John Allen’s Timesaver Switching Railroad

December 14, 2008

Keen model railroader “Guy” has an HO layout based on a drawing from John Allen’s ‘Timesaver’ switching. Here is what Guy has to say:

“Hi folks! This is the first layout I’ve created. It is based on the drawing from John Allen’s famous switching game called Timesaver. The entire track is handlaid on wooden ties with code 70 rail. The five turnouts, the 11 uncoupler magnets and the track lengths correspond to the given instructions from John.

I find it a lot of fun to operate this layout and even at a model exhibition people were interested to follow all the shunting work.

For best operating results, I operate my engines in DC mode with a small controller (faster shunting). For smooth and realistic operation with sound a LocoNet DCC unit is connected.

The turnout is manual control with a pushrod that activates a switch for frog polarity. The switchstand really works and indicates the position.

Wherever you go, this small layout is ready in a few minutes and the operation can be started with one Loco and some cars.”