HO Scale Erie/DL&W Transfer Yard, Paterson, NJ

[Erie1951]

My Sn3 layout work came to a grinding halt when I found myself in a corner. Sn3 brass steam was out of the question because of cost so, as an alternative, I planned to build a couple of Sn3 electric locos with pantographs to run under catenary. All the hand-laid track and custom turnouts were DCC-ready and all set to go. The locos were to be DCC equipped and run on track power. Well, that would require getting motorized trucks for scratchbuilding the locos and that's where the problems started. I searched for Sn3 motorized trucks from all the known manufacturers like Hollywood Foundry, NWSL, the distributors of the Bull Ant motorized trucks etc. and found that no one makes them in Sn3 either r-t-r or custom any longer! I'm not that skilled enough to fabricate my own, although I researched the possibility, and that ended the layout. I ripped up the hand-laid track, custom-made turnouts, and wiring, saving the Tortoise motors and as much usable wire and other parts as I could. I've decided to come back home to HO once more. The new layout will be a mythical freight car transfer yard between the DL&W and the Erie located in Paterson, NJ circa 1950. I already have diesels and rolling stock built or bought over the years that are era-correct and now I'm ready to start funding the hand-laid track and turnouts after the holidays. I have the 4'x7' plywood table-top and frame already built and it sits on top of a rolling base frame that's hinged in the back so that I can prop the layout up at a 45° angle eliminating the need to crawl under the layout for installing wiring and turnout motors. At my age, I don't do hands-and knees work any longer.    Here's my track plan (v4) with the future section to the right of the existing shelf benchwork. I certainly welcome comments and suggestions!

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[Erie1951]

My first track plan upload didn't work, so I went back and read the direction on how to post an image. Always read the instructions! Anyway, here it is.

 

[hon30critter]

Hi Russ,

I'm sorry to hear that Sn3 didn't work out for you. I'm sure you are very disappointed. Look at the bright side - think of all the experience you gained.

Dave

[Erie1951]

hon30critter

Hi Russ,

I'm sorry to hear that Sn3 didn't work out for you. I'm sure you are very disappointed. Look at the bright side - think of all the experience you gained.

Dave

You're right, Dave...I gained quite a bit of experience in hand-laying track and turnouts, wiring, DCC, etc. I'm really looking forward to spiking down that first rail!