Seems this forum isn't getting near as much action as I had hoped for.
Here's something for those who are building operation-oriented layouts, I have some thoughts pertaining to the placement and use of magnets for uncoupling. I would appreciate some discussion from anyone else interested in the subject.
First, I will discuss what I did on my layout (I have since discovered that I could have done things a little simpler, which I will discuss in the next post). Anyway, good food for thought.
Looking at my diagram, assume there is a run-around track near the spurs which can be used to orient the engine for trailing point maneuvers as needed.
Scenario #1 : Setting out cars on spur 1 or 2. If train is traveling to the left, we are already set up for trailing point set-outs. If train is traveling to the right, we need to do a run-around to make the spurs trailing point.
Loco is oriented on the left end of the cars. Stop with the righthand coupler of the car to be set out over Magnet B. Uncouple.
For spur 1: Pull to the left past spur 1, then back into spur 1, uncouple the car to be dropped off over Magnet 1 and push car to location using delayed action.
For spur 2: Pull to the left past spur 2, then back into spur 2, uncouple the car over Magnet 2 and push car to location using delayed action.
Scenario #2 : Setting out cars on spur 3. If train is taveling to the right, we are already set up for trailing point set-outs on spur 3. If train is traveling to the left, we need to do a run-around with the loco to make the spur a trailing point spur.
Loco is oriented on the right end of the cars. Stop with the rear coupler of the car to be set out over Magnet A. Uncouple. Pull to the right past spur 3, then back into spur 3, uncouple the car over Magnet 3 and push car to location using delayed action.
I think that sums up the possibilities for a simple drop-off of a single car in these spurs. Now, add in pick-ups, setting out multiple cars that are spread throughout the train, cars that are being held at the industry but are in the way and need to be moved then put back, all these things add greatly to the fun of switching.
So, I have 5 magnets to switch these three spurs, 2 electros and 3 perms. But I think it can be done a bit simpler with only the two electromagnets. See next post.
Here's something for those who are building operation-oriented layouts, I have some thoughts pertaining to the placement and use of magnets for uncoupling. I would appreciate some discussion from anyone else interested in the subject.
First, I will discuss what I did on my layout (I have since discovered that I could have done things a little simpler, which I will discuss in the next post). Anyway, good food for thought.
Looking at my diagram, assume there is a run-around track near the spurs which can be used to orient the engine for trailing point maneuvers as needed.
Scenario #1 : Setting out cars on spur 1 or 2. If train is traveling to the left, we are already set up for trailing point set-outs. If train is traveling to the right, we need to do a run-around to make the spurs trailing point.
Loco is oriented on the left end of the cars. Stop with the righthand coupler of the car to be set out over Magnet B. Uncouple.
For spur 1: Pull to the left past spur 1, then back into spur 1, uncouple the car to be dropped off over Magnet 1 and push car to location using delayed action.
For spur 2: Pull to the left past spur 2, then back into spur 2, uncouple the car over Magnet 2 and push car to location using delayed action.
Scenario #2 : Setting out cars on spur 3. If train is taveling to the right, we are already set up for trailing point set-outs on spur 3. If train is traveling to the left, we need to do a run-around with the loco to make the spur a trailing point spur.
Loco is oriented on the right end of the cars. Stop with the rear coupler of the car to be set out over Magnet A. Uncouple. Pull to the right past spur 3, then back into spur 3, uncouple the car over Magnet 3 and push car to location using delayed action.
I think that sums up the possibilities for a simple drop-off of a single car in these spurs. Now, add in pick-ups, setting out multiple cars that are spread throughout the train, cars that are being held at the industry but are in the way and need to be moved then put back, all these things add greatly to the fun of switching.
So, I have 5 magnets to switch these three spurs, 2 electros and 3 perms. But I think it can be done a bit simpler with only the two electromagnets. See next post.