I am looking for advice/input on my future layout plan. I am planning on tearing down my current layout and getting the benchwork for part of the new one up this winter, in between my schoolwork and job.
https://northcountrytrains.wordpress.com/2021/01/08/were-getting-closer-closing-in-on-the-final-trackplan-for-my-new-layout/
Today I consulted a local expert on the D&H in my time period and have completed a more finalized trackplan for the Plattsburgh yard/station and former Ausable Branch area. After a heated legal battle, I was finally able to get the investors/owners of the other railroads give me some more trackage rights… Well, ok, they didn’t give me any definite answers yet, but I’m pretty sure I can extend the layout to the post, shown in dark red. Here’s the plan as of now.
Hopefully, if you’re from the area you can somewhat recognize the Plattsburgh train station, the yard, and the Ausable branch. Also, things are starting to get more complicated… but don’t worry, I’m still planning on taking a more modular approach, so hopefully I won’t get weighed down too much. In this 3D render, you can see the removable staging yard with a 10 car train, the two peninsulas, and that darn pole.
The Plattsburgh yard will be the operational hub of the layout, with a full time switcher/local crew, SC-12. The track that extends beyond the green area will be a clamp on extension, representing the dock area.
Here is how the layout will function operationally:
The SC-12 will be a full time job, switching cars from through freights and switching the industries on the line.
The two “local” through freights, the southbound SC-20, and the northbound SC-19 (present day CP 252 and 253), would run between the two staging yards and pickup and setout cars in Plattsburgh.
The two “paper trains”, RW-6 and WR-1, (the hottest trains on the D&H North End) would run, at the beginning (northbound) and end (southbound) of each session. These trains would not work Plattsburgh.
There would possibly be more through freights, but I have not done the research on that yet.
I haven’t finalized the GP mill part of the layout yet, but that will most likely be the last part I build, so I’m not too concerned about it at the moment.
Well, I don’t have much more to say, other then I will continue to refine the plan as I (cringe) slowly start to tear down my existing 4×8. As usual, if anyone has any comments, suggestions, or questions, please post them below. -Harrison
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Sorry Harrison, but I don't see a "red" section that would represent new sections to the layout. I DO see some track that is close the side of the benchwork... If you park some rolling stock there, a loose elbow can knock them down pretty easily.
Simon
JaBear- I only meant that remark as a joke, we generally agree and are quite resonable about space limits.
Simon- the dark red is the post, by "S Junction Road". Previously, I had to leave 2 feet of space to walk in between the layout and that post, but now I (am pretty sure) that I can extend to the post. Sorry for the confusion.
HarrisonJaBear- I only meant that remark as a joke,
Hi Harrison. Like Bear I am no track planner.
In your plan I am sure you have in it all you must want. If so great. Many a plan falls by the wayside because things are not there, or things included that are not neccessary.
Remember; further into the modeling to include things non-railroad related. Include little scenes to bring the layout alive.
Looking forward to seeing you progress.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
JaBear- just making sure, all taken in fun.
David- thanks for the advice. I intend to model a few streets in Plattsburgh not directly related to the railroad, as well as some farmfields.