Happy 50th Anniversary Timesaver (1972-2022)

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Timesaver, when John Allen published an article entitled “Timesaver” in the November 1972 issue of Model Railroader magazine.

Timesaver for 2 players. Bill Corsa built an identical Timesaver and joined with John Allen’s via an short interchange track. (Copyright Model Railroader magazine, used by permission of Kalmbach Media Co.)

It is a switching (BE: shunting) puzzle game, where the player moves cars to the designated positions in the shortest time. The number of moves does not count; only the amount of time it takes to complete all the switching tasks.

Outside the North American (the USA and Canada) model railroad circle, the name John Whitby Allen and Timesaver is relatively unknown. Unfortunately, John passed away in a fatal heart attack on 6th January 1973, 49 years ago.

John Whitby Allen (1913-1973) (Copyright Model Railroader magazine, used by permission of Kalmbach Media Co.)

In honor and memory of John Allen, I have adopted his Timesaver concept and play rules for Märklin/Trix track systems and hope that many Märklin/Trix model railway fans and not alike will enjoy this addictive game with family and friends, at regular table meets (dt. pl. Stammtische), club events and open days, exhibitions and perhaps one day, regional and international Märklin/Trix Timesaver competitions.

“The object of the game is to make the required switching moves in the least time.”

John Allen