Ray
You're going to have to enlighten me regarding the Molena and Sweet Haven Rys.  Pics would be nice -)  If you have difficulty uploading them, email them to me and I'll upload them to my site and provide links.  lroma@r-i-b-s.com

Here are some  puzzles that I found and seriously considering building:
- Richelieu Valley Club built this Timesaver:
http://carendt.us/scrapbook/page106a/index.html#timesaver

-  Dawson Station - Inglenook (Jr) in N scale:
http://dawson-station.blogspot.com/2010/05/shunting-puzzles-on-line.html

-  Little Bazeley - Inglenook in 00 scale
http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/Bazeley/LittleBazeley.html

And when I grow up, I'll have a 2' x 10' something like this:
http://www.palizbay.com/layout.asp

Happy Thanksgiving
Larry

Thanks to all. . .

Now I know how to  measure stock for shunting/switching puzzles.

I like the switchback idea.
Here's an Inglenook puzzle with  a switchback.   Scroll to  the  last article  on the  page.
http://carendt.morphoist.com/scrapbook/page30/index.html

I  just might try making a Timesaver with a switchback.   Just thinking about loud.  it might be fun.

Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving.
Larry

Roger T.
You need a runaround loop enough for four or more cars, and a track designated as the "Interchange" where the cars you are going to switch start off and where the cars you have switch end up at the end.
-- Good input. thank you

Add a few industries and I'd suggest you include at least one switchback. 
-- I saw some impressive layouts using a switchback at Carl Arendt's Small Layout Scrapbook.

Just make sure that the tail end of the switchback in long enough for your switcher and a couple of cars and, if possible, that you don't have to move any cars already on the tail track to switch the cars coming off and going onto the switchback.  That's the problem the Timesaver, there's only room for one or perhaps two freight cars and locomotive during any move, completely unrealistic and it very quickly become frustrating.
  -- Good input

Do you have access to old issues of "Model Railroader" magazine or "Model Railroad Craftsman"?  They sometimes have usefull switching track plans that are far better than the "Timesaver".
  --  Being new to  the hobby I only have a bunch of track plan magazines

Thanks,

Quote from: rogertra on November 14, 2011, 04:11:23 PM

Quote from: LarryR on November 14, 2011, 03:56:21 PM
To clarify my question:
I'm about to build a Timesaver layout and I need to calculate the length of the cars so that I can lay the correct amount of track for each spur.

Do the couplers need to be included in the calculations?

Don't build a Timesaver!  It's a gaming track plan, not an operational track plan.  It was designed as a challenge fir use during model railroader meets to see who could switch it the fastest.  The prototype would never build a such a complex puzzle.  There's always be more then enough room for the engine and cars.  Switching tales time, which costs money so you make the switching as easy as possibly, not as needlessly complex as a Timesaver.

Thanks for your input.  If not a Timesaver then what?
I only have a limited amount of space and a shelf layout seems to be the answer.  Besides, isn't the Timesaver fun?
Larry

To clarify my question:
I'm about to build a Timesaver layout and I need to calculate the length of the cars so that I can lay the correct amount of track for each spur.

Do the couplers need to be included in the calculations?

Oh wonderfully smart guys of the Bachmann Forum,

Being new to this hobby, I keep reading that certain radius curves can only take certain length cars etc.  My question to you guys is do you measure the couplers also when determining the length of your locos/rolling stock?

TIA
Larry

Quote from: Doneldon on February 21, 2011, 02:03:18 AM

I'm thinking about the spur track which leaves your oval at the lower right, curves around the right end of your layout and then splits into two tracks. Have you thought of making that a mountain branch up to a mine, logging site or whatever?

Big -D,

I've  been lurking around this board for  a while now and you  never cease to  amaze me as to your knowledge and willingness to help.  Just in case no one has said this to you  before now.

THANKS A TON !!!

Larry

Quote from: timhar47 on February 21, 2011, 04:33:14 PM
Hello - so I took the challenge and got it - 4x7 Morgan using EZ track and the RR track software system.
Remember-Bachmann has added several new small fitter pieces, as well as a small 60 Xing, which may not be in your program library.
Now if I can figger out how to show the picture --- I cant get it down to the dumb 128 kb

Tim

Hi Tim,

I am also looking at The Morgan Valley as my 1st layout using EZ Track.  I bought enough of it to build the "HO Railroad That Grows" by Linn Westcott but decided the layout was too much of a "spaghetti bowl".

Would you please send me the file you created?

You can use my regular email account  lroma@r-i-b-s.com

TIA,
Larry

lgbfan,

The track is steel.  The wheels on the rolling stock are plastic.

I'm going to take Doneldon's suggestion and add a couple of switches and see where it takes us.  My grandson just turned 9 and when he was little he loved his Thomas the Train set that he played with for years.

Thanks

OCY,

Thanks for your input.  I just might give it to my  grandson and we could make something together .

OCY,

That's about  what I paid for the beer.

Is it  worth using this to start my  a 4x8 layout?  Or would you buy  individual pieces and start from scratch?

Thanks

Yes it is a Bachmann.

I couldn't post a pic due to the upload folder is full.  So I posted it here;

http://www.r-i-b-s.com/active/trains/

Thanks,
Larry

Hi Guys,

I'm a newbee modeler, and I just purchased, from my neighbor who was moving, an old American Eagle HO set.
The set has
Union Pacific diesel with lighted engine #on engine is 824
6 other cars including caboose
81" x 36" track layout
17 Piece bridge and trestle set
36 signs & telephone poles
Operating crossing gate
18 figures

Everything is in the original packaging and looks brand new.  I did a search for American Eagle and got no results so I'm thinking that this is a pretty old set.

Do any of you have an idea as to how old this set is?  And was it worth the 36-pack of beer that I paid for it :-)

Thanks
Larry