The OP last posted in 2010, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for an answer.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I found this posting bia google. I have the same problem I have a new house with a two car garage, my f150 doesn't fit and my wife doesn't drive yet so I have room for a L shape layout running along two walls in the garage so the bench work will be L griders mount on the wall on the studs with plywood boxes and foam on top. I originally planned to do the me wsor layout from 2008 too big not enough switching
I have his cat mount from 1996 which is designed to gig an 11x11 room.. I may add the query scene from the 2013 mr winter hill branch.. So do u have copies of your final version ?
" I built the South Plains district, making a few changes. Firstly I bent it into a U shape to fit my room (although really there's no operational difference) and reversed a couple of the sidings so that there were fewer switchbacks:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v493/wayerst/latestandgreatest/
In the end I tore it down because it's so operationally limiting, imagining trains dropping off and picking up cars doesn't have a patch on it actually happening."
I suppose i can see your point, however, it depends on what you enjoy doing. I enjoy switching and being an Operations Manager in 'real' life i find that part interesting. In addition i enjoy the small industrial area as it reminds me of where i grew up. Lastly, i prefer to build something i can complete on a busy schedule and this by far meets the bill (i will only have one other person helping once a week at most).
I certainly enjoyed looking at your photos. Looks like you have the planning and building part down pat. I look forward to seeing pictures of your current and future work.
NC
Modeling the fictional B&M Dowe, NH branch in the early 50's.
Yeah, to me its all about 'out of the armchair'. I have a finished area in my basement that is 12' X 12'. I am thinking about seperating the two sections of the L-shape and putting them on opposite sides of the wall. Then i will run a long section of track across the back wall and connect them. In the future i am thinking about putting in a 'wye' there and then another industrial district coming out the middle in parallel with the 2 current sections. My biggest decision is do i make it 50's steam era (like a freelances T&P with oil burners)? or perhaps adapt it to the railroads in Virginia where i live and keep it 40-50's steam as well.
That appears to be the main decision at this point.
I built the South Plains district, making a few changes. Firstly I bent it into a U shape to fit my room (although really there's no operational difference) and reversed a couple of the sidings so that there were fewer switchbacks:
In the end I tore it down because it's so operationally limiting, imagining trains dropping off and picking up cars doesn't have a patch on it actually happening.
Certainly thought about it, although with twelve years under the bridge I could have had it built many times over (analysis paralysis, perhaps?). I think it's a great plan to get "out of the armchair" and operating.
Also doesn't hurt that I already have a load of Atlas c83 flex and #505/506 no. 6 turnouts on hand, as well as a pair of BN geeps and plenty of appropriate rolling stock. Jeez, maybe I should just get on with it...
I was wondering if anyone ever built the South Plains District layout that appeared in Model Railroader. I have often strayed into my home turf of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to try and model but the operations bug has always pointed me back to this plan.
Any thoughts or ideas or comments on it. Any modifications that you have seen that made it better.
Here is the website with track plans to jar your memory since it was back in 1996:
http://www.blackbearcc.com/SoPlains.htm
Thanks!