Prefered layout style?

BryanC, whilst I understand the other options/combinations that could exist, the point of this poll is to find out if linear or circular operation is preferred... Your example rightfully falls into "Loop", regardless of it's other operational capabilities, because it is possible to run continuously in one direction... Although a combination may well be what exists within many layouts, we're not looking for a "[D] all of the above" type answer... And once again, it's not a question of what you have, but what you prefer to run... Would you rather watch trains go around and around, or back and forth? As a note; a point-to-point layout does not have to mean shuffling back and forth on a 3' section of track... it could be two terminals, industries, yards, whatever, that are many feet apart, joined by a winding path, with sidings, spurs, etc, along the way... The only reason Modular was included, is because the unit itself is linear, but the use of is variable within a layout, based on how they're pieced together. I now see this may be adding confusion, so I will remove that option, leaving it as a very black and white question...

My layout consists of loops, triple track mains looping over and under each, offering a lot of action :D . Perhaps not perfect in the real world, but that is what I like and it enables me to have continuous running of 3 or more trains and switching operations at the same time :P .

I know what you mean, but this poll is really a carry over from a previous post, trying to find out what type of "action" people like to look at... You're more than welcome to start a "what do you have" oriented poll... it's just this one was was oriented at "what you like"... it may or may not be the same thing (if you know what I mean :wink: )...

I perfer point to point. I get bored too easillly with trains that run around in circles chasing their tails, plus prototype trackage where trains can run in circles is almost unheard of (and with the exception of mass transit systems, a railroad can't make any money by doing that). Paul

The quick, or the dead... (or so the saying goes)... Bryan, you may find you'll get some indication of what you're after, from the comments in the accompanying posts... the poll is just the preference, but the comments may hold the actual...

The answer to these questions is yes. There are several options available. The current layout I have does have a loop on it, but I also belong to an N-trak group, and If I had to, I could pull out the oval of Unitrak I own. You can also put things up on rollers for breakin runs, but the rollers are expensive. Eventually, I will be building a layout that will truelly be a point to point layout, without the option of running in a loop. I'm most likely moving within the next two years, so there isn't any sense in trying to build that layout now. Paul

Yeah, that sounds like what I'm running too. While it would be cool to run a point-to-point layout, I just don't have enough room to do anything that would be worthwhile to me. I have room for a 3x4 spaghetti bowl with double mains going over and under and everywhere. Totally unrealistic, but it's fun to run trains on, at least until I figure out how to comandeer the 20x32 playroom... :twisted:

Bryan The 'Kiwi Librarian' is very aware of the limitations and foibles of the human condition, and as a result would never, to his knowledge, delibrately make any comment on the personal attributes of others in respect of very personal things such as spelling etc. It's simply not done!! It's also terribly impolite! Poking fun at each other on the basis of our respective national characteristics is acceptable - we both know it's in jest, but in the area of personal limitations - definitely not on. And yes, I am VERY thankful for the spellcheck button (even if it DOES speak 'American'). Thought you might like to know that. :D Komata "TVR - serving the Northern Taranaki . . . "

I chose loop because even though my main layout is/will be an around the room shelf layout it will still be a loop. :mrgreen: Actually I have a varieity of layout styles with the majority being some form of a loop.For instance there's the TTRAK layout (co-owned with my modeling group) the 2TRAK (ex-NTRAK co-owned with my friend Bill)the above mentioned main layout (all mine)and my small fairly portable 30"X72" N scale layout. There is one point to point layout in my life and that will be in HO.It will replace my old N scale switching layout and will be of the same type.

Preferred layout type is point-to-point. Especially in a larger layout. We recently aquired a 28'x30' layout room (aka basement). The overall plan is to utilize a modular set-up of widths between 18" to 36" wrapping around the walls then into the main body of the room in a walk-in fashion. The plan is to have the two points terminate into a common staging area. So while point-to-point would be the normal mode of operation, continuous operation would be possible for public (aka non model railroading type people ).