03-30-2012, 06:56 AM
Been some time since I posted any updates on here, but I've been side tracked (pun intended) with working on a book and some other things and really haven't been doing much model railroading. Really want to get going on the layout now as I need the relaxation and diversion from the other stuff. After months, and months, and ... of planning and experimenting with different track plans, I've come to the realization that if I want to get this layout built, then I need to keep it simple, yet still be realistic.
I've spent untold hours on Google/Bing maps looking at various locations around the country and even experimented with different layout themes, but I keep coming back to the industrial spur theme and my goal of using the least amount of turnouts and track while still having destinations for all my equipment. One other point, for whatever reason, I keep referring back to Lance Mindheim's simple Palmetto Spur and the excellent version of it that alcanman (Mal) has achieved: http://www.the-gauge.net/forum/viewtopic...=46&t=4317. So in that regard, I decided to see what I could do by simply extending that simple plan. This is what I've come up with (layout dimensions are 20 ft x 18 in):
The layout is strictly freelance and doesn't attempt to model any actual location, but rather it represents a "typical" industrial spur that might be found in any of the cities once served by the L&N and incorporates features found on many industrial spurs around the country.
I haven't completely decided on what each industry will be on the layout but have found many around the country that would work well for my equipment and interests. Although I'm not wild about it, the transload facility does have its possibilities so I have included that as a main industry. I've also included a commonly found feature of having more than one industry on a single spur (Industry C and D). Not only does it add visual interest by having the track swing from one structure to the other, it adds operational interest.
The black structures represent non-rail served structures, which give the layout that "concrete canyon" look so often found on industrial spurs and it helps to hide the staging track/switching lead. The highway overpass at the end helps disguise the end of the spur where it would connect to the main line. The final design might include a dummy switch just under the overpass to help give the impression that the railroad does actually go on to other points.
I'll probably lay this out today and do some test operating sessions and if it works out to my liking, then I can actually (finally??) start construction. I know people get worn out seeing the constant changes so I won't go any further with this thread until such time as I actually start building the darn thing.
I've spent untold hours on Google/Bing maps looking at various locations around the country and even experimented with different layout themes, but I keep coming back to the industrial spur theme and my goal of using the least amount of turnouts and track while still having destinations for all my equipment. One other point, for whatever reason, I keep referring back to Lance Mindheim's simple Palmetto Spur and the excellent version of it that alcanman (Mal) has achieved: http://www.the-gauge.net/forum/viewtopic...=46&t=4317. So in that regard, I decided to see what I could do by simply extending that simple plan. This is what I've come up with (layout dimensions are 20 ft x 18 in):
I haven't completely decided on what each industry will be on the layout but have found many around the country that would work well for my equipment and interests. Although I'm not wild about it, the transload facility does have its possibilities so I have included that as a main industry. I've also included a commonly found feature of having more than one industry on a single spur (Industry C and D). Not only does it add visual interest by having the track swing from one structure to the other, it adds operational interest.
The black structures represent non-rail served structures, which give the layout that "concrete canyon" look so often found on industrial spurs and it helps to hide the staging track/switching lead. The highway overpass at the end helps disguise the end of the spur where it would connect to the main line. The final design might include a dummy switch just under the overpass to help give the impression that the railroad does actually go on to other points.
I'll probably lay this out today and do some test operating sessions and if it works out to my liking, then I can actually (finally??) start construction. I know people get worn out seeing the constant changes so I won't go any further with this thread until such time as I actually start building the darn thing.
Ed
"Friends don't let friends build Timesavers"
"Friends don't let friends build Timesavers"