AchimK

That's very interesting - many thanks.

And naming Deltics after race horses is just inspired. Most names are probably better than a number that includes a check digit (as in the German numbering system since 1968).

This is very interesting! Many thanks for your comment.

Britain does have the best locomotive names, no contest. Many thanks.

Beautiful (again). Makes me wonder, whether she's ever been in charge of me on my numerous journeys around Germany as a youngster? Many thanks.

Hi everyone I wonder how people feel about British 'flagship' locomotives. Now I know that this is a can of worms and one cannot really compare Britain and Germany in terms of railways that easily. Let's just say, I wonder what people would consider British 'equivalents' to the above mentioned german famous and beloved locos/trains. Not in terms of power, speed (that might be contentious) or technical details/sophistication but just in terms of general appreciation by enthusiasts or the general public. One I would put on the list is the Brighton Belle and Flying Scotsman. What about newer ones? Class 66 for freight? Intercity 125? Very interested to read your thoughts. Images would be greatly appreciated! All best, stay safe Achim PS: Below an image of a DB 103.

Amazing Chimer, many thanks for this. Achim

Morning Hamburger and Mike Great advice and I came up with the following diagram. If power to both loops is controlled by the entry and exit turnouts (mutually exclusive) then I think I could wire the reverser as shown. Would you agree with this? I'm assuming when switching the points, that means first switching power off to the whole reverse loops section and then setting the opposite points and powering on again. In my mind this can then both be handled by the same reverser unit. Many thanks Achim

Not in this section, I was planning to use Peco setrack for ease. If you could point me to that discussion, that'd be marvellous. How can I find it? Unless you mean the one I have created myself in the layout planning area (almost identical title). Many thanks, I'm amazed at everyone's responses and thoughts - terrific! Achim

Many thanks for your comments and thoughts Phil. I have calculated gradients of 2.0 and 2.5% which my locos all managed well on the test setup I've run. Distance between this level and the one above is 120mm, tight but a workable compromise I hope. There is one level above with a 'long' scenic run and one further above with the main station/scenery. Very good point about transitions which I haven't allowed enough room for, thanks. Also a valid point about access which I have also planned from the sides and behind. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Achim

Many thanks Tony, I appreciate your thoughts. The way the up/downlinks will go (looping round at each end) means that a single loop like yours will actually take up more space (effectively being three circles space widthwise) than two loops with a crossover (i.e. two circles). See bad drawing for completion. Many thanks for all comments! Achim

Dear Mike, thank you for taking the time to comment. Very helpful indeed! Achim

Dear John, many thanks for this. Great and helpful advice, I appreciate you taking the time. Achim

Thanks Keith!

Hello I'm working on the track plan for the fiddle yard of a small (8 by 4 foot essentially) roundy roundy layout on a piece of ply. The diagram shows my idea as to how to include two reversing loops by having a crossover (not a double slip) within them. I'd like two reversing loops so that I don't have to reverse the trains when changing direction. Entry to the lot is from the left or right. This is the lowest level. Will this work at all on a DCC layout (with reversers correctly wired in) or can I rubbish it now and start afresh? It might be a case of wanting too much in too little space. Planning to use PECO track. Many thanks trendsetters. Achim