GEC's Layout Progress

[Green_Elite_Cab]

May be time to build a new layout though. Too much work trying to revive a steak once it's ground into hamburger.

You're right, though for now, smaller self-propelled units like my MP54s and/or Reading Green Cars, actually do well on my cramped layout. singles or pairs of Budd RDCs, Silverliners or Jersey Arrows also work fairly well.

However, I am focusing most of my efforts on my NEC modules.

Ideally, I'd like to finish the North Elizabeth station's modular benchwork, and then create "quarter" curves, with track radiuses at 36", 38", 40" and 42" for the 4 tracks, and then another pair of modules to "fill in" the oval (Probably an interlocking). This will let me run my electrics and other commuter trains in a semi-natural environment.

If I get bored of going in circles, there is always some switching on my old layout. since the NEC stuff is modular, I can pack it up when not in use. I won't cut down the 4x8 until I have a new permanent layout lined up sometime in the distant future.

Here, you can see the size difference between the Arrow and the MP54s the Arrow replaced. Up until early 1978, MP54s were still running in New Jersey. MP54s in Philadelphia lasted into the early 80s, some repainted, but most still in red or PC Green.

They are undoubtedly though, well suited for the tight curves on most model railroads. In fact, it almost surprises me how small they are to the Arrow IIIs in comparison.