What's the difference between an end-to-end layout and a continuous loop?

There are essentially two types of model railway track plans.

1. End-To-End: These layouts are typically smaller and are often referred to as shunting puzzles. These offer lots of operational interest in a narrower, sometimes shorter space/
2. Continuous Run or Continuous Loop: These layouts have large, continuous loops allowing faster, often scale-length trains to be run continuously. For this type of layout, depending on the scale you're working in, of course, you'll need a lot more space for your layout.

For an in-depth look at choosing the best track plan for the space you have available, please read our article, "what's the best model railway track plan?"