Simple question, but it is bugging me

[sjgarth]

I ma very new to model railways, and I know very little about running trains.
If I have a simple two loop layout, like in the picture, do the trains run in a certain direction, for example anti-clockwise on outer track, or is it random.
I would like to know so that I can place the shunting yard turnout correctly.
Or, do I need turnouts going both ways to allow for all eventualities?

[joe cassidy]

Hi Sjgarth.

In the UK trains run on the left,so:

clockwise on the outer circuit

anti-clockwise on the inner circuit

In Europe it's the other way round.

Best regards,


Joe

[port perran]

So effectively in your plan, the only change is to swap your turnouts around.

[Train Waiting]

Hello Steve

It all depends.  In the UK (and France) we run on the left.  In the rest of Europe and the USA they run on the right.  Usually; but not always.  In recent years 'bi-directional working' has become possible on certain sections of UK double track railways which can make movements look a bit random.  To give you a, hopefully, better answer: where is your layout set...and when?

It's a nice track plan and similar to my own little layout which is great fun.

All best wishes and welcome to the Forum.

John

[mr bachmann]

also trains leave the main station for the branch they are on the down line - the return to the main station is the up line .
The trains from London (all terminals) are down - returning home to London  up .
platform 1 is on the up line .

(so you can go down a up gradient  ) 

[joe cassidy]

If your layout is steam era you also need to be aware of the issue of "facing" and "trailing" points.

Facing means the train can enter the diverging line in forward gear.

Trailing means the train has to reverse onto the diverging line.

In the steam era trailing points were preferred as they were perceived to be safer.

Best regards,


Joe

[Newportnobby]

If your layout is steam era you also need to be aware of the issue of "facing" and "trailing" points.

Facing means the train can enter the diverging line in forward gear.

Trailing means the train has to reverse onto the diverging line.

In the steam era trailing points were preferred as they were perceived to be safer.

[Bealman]

Handy little diagram! Thanks for posting! 

[sjgarth]

That's great guys, thanks. The era I am aiming for is the 1970-80s with some poetic licence.
The diagram above was purely to explain my question, the layout I am going for is a little more complex.
the diagrams by NewportNobby are great.

[Bealman]

Yes, they're handy diagrams. NewportNobby posted them, though 

[sjgarth]

Yes, they're handy diagrams. NewportNobby posted them, though 

My bad, corrected.

[Bealman]

Wouldn't want the Leyland massive coming down on ya