Madras Switching Layout HO Scale

[mountaingoatgreg]

I decided that I wanted to build a small switching layout to demonstrate some of the principals regarding switching safely and efficiently. I had a few things in mind and wanted to incorporate them into a module set.

I wanted to design a switching module that would have a variety of car types, be relatively compact, and have some of the common hazards of the real railroad. These hazards would include things like spurs, crossovers, close clearances, and road crossings.

With my idea in mind I turned to the space available. The space I have to work with is 14' long and though I would like to use the Free-mo standards the space will not allow me to use the full 24" width. I have decided to build the modules at 18" wide, which will allow me still meet up with Free-mo. I also wanted to make them narrower so they would be easier to transport especially moving them around the house.

With the dimensions set in stone, I then decided to start looking for a prototype so I could base my plan in reality. I had already looked around Bend Oregon, to continue my existing theme, but nothing was compact enough to capture everything I wanted. I then was looking through some other information I had and came across the Madras industrial area. This is a location I had planed to model at some point, but it was not high on my priority list. With my newly rediscovered inspiration I found almost exactly what I was looking for, almost.

Here is the track plan as taken from the station PLAT.


The area has a sawmill, warehouses, and an elevator. The only thing that it was missing was a a crossover and some sort of hazardous material. I used a little modelers license to add the crossover and add an oil distributor.

Here is an aerial view of the area, looks kind of plain from the air, but there is lots of character in the buildings.

This is a screen shot from Google Earth


This is the plan I developed that both meets the base Free-mo concept, fits into the space I have available and will meet the other requirements I have for this project. The main change to the prototype is the addition of the oil distributor and crossovers. This will be a separate module that can be added to the set if needed or be a stand alone piece.

[mountaingoatgreg]

I started construction on the modules on the 21st of April and completed the basic modules on the 22nd of April. I now need to transpose the track plan to the plywood top and start gluing down cork. I will use HO scale for the mainline and N-scale cork for the rest of the tracks. I plan on using all Micro Engineering #6 switches and ME code 83 rail.

[postman]

Looking good!.
How will you operate this module set?

[Twist]

hi,

looking good and a nice start on your layout.

Cheers,Chris

[mountaingoatgreg]

Thanks Chris!

I got the cork and will try to get some of it in place over next week. I am using HO and N scale cork. Once the cork is set I will be using a rasp to ease the transitions. I will then paint the top of the modules and then I can lay out the track.

[ak-milw]

something new to watch!

[Steve]

[mountaingoatgreg]

Not that exiting, but I did get cork laid out.



Next step will be to paint the cork and the top of the exposed wood on the layout. The plan will be to use Micro Engineering code 83 Flex for the mainline and CVMW tie strips and ME code 83 rail for all other tracks. The switches will be ME #6 controlled by blue point switch machines. I plan to be able to operate the switched from both sides of the layout. The plan will be to have the layout operational by June 1st.

[mountaingoatgreg]

After I got the cork laid out I proceed to paint the cork and the top of the layout.




Once the paint dried I started laying out the main track, which is ME code 83 and figuring out how the crossover was going to fit in. I also cut and secured some of the CVMW tie strips along the track going to H.S. Michaels.

[ak-milw]

Great progress!

[Steve]

Greg, you probably hate those windows now....but you'll love the natural lighting for taking pics

You're making outstanding progress...keep it up!

[Brakie]

Greg, you probably hate those windows now....but you'll love the natural lighting for taking pics

You're making outstanding progress...keep it up!

I always preferred natural light over artificial light for my layout lighting.

That's a very nicely planned ISL..Looking forward in watching the progress.

[faraway]

Very solid and clean benchwork Looks professional.

[lajry]

Greg
In the track chart the warehouse was on a spur & the plywood place was on a siding. It was probably that way because switching the plywood place were busier than the warehouse switching. Are you too far along to change it?

[mountaingoatgreg]

Andy: Nothing like a time crunch to keep you motivated. I also decided that it would be a good idea to remodel the conference room at work so I have that going on too. It all needs to be done by June 2nd.

Steve & Brakie: The window is in my office at work, so it is nice to have the natural light while building and sitting in my office. For taking pictures, it has been a royal pain. I think when I have everything running properly I will add a small backdrop to cover part of the window, or I may just put a backdrop on either side and leave the window exposed. I can always go to the office when it is dark and take pictures then.

Faraway: Since building Free-mo modules and using Birch plywood it is hard for me to build with anything else. I know it is way over built, but being as it is portable, I know it will last a long time.

Lajry: The track PLAT I have is originally from earlier than I model, but has had many changes made it to it with some final revision after my modeling era. When I visited the site you can see the track was connected at some point to go through the building, but then they built a building in the way. My final plan is for another 5' module on an angle that will connect to more Free-mo modules, this will be the main entrance to the Plywood plant. For now it will just make it more challenging to switch the layout.