First HO Layout Critique

[Green_Elite_Cab]

GEC,Judging by the photo it looks like you got more filing to do..That inner rail looks like it higher then the outside rail.Seen that before and its a pain to fix.

BTW.I have built ISLs using nothing but snap switches and it works.

Its an old photo from 2011, but you're probably right. I spent a lot of time adjusting that switch but its still not perfect.

It operates better than it did, but there are a few cars that refuse to run reliably through it. I suspect it may be an issue with the car more than the switch but i can't find anything wrong with the car.

GEC: The 2-10-2 was a Bachmann QJ chinese locomotive (in fact, two of them coupled together), but they have a blind middle driver IIRC. I also tried a True Line U-2-g on our 18" returning loop... and it kind of worked, but it didn't like the small radius PECO turnout and #4 wye!!! Definitely not recommended!!! But I trust you with your impressive fleet of passenger rolling stock. You're really pushing it to the limit!

A few years ago, I thought I would never need large radius and higher # turnouts (4-axles diesel, small steamer, 40ft cars)... such wrong long term planning! My new standards are #8 and min. radius at 36" with #6 where needed (yard, some industries). Probably overkill, I know!

I agree, snap-switches are unreliable. Some will last, some not. We had to replace many of them over the time, the same problem as yours.

Matt

Matt, I'm definitely going to build to those standards when I get space for a larger layout! My Pennsy J1 also has a blind center driver, but the wheel base must be that much longer.

When it comes the passenger trains, the only things that seem to run well are some of my Silverliners, some of my Arrows, and my NJT (but not SEPTA) Comet II cars. I've gotten some of the Budd and Pullman cars to go around unreliably, and we're talking about 22" curves!

I have some GEM brass Silverliner IIs that can handle the 18" curves despite being 85' cars, and the smaller MUs (MP54s, Reading Green cars, etc) and make it around.