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Switching Layout

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  • Member since
    April 2020
  • 526 posts
Switching Layout
Posted by Ringo58 on Friday, July 10, 2020 11:24 AM

Just started this layout last week in my new apartment. Just wated to share and get some feedback on it as I want to make sure its done right 

 

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Posted by Ringo58 on Friday, July 10, 2020 11:26 AM

 

 

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    November 2013
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Posted by snjroy on Friday, July 10, 2020 2:53 PM

Hi there. No one is responding, but perhaps I can get the ball rolling.

- Since this is a switching layout, you might consider the setting as being a yard. In that case, you don't necessarily need to add the roadbed, which would be consistent with the prototype. You can always carve some drainage points in the foam it you don't want it to look too flat.

-Now is the time to think about your background! I see that you have some odd shapes in the wall. You could disguise that with buildings, or do a proper background using masonite. My vote goes with masonite.

-Your framework and foam are on the thick side... that makes it more complicated if you want to add wiring or switch machines.

-If you want comments on the actual plan, I suggest you post a picture of that.

Anyway, that's my two cents worth. Let's see what the gurus will say...

Simon

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Posted by Ringo58 on Friday, July 10, 2020 5:05 PM

Thanks for getting the ball rolling haha. I plan to have the far spur track serving a bakery so I can use multiple types of rollingstock to change things up. And the closer siding as a sorting track. 

As far as my plans go, I just wanted a single industry layout that transitions to a more rual area ( I'm going for a northern IL southern WI look because thats where I live) As you move from the plant I want it to fade into a wooded scene with a walthers 90' single track bridge crossing a small stream. And farther down a grade crossing where I can use the horn. Era is going to be set sometime in the late 80s-early 90s( even up to early 2000 so I can show off my WSOR genesis loco) 

For that ugly bump, I was planning to cover it up with a dense forest that you see around here in the summer 

And the foam I wanted to be on the thicker side so I can carve out that stream and ditches.

For the wiring I have it connected at both ends and will run it under the layout with a quick plug to change from DCC to DC easily. I use PECO switches and find it fun to throw them by hand so no switch machines for me

  • Member since
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  • From: Reading, PA
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Posted by rrinker on Friday, July 10, 2020 6:26 PM

 I had to look twice, it looked a lot like the room in my apartment where I had my previous layout. Same color wall paint, that same pilaster to deal with, and the same double layer of foam. If you say the other side of the room has a sloping ceiling, I'm going to wonder if you live in my old place Laugh

                                         --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
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Posted by BRAKIE on Friday, July 10, 2020 7:33 PM

Ringo58
As far as my plans go, I just wanted a single industry layout that transitions to a more rual area

Sounds good..

If I may?

I have built two single industry switching layouts and found that I favor several spots favoring cover hoppers,boxcars and tank cars. To change things  a empty gon would be spotted for production scrap every 10th operation.. I also had a off spot storage track for overflow cars in order to enhance operations since these cars would need to be cherry picked and  spotted.

 

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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Posted by Ringo58 on Saturday, July 11, 2020 7:04 AM

That's why I went with the bakery! I like having A variety of cars to spot. Makes it more fun for me. And thats a great idea for the Gon! I have a few CNW gons that I use to store supplies in since I didn't have a spot for them on the layout, now I do!

 

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  • 526 posts
Posted by Ringo58 on Saturday, July 11, 2020 7:04 AM

Downtown Antioch?

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: OH
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Posted by BRAKIE on Saturday, July 11, 2020 8:12 AM

Ringo58
And thats a great idea for the Gon! I have a few CNW gons that I use to store supplies in since I didn't have a spot for them on the layout, now I do!

You could also deliver a flat car loaded with a new large conveyor oven from time to time.

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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