Well here I am with yet another possible revision to my track plan. I've gone back to having a team/trans-load track on this one and managed to eliminate one industry and large structure (a distribution warehouse). With my self imposed train length of 6 or 7 cars, it just feels like I'm trying to include too much on the current plan. Even with the elimination of the one industry; this version still provides destinations for all my freight equipment and it looks a bit less crowded too. Layout size is 18in X 20ft.[
attachment=8985]I've also determined that I really don't need to add the additional 6 or 8ft staging track on the left side, although I could still add it if desired; the idea being able to stage two different trains if desired.
Industries are as follows (right to left by track on plan):
1. Beverage Distributor - 50ft and 62ft insulated box cars - 1 car spot.
Note: As shown on the plan, this front edge structure is shown as a warehouse like building, but I may actually just put a model of the TQW crossdock in Effingham, IL, in that spot that would serve an off line facility (see below). Using that structure, a car on spot won't be completely hidden and it's an interesting structure; easily kit bashed from a Pikestuff kit.
2. Food Processor/Distributor - Tank cars, box cars, refrigerators - 5 car spots
3. Team/Trans-Load Track - Covered hoppers, bulkhead flats and box cars - 4 car spots.
4. Candy or Confection Plant - Tank cars, Airslide Covered hoppers - 2 car spots
I've included some non-rail served structures on the plan to give it a bit of that concrete canyon look and even an out of service track that used to serve one of those structures. The highway overpass on the left edge helps to hide the end of the layout. Of course I had to include a couple of road or street crossings to block while switching.
Will think this over some and if it still looks good to me, I'll probably make the necessary changes to the current track plan later today or tomorrow and test this one out. Should still provide plenty of switching operation.
Here's a photo showing both sides of the TQW crossdock to show how that structure would look.[
attachment=8986]Maybe I'll be able to settle on a final plan and start construction for real soon. Regardless of when I start construction, I'm really enjoying operating my various track plan arrangements. Keeps the interest level high and keeps me off the streets!
-- Edited to update plan after laying track ---