer!!!).