Full Version: Port Able Lines subsidiary Penvan Railroad
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One of the track plans that I am considering for the Port Able Lines subsidiary, the Penvan Railroad. I don't have space in my apartment for a permanent layout and I want a layout that I can take to train shows.

The back story is that the line's biggest customer, the Rikol Auto Parts Corporation closed (which was responsible for about 5,000 car loads per year) and Conrail was not interested in serving the final 3 customers. The city of Penvan bought the track for the industrial park and named the Penvan Railroad as the designated operator. The Penvan Railroad was later bought by the small short line company, Port Able Lines.

It's 90x18 inches so that I can fold it up into a 45x18 inches with 22.5x18 inch wings  so that I can store it out of the way and transport it to train shows. At 45inches long, it will fit in the back of my car much easier than if it was 48 inches.

The buildings will be removable and I plan to store the cars, locomotives, and DCC controller inside of the framework for the layout. I will either set the layout on a table or attach removable legs.

All 4 turnouts are Atlas Snap Track Code 83 18 inch radius and the minimum radius is 18 inches as well.

The drill lead is 27 inches long, so I can fit 2 cars and a switcher. I will only have 3 cars maximum dropped off at the interchange for an operating session

The parking lot/loading dock on the right side of E. D. Ibble Foods is elevated so that the overpass acts as a view block along with the trees.

I added a yard/sorting track to the plan for car storage and to make switching easier. I'm going with the story that it was once part of the passing siding for the industrial park.

Hardley-Able Manufacturing has 2 car spots, one loading dock and one overhead crane.

E. D. Ibble Foods also has 2 car spots, one loading dock and one covered loading dock for tank cars and covered hoppers as well as a loading dock.

Reece-Eichel Salvage and RU Ready Mix share a track with an underground cement loader and clearance for forklift operations when unloading flat cars of lumber.

My car flow chart is figured for 2-3 car loads operating session (15 cars per week maximum):

Customer                                        In/Out
Hardley-Able Manufacturing         4/1
E. D. Ibble Foods                             4/1
RU Ready Mix                                  3/0
Reece-Eichel Salvage Yard            0/2

Total                                                11/4

Approximately 650 car loads are handled annually.
Looks like that would be great to operate.
Lots of possible switching in one session.
I hope so!
If ever someone needs to be in N or Z scale...................................................................
Hey Mike,
My eyes can barely cope with HO Scale. Byron Henderson told me the same thing.
Get your eyes checked before you go blind!
Nice looking plan with lots of switching and 2-3 cars a day sounds good for your industries. SCR handles around 20 cars a week or 4 cars daily. Around 1,040 annually.
Mike I tried to respond to your PM but your PM box is full and won't accept any more messages. You totally misunderstood my comments. As soon as you empty out your box I will explain. Thanks
I been thinking.. A GE 45 ton engine would look mighty good doing the switching.. Of course a 0-6-0T would look good too.

At 71 am I becoming a steam engine fan?
I do plan on a 45 tonner to operate on it. You read my mind.
Hello Mike,

Any update on the Penn Van layout?  Would love to hear more.
I'm intrigued by the traffic analysis you've done for the layout.
In my experience, a switching layout can provide many hours of relaxation.

I assume that Port Able has not yet been constructed or is on hold?

--Hillyard
Hey Hillyard,
I have some personal things going on right now, so the Penvan Railroad is on hold for now, but things could change soon, so hopefully I can get started.