How does this sound for a layout plan?

[Anonymous]

I've been pondering on this for a bit and have an idea for an ultimate layout plan....a nice sized layout that can resemble a city, and for this plan would be unique--to create a highway or freeway to go over some of the railroad tracks, complete with highway signs and all. I think it would be awesome. Of course my ultimate plan will not be possible until I have the space and have my own house someday, so that could possibly take a long time. But at least I can still dream eh?

[pbjwilson]

Hi Trainmaster from Holland MI, Tulip City USA. There was an article in CTT not long ago about a postwar layout that was just as you decribe. Trains traveled about on one level and a highway above it on another level. At one end of the highway was a very stylized city. Perhaps someone here can tell you what issue it was in. It may have even been a Lionel Display layout. Anyway, hang in there and keep on dreaming.

[darianj]

Hey Trainmaster, That sounds like a great idea to me. Go For It!

[Anonymous]

Sounds great to me, especially since I love diecast cars. I'd rather have elevated roadways than full-size trains "running in the air". My small layout is city/urban. With this, you can pack a lot of "interest" into your available space. Joe

[mickey4479]

Trainmaster. My grandparents lived in Holland many years ago. In the late 1950's and early 1960's they owned a little restaurant on the south side of the bay. When I was 12 years old, my brother, 3 years my junior, and I visited there for a week or so. We used to eat pancakes until they were coming out of our ears, play the pinball machine and rat around the docks. It was a sweet time. I understand that Holland became a real destination for folks and that lake side or near lake property is very valuable. Just so I stay on point for this RR forum, my grandfather was an engineer on a work train that worked in northern Ill. My 3rd brother has about 20 years in at CNW and UP. Your plan sounds neat.

[jefelectric]

Sounds good to me also. I'm with Joe, when I go to train shows I usually end up buying more diecast cars and trucks than train stuff.

John

[Dave Farquhar]

The interstates in downtown Kansas City, Mo. just seem to spiral, with one elevated highway going over another elevated highway. Since I'm from there originally, any layout that recalls that sounds good to me. It would be doable too, now that 1:43 slot cars are available. Or you could do it with HO slot cars, which are really 1:64 (close in size to O27). Like Paul said, Lionel did it with one of their 1950s display layouts but it's something that really hasn't been explored much since.

[mickey4479]

Dave Far... When did you last visit KC for some great BBQ? [dinner]

The downtown interstate tangle in KC is nothing compared to the "Grandview Triangle" at the southeast end of the city which name I dare say was appropriately borrowed from the infamous Bermuda Triangle. There are several highways that converge.

1. I-435 south does a 90 degree right to become I-435 west.
2. I -435 south and east bound from Kansas can link to I-470 east.
3. I -435 south, I -470 west and I-435 east from Kansas can go south on MO HWY 71.
4. MO Hwy 71 northbound can go I-435 North, I-435 west, I-470 east or continue north on the Bruce Watkins to downtown and eventually I-70 east or west or link up with I-35/I-29 north.
[%-)]

[Dave Farquhar]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mickey4479

Dave Far... When did you last visit KC for some great BBQ? [dinner]

November. That's way too long.

[Anonymous]

The more I think of the idea, the more I want to implement it. But unfortunately it will take alot of time and planning....not to mention the adequate space needed to house such a layout. I guess until that time comes, I can work on a plan and design for such a layout. Only thing is that I dont know much about scenery, though im sure it cant be that tough. Should try to see if I still have any of those old highway signs from the old US-1 toy set I had as a child (if anyone still remembers what that was).

But either way, time is on my side, so I can take the time and plan the ultimate layout of how I would like it to be, and hopefully will come to pass. :)