12-01-2011, 02:58 AM
faraway Wrote:For modern ISL might be careful selection an alternative to selective compression.
The prototype proportions of modern slab buildings to 60' cars and two GP38-2 doing the switch job are given. The realism will suffer severe if we destroy that proportions on our layout.
ps. I did look at many many video clips on youtube what kind of engine power is used today serving industry. We should accept that two full size engines (minimum length GP15, maximum length Genset) are the standard "switchers" today. That has severe impact on the length of stub tracks to hold the cars to dropped/picked plus the "switcher" doing the job. Youtube has many clips with great examples how BNSF and UP are serving local industry in the LA basin (we should not focus to much on the LAJ because that is more the exception than the norm). Two full size engines are the minimum. The last UPY SW1500 left the LA basin in 2008.... no more excuse for short engines.
...... assuming all buildings have the very same size. But even if they had, we should accept that giving the impression the building is modelled to scale, is what we are after. Lot of neat little tricks, e.g. selective compressinon, could do a lot.
Choosing the modelled spot cleverly, like era and locale, compressed selection, makes it easier to fit a scene in. I would think i could date back my layout to 2007 and still be modern, even modelling LA basin.
Paul