Interlocking is used in railway signalling to ensure that potentially dangerous combinations of points and/or signals...
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What is interlocking?Read more -
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Which OO gauge Tracksettas create which radius bends?Read moreTracksettas are curved metal gauges that slot between the rails of flexible track to help modellers create smooth...
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Is it unrealistic to mix diesel and steam locomotives on the same layout?Read moreIt is not necessarily unrealistic to mix diesel and steam locomotives on the same layout. In fact, it was not...
What is a static mainline in model railways?
A static mainline is a dummy mainline track on a viaduct or embankment that spans the width of a smallish baseboard. It is used as a scene-break to hide the other side of the baseboard, but, as it doesn't go anywhere, it's generally not operational.
Using a dummy mainline as a scene-break is a good way of giving a small layout a mainline identity without the compromise of having fast trains traversing tight radius curves.
Train operations take place on an oval track or similar arrangement placed around the perimeter of the board. The track appears and disappears from view through bridges under the mainline and can represent any grimy, industrial or secondary route that would be commonly found in the vicinity of a mainline.
This arrangement gives the best of both worlds, allowing slower, more realistic operations on the secondary line while the mainline sets the scene. This type of track plan has the added advantage that a temporary end to end track can be attached to the mainline to permit occasional running but removed when space in your spare room is once again required.
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