Large Scale Central

Which way do you run?

General Discussion
#1

The other day, while contemplating running my trains counter-clockwise, rather than the usual clockwise direction, I realized, having visited several layouts and seen a number of displays, that all I had seen always ran clockwise.

Questions:

1] Which direction do you run?
Ans. - Up until now, clockwise.

2] Is there a particular reason for running [cw, c-cw] that direction?
Ans. - Before the recent double-tracking project, which installed concrete and ladder roadbeds, the uphill grades for the locos would have been much more severe going C-CW than going CW.

3] If you also run other scales, what direction do they run?
Ans. - I also have HO and ON30, both of which run CW. My grandkids “G,” and “O” layouts both run CW.

4] If you run a Christmas [Holiday] Train, what direction does it run?
Ans. - CW.

5] What would make you consider changing direction of “usual” operation?
Ans. - Operating C-CW in one area is easier to change from the outer loop to the inner loop [every 180degrees]. Going CW, the train has to go around 360 degrees to change loops [outer to inner].

JimC.

#2

Not trying to be a smart A Jim, but I don’t have a circle. Everything is point-to-point.

The only thing I have that comes close is a reverse loop, and I run that primarily counter clockwise because of one switch that tends to split when run facing point.

My old indoor layout was a circle and I primarily ran it counter clockwise in order that the trains could back into the stub yard to switch.

JR

#3

The only ‘around the layout’ I have would be the stuff I set up around the Christmas tree. I generally run it CCW, and the only reason I can think of is the shay’s ‘good stuff’ is on that side.

My outdoor stuff is PtoP, so it doesnt really count.

#4

I always run counter clockwise Don’t know why just seems natural to me. I guess I just like things that come at me from the left???

#5

Umm mmmmm Out there…thattaway,

#6

My line has a reverse loop at each end - which the trains run around in alternate directions - lgb points spring across! Evens out flange/wheel wear???

NH

#7

Depends.
Point-to-loop-to-point, sometimes “CW” and somethimes “CCW”

#8

Since my layout has a reversing loop…I run <<-----That Way------->>!

Warren

#9

When my layout was up and running , as opposed to down and dirty , it did a basic figure of eight .
My new one will be similar ,but at waist level , but I have to admit to preferring the classic left to right passing . So , CCW I suppose .
Good question .
Mike .

#10

Right now the only running I can do is back and forth on the one more or less completed section of the layout.

When the layout is finished it will probably run counter-clockwise. I think the steepest grades will be downhill that way.

When we had a loop set up on the patio, we mostly ran it CCW. I don’t recall if there was a reason for this.

#11

I’ll let you know, as soon as I get the LS test track loop at the shop finished. Most likely it will be both ways. :wink:

#12

Before I tore my layout out in anticipation of a move that didn’t occur, I ran both ways. It was fun to put one in the hole for a meet, I had two 40 car sidings about halfway apart on the loop.

madwolf

#13

Both ways.
jb

#14

CCW… That way the points on my (1) turnout are trailling…My old garden layout was the same way. But then I always ran CW when I played with N, for the same reason

#15

Depends on which way I set the carrier and which end comes out first…:wink:

#16

Usually CCW. Just looks better on my layout.

#17

Not outside with a perminate layout yet but I think if I go with the plan I am currently refining it will be Clockwise for initial loop. Hope to have two, an inner loop and an out loop, witht he inner loop going clockwise, outer loop counterclockwise, but have the right to switch direction when ever my heart desires…

Current test loops in the garage go outer loop=Clockwise, inner loop= counterclockwise… why? Beats me guess it was based on the direction I placed the first loco… everything else worked off of that!

#18

Thanksgiving day I ran trains backwards to my usual [ccw vs usual cw] direction most of the day. After adjusting a few trouble spots [that are not usually trouble spots going the other way], things went fine. Today, I laid plans for a crossover so direction can be changed without [the big crane in the sky] moving the locos and/or power cars.
JimC.

#19

I like to run both loops in opposite directions of each other. And I switch it frequently !

#20

Eastbound, loads. Westbound, empties. Except when the crews get their orders mixed up. :smiley: :smiley:
And sometimes, just round-and-round, whichever way the loco happens to be pointed.

FWIW, on the DC&M (as viewed from Business Dirigible D-1), “Eastbound” is CW.

Dawg :cool: