03-15-2014, 10:19 AM
From my experience trying to fit Harlem Station in HO, you need extremely sharp turnouts, I mean things like PECO Setrack curved turnout. I also agree about the hard to reach geometry. That can be really trick as you have to work your arms over platforms and other scenic elements.
You have three options:
1) Find the most simple and smaller NYC terminal and try to reproduce it. It doesn't mean simplistic, but some are designed on land similar to the place you have.
2) Simplify the layout by taking account of operability. At some point, the safest bet would be to understand the operations and type of services at this kind of terminal and reengineer the plan in a more model-friendly shape.
3) Try doing it full scale in N scale, which could be a neat idea for a walkaround layout. Access wouldn't be a problem anymore.
Have you given thought about Harlem Station (Erie 149th Street Terminal). It can be done in HO in about 5' x 5' and everything is easily reachable, including the carfloat that wraps on the side of the layout because of it's ergonomic spiral-shaped trackage.
This website has a lot of info on NYC terminals, just browse, really interesting:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://members.trainweb.com/bedt/indloco/errhs.html">http://members.trainweb.com/bedt/indloco/errhs.html</a><!-- m -->
Good luck, whatever you decide, that's gonna be a nice project!
Matt
You have three options:
1) Find the most simple and smaller NYC terminal and try to reproduce it. It doesn't mean simplistic, but some are designed on land similar to the place you have.
2) Simplify the layout by taking account of operability. At some point, the safest bet would be to understand the operations and type of services at this kind of terminal and reengineer the plan in a more model-friendly shape.
3) Try doing it full scale in N scale, which could be a neat idea for a walkaround layout. Access wouldn't be a problem anymore.
Have you given thought about Harlem Station (Erie 149th Street Terminal). It can be done in HO in about 5' x 5' and everything is easily reachable, including the carfloat that wraps on the side of the layout because of it's ergonomic spiral-shaped trackage.
This website has a lot of info on NYC terminals, just browse, really interesting:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://members.trainweb.com/bedt/indloco/errhs.html">http://members.trainweb.com/bedt/indloco/errhs.html</a><!-- m -->
Good luck, whatever you decide, that's gonna be a nice project!
Matt
Proudly modelling Quebec Railway Light & Power Company since 1997.
Hedley-Junction Club Layout: http://www.hedley-junction.blogspot.com/
Erie 149th Street Harlem Station http://www.harlem-station.blogspot.com/
Hedley-Junction Club Layout: http://www.hedley-junction.blogspot.com/
Erie 149th Street Harlem Station http://www.harlem-station.blogspot.com/