This Is For You | Timesaver Variation | Model Railroad Shunting Puzzle

In this video we are starting the build on a layout that I am creating for you, the subscribers of this channel. This is my variation on the Timesaver by John Allen. This is an example of a Model Railroading Shunting puzzle and I am going to set it up for remote operations. For more information on shunting puzzles and the Timesaver, www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzle...
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🔖 Video Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:10 John Allen's Timessaver
1:00 My variation of the Timesaver
2:00 Human[c]ity Junction

[@TheTrainFreak]

This is pretty cool that your making a switching puzzle as well. These are good for critical thinking skills. MicroMark has track nail insertion pliers. - Jason

[@HumancityJunction]

Yeah, I stole the idea of a remote operated switching puzzle from another YT'er that is doing the same thing. I just have to rmemeber who it is. I tried tweezers, but I probably should have used one of my many pairs of pliers.

[@michaelsmodelrailroading7665]

The track nail pliers that Micro-Mark offers will be good for starting the track nails into the cork. Depending on their length, you might need a nail set punch and a small hammer to get them to penetrate into the shelving subbase. Overall, you have a great approach to getting your switching layout up and operational.

[@fbrailroad4628]

I like this shelf layout/ switch puzzle.I also like that it is a shorter video. Thanks for sharing, David

[@HumancityJunction]

David, Thanks so much. It is my goal to get back to uploading 10-12 minute videos on a regular basis.

[@LandNfan]

Nice job! I built a Timesaver a few years ago in HO. I used mostly stuff I had on hand, used Atlas Code 100 Snap switches, some Atlas flex track, etc. I think my only cash outlay was a quart of matte acrylic wall paint, a few Kadee uncoupler magnets, and some cheap Radio Shack push button switches to control the turnouts. The overall size is 12” x 72”. 1/4” plywood on a frame of 1”x2” strips, glued and nailed at every joint, resulting in a strong, rigid, relatively light structure. The control panel was mounted flush in the near right corner of the layout. I was going to buy a nice brushed aluminum door push plate to make the panel until I saw the price. Fortunately, Indiana uses flat (not embossed) printed auto license plates. An expired tag, cut down, flipped over and given a good sanding and/or a coat of paint, is a free substitute.

[@HumancityJunction]

My first build, I used all track that I had. To make it more reliable, I ended up swapping out some old with new. If not for this project, I would not have gotten into operations. Thanks for sharing your project.

[@Mason-DixonRR]

What a great way to give back! Can't wait to run trains on this while you are live streaming

[@HumancityJunction]

Alan, I think it is going to be a lot of fun.

[@royreynolds108]

You could build several "industries" to set into place and then move or use different ones to make things different instead of seeing the same industries all the time. It would be similar to using the moveable bumpers. A scrapyard in one session might be a fuel and oil supply in the next or some other industry. Be tricky, put an industry that needs more cars after one that does not.

[@HumancityJunction]

Thanks for watching and the suggestion on how to setup the industries.

[@sathyasmodelrailway2023]

Thank you so much for this video. This is really inspiring for a beginner like me.

[@HumancityJunction]

You are so welcome! I really like the collaborative aspects of this hobby.

[@danmckee4422]

One big thing is missing; magnetic uncouplers! Instead of regular straights you should've installed pre-made uncoupler straights. Using micro trains couplers with the uncoupling magnets makes switching operations that much more enjoyable!

[@HumancityJunction]

I did not show it in this video, but there are 5 mictro-trains delayed uncoupling magnets as a part of the puzzle. You can see my talk about it in this clinic that I gave for the OpSIG. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGTQfp6qeJiUfbM

[@danmckee4422]

@@HumancityJunction That is awesome, I will check it out. Thanks for the reply! I love switching N-Scale micro trains!

[@OtterCreek]

I made a slide hammer out of brass tube and a coat hanger for my track nails. I show off it's performance in my MRVU 39 (yard ladder & Toroises) This is going to a very rewarding project Heath, I can't wait to see it completed!! ~ Dennis

[@HumancityJunction]

A slide hammer is a good idea, but I am thinking a nail set is more my speed :)

[@tanzj]

Heath, You got my attention when you cited John Allen as the source for your timesaver layout. Nice job 👍……. john

[@HumancityJunction]

John, I am glad that someone payed attention to the video :) Thanks for watching. -Heath

[@tanzj]

Heath, John Allen was the prime reason that I got into Model Railroading when I bought the book about his Gorre & Daphetid railroad…..John

[@HumancityJunction]

@@tanzj thanks for filling in the details. That would be a great video on your channel, the influences of John Allen on my modeling.

[@georgiasunbelt]

Pretty neat switching layout Heath…Humanity Junction…like the name

[@HumancityJunction]

Anthony, thanks, I think the name is fitting for my channel.

[@robytherobotwhiteversion]

Nice!

[@HumancityJunction]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@SteveH-TN]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas. You addressed multiple details of track plans which I greatly appreciated ! Even with a relatively small layout you acknowledged flexibility quite well !

[@HumancityJunction]

Thanks a lot. This project was the start of a complete rethinking of my model railroading. It’s fun to look back and see what I was thinking back then.

[@DruSteel69]

Excellent. Thanks for sharing, Heath.

[@HumancityJunction]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pdrrengineer1404]

Good job Heath! I think you did great in documenting/illustrating the process of continued re-assessment and compromise required to design a truly functional layout, and did it in a concise, digestible presentation. This is going to be fun for all your subscribers.

[@HumancityJunction]

Art, thank you so much for your supportive comments, I really appreciate it. I am glad you found that part of the process interesting. -Heath

[@edfannon1119]

Great film Heath and a great subject that is close to my heart, I do like small space switching puzzles. Until next time...

[@HumancityJunction]

Great to hear, I hope you will get a chance to operate on it.

[@RoyEltham]

Great video Heath! This is going to be very cool to run! You are farther along than I thought you were.

[@HumancityJunction]

I was moving along at a good pace. I need to get the switch motors mounted. Never done it before, so it will be a new experience.

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

Puzzles are fun, and more fun is trying to figure out your Track. Great Video.

[@HumancityJunction]

Lynn, thanks so much. You think you have it all figured out on paper and then in reality it needs to change.

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

@@HumancityJunction please don't remind me. I'm working on another Module with some interesting track & turnouts.

[@ModelTrainOutsider]

That was an excellent, thorough, and fun video to see and here. Took me back to your early days, but with all the nuances and knowledge you've picked up or rediscovered over the last 20 or so months!

[@HumancityJunction]

Anthony, I am hoping to get back into uploading more edited videos. Thanks for noticing the improvments.

[@davestrains6816]

Looking good. Looking forward to the final build!

[@HumancityJunction]

Dave, thanks so much for checking out the video.

[@fasteddiep]

Great start, Heath. I really enjoyed watching your planning and progress on this switching puzzle layout. I am planning something similar just on 2" pink foam but am also planning on having buildings and scenery. Looking forward to future installments. Eddie

[@HumancityJunction]

Eddie, thanks so much for the kind words.

[@richardlincoln886]

Excellent, I have this idea of a timesaver puzzle with an automated mainline running through it - either a loop, or an automated to-and-fro line so you have to manage shunting across the mainline between it's services as well as the normal shunt puzzle. Your video is excellent - someday I'll build the idea IRL.

[@HumancityJunction]

Anything I can do to inspire people to build their Model Railroading Dream is fantastic. Please keep us updated.

[@Dimensionfold]

Nice build! Since it was a while back now, I'm wondering if you have any newer videos of operation on this layout. Could be a great playlist! Please link if you do have this already

[@HumancityJunction]

I do no have newer videos as this section of the layout is now in storage. I ended up starting over with a new layout. I am going to start a video series where I discuss my thinking behind the various choices I made when creating the new layout.

[@joeraderblackrockcentralrr]

This is a great start Heath-even if its N scale. Looking forward to following this

[@HumancityJunction]

The good news is that it will look bigger on camera.

[@stephenporter6005]

Maybe use a mini roller to paint the base

[@HumancityJunction]

I used one for my current benchwork, it worked well.

[@ozarkmidlandsouthernrailway]

Very nice, Heath. I think it is very cool that you are making a switching puzzle. It is something I have wanted to do myself. This will be a very interesting series. Bill B.

[@HumancityJunction]

I think this puzzle is going to be a lot of fun.

[@DadCooks2]

Heath, I use the track Nail insertion tool sold by Micro-Mark. I also use push pins to hold the track in place while I nail down the track, keeping the track where it is supposed to be.

[@HumancityJunction]

Of cours Micro-Mark has a tool for that. :) If I used flex track, I would definitely have pinned it in location before pinning it into final location. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@lionellance]

Wow..awesome Heath...great job..thanks for sharing and keep up the great work..Lance p.s. can't wait for wiring..

[@HumancityJunction]

Lance, wiring is my favorite part.

[@JoeyBPhotography]

Looking good so far!

[@HumancityJunction]

Joey, thanks so much. I hope one day you will consider operating on N scale, LOL. Good seeing you around.

[@martensiersma3304]

This would have made a great live stream

[@HumancityJunction]

Marten, the lighting for this layout was what I worked on Wednesday. This took a lot of thinking, I am not sure I could have done it live and made it interesting. It was also like 5 hours of work, whereas live it would be 8.

[@SteveH-TN]

Thanks for sharing this video and your thoughts. I have enjoyed T-trak. Plus shelf layouts. It seems I could easily modify your variation to create a long Z scale T-trak module that I could operate stand alone and incorporate into a larger T-trak layout.

[@HumancityJunction]

The mindset change of gettting into operations has been significant and I am enjoying the process. In my opinion it is worth exploring.

[@realwildman]

I like your plan there Heath. I have always thought it would be fun to remote op a layout, especially doing switching. If done right, it would be like the real thing. Someone there in person being the "man on the ground" and the engineer is remote with a limited view of what is happening.

[@HumancityJunction]

I am still trying to decide exaclty how to setup the cameras. I am thinking of just having a "drone" view so that one person could do everything. But the option of a two person team is also interesting where there is an engineer and a conductor view.

[@mikepringle5523]

Look forward to seeing this series develop.Great short & concise format for the video. This is right up my street & is tempting me to follow you with a similar project in HO.Keep up the good work!

[@HumancityJunction]

Mike, it would be great for more people to take on this concept. I stole the idea from @The Train Freak, so feel free to jump on the bandwagon.

[@williambird]

Met you in Springfield in 2022! Good Luck!

[@HumancityJunction]

Thanks so much for saying hello!! Again.

[@stevechilders2425]

OK, so we get to run your trains? Very Cool!

[@HumancityJunction]

That is the intention.

[@TriGogglin]

Very nice Heath, I like you modified design, looks like it will be a nice switching challenge.

[@HumancityJunction]

Pappy, I hope so. I need to figure out the operations side of it and see just how difficult it might be.

[@TriGogglin]

@@HumancityJunction Heath, for you, it won't be difficult, you have the noggin power, more than most.

[@HumancityJunction]

@@TriGogglin Might be some blue smoke coming out of my ears, but I will make it happen.

[@michaelsmith7425]

Regarding track pins. For many years I have used a wooden clothes peg ("clothes pin" as you guys say in the US) File a small groove in both of the 'pinching' faces of the peg. Just slightly smaller than the diameter of your track pin. Lay the peg along the track. Then whittle away the top of the side of the peg that is facing up so when you insert a track pin it sticks up from the shaved face. Now just tap lightly with a hammer and you can pierce the cork and even the first bit of wood. Remove the peg and finish setting the pin.

[@HumancityJunction]

Thanks for the suggestion. I ended up getting a pair of pliers that have the groove cut in it like you are suggesting with the coths pins. I am using a nail set, without a hammer, to just push the track pins in. The extra size of the nail set allows me to push just hard enough to set the pin without the need for a hammer. As much as I sometimes want to hit the layout with a hammer, this is one time I try to avoid it, LOL.

[@andrewestep8264]

Very nice editing. Well worth that $1Mil you paid someone for. Interested in following and seeing how it goes. Also I kind of missed the “All about ..” music intro.

[@HumancityJunction]

Andy, you had to listen to the very VERY end of the video to hear the song. And I am going to be paying off this edit for the rest of my life!

[@andrewestep8264]

@@HumancityJunction I left right as you said "from the city that never sleeps..." oops.

[@normanrowe2831]

Hi ya Heath. Cool switching/shunting puzzle. Real slick production. I like the voice over narration. Maybe you could get Samuel Jackson next time! Lol. Just a thought in regards the track nails/pins. How about a thimble. Push those bad boys right down. Lol. See ya.

[@HumancityJunction]

NoRo, Thank You for the compliments. A thimble, that is a great idea. And I like using my hands when possible so that would be a good "protection" device for my finger. -Heath

[@andrewestep8264]

As far as pinning use a pliers with a slight bend in the tines. Use these as a mechanical advantage. Use these for jewelry pinning at werk

[@HumancityJunction]

I was using tweezers like that but did not have enough leverage.I have plier like you mention, I just did not think to use them.

[@steve87thpsap]

Surprised you didn’t use KATO track since you want to break it apart. But I guess for remote ops you need the delay or electro magnets to make it uncouple. Boring to switch if the cars don’t uncouple. And I guess you want to do some turnout learning for the future. Yes KATO can be DCC controlled. You should at least ballast and put in a back drop. That way it could fell like industrial switching. Well you already have suggestions on the nails, but you could just use a small nail punch. Good video good explanation.

[@HumancityJunction]

I think when I build my future mega layout all the track will be flex and the turnouts hand laid, so using the Atlas track is a step in that direction. An opertunity to learn. Kato does have an uncoupling track, but you are limited where you can put them. I got the micro-trains magnets for remote uncoupling. I have the Digitrax decoder for Kato switch on my module for my programming spur. But that switch is all gummed up and no way to easily fix it without just ripping it out and replacing it. I learned a lot about Kato switches and would install it differently next time. A nail punch is the solution for me. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@FBMRR]

Great video... i cant wait to play. I mean operate.

[@HumancityJunction]

What is the difference between play and operate?

[@TheHeritageLine]

Hi Heath! Love the shunting layout build! Technically it's a bit over my head being able to operate it over the internet, but still a great idea! I have thought about doing a little inglenook shunting puzzle layout in the future but before I do I need to sort out a reliable way of coupling and uncoupling. I assume you are using the micro-train method, I have tried this in the past and to be honest it's a royal pain trying to convert British stock, as Micro-train don't do a coupling for a NEM socket. I still have other options, Dapol easy shunt (similar to Micro-trains) Peco do a system using electro magnets which maybe more of a viable option but I will just have to do some testing first. Love watching your ideas in the live streams (which aren't so live for me as it's so late LOL!) as you also think outside of the box. Keep those ideas flowing! All the best Tony.

[@HumancityJunction]

Tony, What about Hunt's Couplers, I think that is the name. I have heard that people really like them. And yes, I am using Micro-Trains couplers on everything. I am trying to make the remote operation (or at least the access to remote operations, as easy as possible so anyone can experience it. -Heath

[@TheHeritageLine]

​ @Human[c]ity Junction Hunt couplings are essential magnets replacing the coupling so no good for uncoupling, but very good at keeping rakes together 😁

[@HHExpress]

Very nice Heath, I'm using screws to hold down my n track

[@HumancityJunction]

Those must be really small screws. I can barely see the nails, I cannot imagine finding the slots on the screws.

[@PeterCesca]

I hope it isn't too annoying hearing this but if you bought turnouts that are Kato uni track they sometimes come with special short tracks so you can place turnouts closer together.

[@HumancityJunction]

Thanks

[@chrishedrick6433]

Great little switching layout,I'm breaking down my current layout and looking to do a small shelf layout in ho scale. What do you think the size of yours would be in ho? Thanks chris

[@HumancityJunction]

This is the website where I got the majority of the information that I used for my version of the Timesaver. www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/Timesaver/timesaver-trackplan.html I believe the original was HO scale, but I am not finding the exact size. I would think you could make it in 48" x 18" or something around the size.

[@andrewlaverghetta715]

I'm adding on a 1x4 staging yard for my 2.5'x4' n scale layout and I'm strongly considering building something like this, but I know it won't be as effective as I want it to be as a yard, but then it won't be as much fun to mess around with when it's not attached. Maybe it can seem like one of those english style puzzles. Inglenook?

[@HumancityJunction]

Andrew, From my experience with the Timesaver, it is defiitely a puzzle and not a yard. An Inglenook would make a better yard, but it has a limited number of tracks. With 1'x4', you could add a yard ladder with a runaround and get some good yard action. Just make sure you have a yard lead.

[@FBMRR]

Please consider at least one tree on the layout... 🌲👍

[@HumancityJunction]

LOL, too funny.

[@yeshess1]

Great layout. I was wondering however how did you print out the entire lay out?

[@HumancityJunction]

I have a local print shop with a color plotters that can print up to 48" wide. You can get more information from this video.

[@yeshess1]

​@@HumancityJunctionWhat video??

[@MyLifesTracks]

Heath, can you come help me build my layout? I can’t believe how fast you move! Ok, on a serious note, this looks like really cool project.

[@HumancityJunction]

I would love to help you build your layout. Seeing me move that fast in person is a real treat.

[@WillieBeard]

Looking for follow up other than the parts list. Some operation. How about a link.

[@HumancityJunction]

Check out the presentation I did for the OpSIG, kzbin.info/www/bejne/sGTQfp6qeJiUfbMsi=3OkiZvNcfucvpN-y

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Heath very impressive, I want to build this , please share your materials used for this build , excellent work

[@HumancityJunction]

James, do you have Anyrail 6? I can share the file with you.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Heath yes I do

[@Jigoku_Samurai]

very interesting concept, can't wait to see how it all ends. is there going to be any magnetic uncoupling areas or is it just gonna be locomotives running around?

[@HumancityJunction]

Yes, I will be using the micro-trains delayed uncoupling magnets. I am thinking there will be 5 of them, maybe 6 on the layout.

[@Kermondale]

latex, caulk

[@HumancityJunction]

Tell me more, what are you referencing?

[@sawyercustom]

GoPros have issues with freezing.. I’ve tried avoiding that brand for that reason.

[@HumancityJunction]

Do you have another recomendation? I am looking for something in a similar price point, with the super wide angle view, with HDMI output.

[@sawyercustom]

@@HumancityJunction I went with a Garmin, but it has its own issues, and I completely get you on the price point. I was looking at Panasonic GH3 camera and they are 500+ dollars. Sadly it's one of those stepping points I'm finding. I've been bitten a bunch by going used or cheaper, probably spent enough by now to buy a new gh7 camera. rofl. my best advise is watch a bunch of camera shoot outs. upgrading to an actual camera vs an "action cam" will make a world of difference. I had a good camera but recording myself welding blew out the light sensors.

[@TimberSurf]

Google pin pusher

[@HumancityJunction]

I could not find a Google branded pin pusher, but I found some others. Just kidding, but your comment made me think of a nail set/punch.

[@KerleyExpress]

how is your dog doing

[@HumancityJunction]

Dwight, thanks so much for asking. Yesterday was a bit rough, but she seems much better today. We fed her white rice yesterday and that helped a lot.

[@KerleyExpress]

@@HumancityJunction praying for you dog to get better and i enjoyed your video too