04-03-2012, 11:43 AM
I've read Lance's book. Enjoyed it completely.
My take is that Lance wants to get the most "play" out of his layout and switch locks (as well as other gadgets) are a means to that end. In the space he has (200-300 square feet), most of us would try to run 5-10 trains and have 4-8 operators for a session. Lance on the other hand only runs a single train with a two man crew. He probably has less than 20 turnouts, more like 10-15. His longer sessions may be to drop off 5-6 cars and pickup a like number. His layout does not have a yard racing to keep pace with a main action.
My point being that the Switch Locks add to the experiance of his layout...
Owners of other small layouts have followed a similar path. Trevor Marshall wrote an RMC article about slowing down operations on his On2 slate quarry layout. Trevor use locking switches to control his turnouts. He also proposed paperwork to slow down the process. On his new S-scale layout, Trevor is taking similar steps. See this entry on his blog:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://themodelrailwayshow.com/cn1950s/?p=742">http://themodelrailwayshow.com/cn1950s/?p=742</a><!-- m -->
On layouts designed to be operated at a slow pace, I think the locking turnouts would be fun to operate. Anyone have some I can come operate?
However on layouts designed for a faster pace (multiple trains, contious running on many routes, etc..), I agree the locks be hindersom. But unlocking for
show times is always an option....
As a crew member of a layout, I'd try to enact the vision of the layout owner....If that's lock on the mainline turnouts...Great!
My take is that Lance wants to get the most "play" out of his layout and switch locks (as well as other gadgets) are a means to that end. In the space he has (200-300 square feet), most of us would try to run 5-10 trains and have 4-8 operators for a session. Lance on the other hand only runs a single train with a two man crew. He probably has less than 20 turnouts, more like 10-15. His longer sessions may be to drop off 5-6 cars and pickup a like number. His layout does not have a yard racing to keep pace with a main action.
My point being that the Switch Locks add to the experiance of his layout...
Owners of other small layouts have followed a similar path. Trevor Marshall wrote an RMC article about slowing down operations on his On2 slate quarry layout. Trevor use locking switches to control his turnouts. He also proposed paperwork to slow down the process. On his new S-scale layout, Trevor is taking similar steps. See this entry on his blog:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://themodelrailwayshow.com/cn1950s/?p=742">http://themodelrailwayshow.com/cn1950s/?p=742</a><!-- m -->
On layouts designed to be operated at a slow pace, I think the locking turnouts would be fun to operate. Anyone have some I can come operate?
However on layouts designed for a faster pace (multiple trains, contious running on many routes, etc..), I agree the locks be hindersom. But unlocking for
show times is always an option....
As a crew member of a layout, I'd try to enact the vision of the layout owner....If that's lock on the mainline turnouts...Great!