05-31-2013, 02:42 PM
I think that Ray said he only had a length of 12ft (144in) available and Mike's plan is for 14ft. Even if Ray could add the the additional 2 feet, the switching lead is not long enough to be able to work the spurs comfortably. Even a very simple looking plan like this designed for Ray's available space (12ft x 14in) and using Peco No. 8 turnouts, would provide for a nice long switching session with an ample switching lead. Having two different main industries along with the transload track would take care of most all of Ray's equipment types.
The transload track could handle all sorts of cars: tank cars, covered hoppers of different types and commodities, box cars of various products, reefers if not used at one of the main structures and of course your bulkhead flats of lumber, wallboard, etc. The Centerbeams would be a problem as you must have access to both sides of the car, so in that case you might want to move the transload track closer to the edge to allow for access on both sides of the track; if necessary, move the main track a bit closer to the rear and reduce the depth of the two main industry structures.
For some ideas, I show some features on the transload such as the office and truck scale along with a dock and ramp at the end. Industries A and B can be whatever you find interesting and at least one of them should handle mostly box cars. The two non-rail served structures gives the plan the feel of your typical industrial spur.
Trying to find one large industry that would handle the majority of your equipment types is going to be a problem, as you've no doubt seen and a plan like this allows for more variety. You could of course change the industries from time to time as several folks have suggested and that would give you even more variety.
For some ideas, I show some features on the transload such as the office and truck scale along with a dock and ramp at the end. Industries A and B can be whatever you find interesting and at least one of them should handle mostly box cars. The two non-rail served structures gives the plan the feel of your typical industrial spur.
Trying to find one large industry that would handle the majority of your equipment types is going to be a problem, as you've no doubt seen and a plan like this allows for more variety. You could of course change the industries from time to time as several folks have suggested and that would give you even more variety.
Ed
"Friends don't let friends build Timesavers"
"Friends don't let friends build Timesavers"