CSX Palmetto Spur

[alcanman]

Hi from a new member in the UK,

As there are quite a few Lance Mindheim inspired layouts on Big Blue, I thought I'd add my version of Palmetto Spur,
based on Lance's layout in his book 'How to build a small switching layout'
measuring only 9ft x 15ins.

Here's the track plan and a pic for starters

   


regards,

Mal

[Brakie]

Mal,Welcome to the forum!

I like your design..

IMHO Lance has revolutionized the industrial switching layout(ISLs) by setting new design standards by breaking away from the older "switching puzzle" designs to a more prototypical design..


Welcome to the forum!

[faraway]

Mal welcome. The small fraction of your layout on the photo looks very good
I am sure we are hungry to see "much" more

[alcanman]

Thanks for the welcome,

I couldn't agree more with your comments. I stumbled upon Lance M's 'East Rail' back in 2008 while looking for inspiration
for a new project. I was just simply blown away by what I saw and read. This inspired me to return to US modelling.

For Palmetto, I took his advice and dispensed with a run-around loop, hidden storage, kadee magnets and electrically operated
turnouts! I have no regrets, the layout is a joy to operate

Here's another pic showing GP40-2 #6351 entering Palmetto from the non-rail served end of the layout

   

regards,

Mal

[jonte]

Hi Mal,

What took you so long to find us ?

Wil continue to tune in to your frequent updates on t'other side of the Pond.

Best wishes,

Jonte

[trisonic]

Hi, Mal! You really are on the Dark Side........this is a great site with great guys.

Best, Pete.

[alcanman]

Hi,

Yeah, this is a great site,loads of info and inspiration for modern railroading.

Here's another pic from Palmetto

   

[Brakie]

That's a odd but,unique looking building in that photo(with the SP boxcar) and I really like it.

Did you scratchbuild that building?

[shortliner]

Larry - it is made as a kit by Great West Models- who also do extra panels, doors, etc, so you can customise to your requirements
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[alcanman]

Hi,

Yeah, it's Great West Models #104 Star Engineering. Lance M used a similar structure.

Very easy to build and modular, each vertical wall panel is only 1ins wide, so you make up your own required width and depth.


regards,

Mal

[fast car]

Mal,

Looks very nice. Very simple and prototypical. I'm looking forward to seeing more photos. I like the natural sky behind the photo. I definately need to get photo editing software.

Larry

[Brakie]

Thanks guys..

Some how I overlooked that manufacturer.

To bad they don't make those for N Scale as I would love to have one for Slate Creek.

[alcanman]

Hi,

Here's another pic showing the entire layout, only 9ft long. It sits on top of some IKEA units in a small bedroom.

The normal operating sequence sees the loco pushing 3 cars into the arrival track and then exchanging them for
3 spotted in the spurs and then departing back to the right hand end of the layout.

Very simple but fun, and usually takes 20 to 30 mins to complete. Of course, this can be repeated as often
as required with new stock etc.

The pic was taken a couple of months ago, the non-railed served end now has small warehouses which partially
hide the train in this storage area.

   


regards,

Mal

[FCIN]

Mal;

Very nicely done and very inspiring!

This is a great example of how a layout that at first glance appears to be very simple, is actually very deceiving and provides plenty of prototype operation. You don't need to fill every inch of the available bench work with track, switches and small one car industries to have good operation!

Like the look of the Great West models structure. Don't see many of that type construction where I live, but sure like the construction style.

Keep up the good work. Keep's people like me who keep putting off things, motivated to do something!

[alcanman]

Thanks for all the kind comments

Here's a pic of the recently completed (non-rail served) warehouses at the right hand end of the layout.

Partially hidden train is standing in position for the start of an operating session.

Although the layout is now 'complete', a layout is never 'finished' and still lots of detail to add eg.warehouse roof details,relay boxes, dumpsters, pallets
and the usual stuff that lies around in Industrial Park areas.

   


regards,

Mal