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How to run multiple trains on one track

Ray’s been in touch with another fab update – and if you’ve ever wondered how to run multiple trains on one track, just do what Ray did…

… make a start and enjoy the problems a layout throws at you.

Here’s his first post if you want to see just how far Ray has come:

3 loop HO train layout

I love seeing how the problems melt away over time and a beautiful layout magically appears.

“Hi Al,

It’s been 7 months since my last update and I have got a lot accomplished since then!

I’ve added a commercial district to the last 4’x4′ section of my layout, I am really proud of the donut that I painted on the donut shop as well as the roof on top of the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant!

I managed to fill in my corners which I thought would be difficult but it was easy and I think they turned out well;

I’ve updated my control board, so I can run 3 trains at once, one on each loop!

I’ve added a steam locomotive to pull my two passenger cars! It’s a small 2-6-2 but it blows smoke!

Here’s some additional pics to show some other details:

Still lots to do, mainly ballast and background on the walls, other than the pics from my grandchildren!

I look at your posts almost daily and it inspires me and gives me lots of ideas! The comments I get are helpful and motivating!

To everyone that reads this post Merry Christmas and best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year!

God Bless you and yours and thanks for maintaining this blog.

Ray in Southwest Florida”

So there you go, if you’ve ever wondered how to run multiple trains on one track, just do what Ray did – make that start!

Here’s his first post:

3 loop HO train layout

And here’s his second:

3 loop HO layout update

I know I keep saying it, but it’s all about that start…

That’s all for this time folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you press the fun button and get started, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

PS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.

Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the Silly Discount bundle.

CSX N scale layout – Dave’s

Dave’s been in touch with his CSX N scale layout:

“Al

I am a long-time reader. I am in awe of the talent of your contributors.

My layout is 8 X 14 in N scale.

Modern era with CSX, Norfolk and Southern and Amtrak since those are the local railroads (Cleveland area).

The layout is DCC using JMRI to run everything. I use Arduinos extensively to operate the servo turnouts and the crossing signals.

Definitely a work in progress.

Overview: Please excuse the mess on the floor. I have a new young rescue dog whose job is shredding cardboard and disemboweling his toys.

Suburb

Rural

Mountain: All the bridges except the road bridge in the foreground are home made. I found that store bought bridges constrained the spans too much.

Horse Farm and TBD:

City

Industrial Work In Progress:

I have not ballasted the track because a previous mistake filled layout resulted in too much trouble related to stray ballast causing derailments. So I painted the cork gray and called it a day.

There are gaps everywhere that need to be filled in as soon as modelers block is resolved.

I really enjoy the emails you send.

Dave in Strongsville Ohio”

A big thanks to Dave for sharing his CSX N scale layout. Can’t wait to see an update on this one.

I do enjoy seeing the printable buildings on a layout too.

I always think of Bill’s layout when it comes to N scale printable buildings:

N scale rock cliff

Next up is Jay, who sent this in which I quite liked:

“My best model railroading tip, I’d have to say it’s not a technique nor a construction idea. It’s more subtle than that.

My tip is to appreciate the PURE ENJOYMENT OF MODEL RAILROADING no matter the scale. Whether it’s G gauge, O, HO, N, Z or any I’ve missed, model railroading gives those engaged in it the pleasure and satisfaction of planning, creating, constructing and running a railroad that is our own unique self-expression.

Whether we model the serenity of the British country side, the soot and grit of Pennsylvania coal mines and steel mills, or the rugged grandeur of mountain railroads in our Western States – our imaginations can recreate almost any place in the world where we find railroads.

So let your imaginations take you to your favorite place and enjoy creating the model railroad of your dreams. Sure there are challenges but solving them is part of the hobby. So appreciate the fact that Model Railroading gives us a gift – PURE ENJOYMENT.

Jay”

That’s all for this time folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

PS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.

Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the Silly Discount bundle.

HO double oval with crossover

Ken’s been back in touch with his HO double oval with crossover.

He really has created his own little world, and it’s a real stunner:

“Hey Al,

It’s been a while since I’ve reached out. As you know, you’re never really done with a train layout.

I’ve added a bunch of grassy areas and weedy undulations around the layout to give it a sense of depth.

I’ve included a new YouTube video with three 20 car trains concurrently. It’s about 13 minutes long.

One of the best things I could’ve done is install Keep Alive’s on each locomotive. With an imperfect track I would occasionally get the dreaded stall, but since the Keep Alives are in each locomotive, they just run and run and run!

I also installed the Broadway Limited Lightning machine. It does add a cool effect when the lights are low.

I hope you enjoy it. Let me know.

Ken”