Oakhurst RR

[Ignatosky]

On the trackplan of the HO scale Oakhurst RR in the July 2016 issue, it lists roadbed as N scale.

Can we use N scale roadbed on HO?

I assume it would be for a lower profile but is it wide enough?

[carl425]

Ignatosky

Can we use N scale roadbed on HO?

Yes.

Ignatosky

I assume it would be for a lower profile but is it wide enough?

Correct, it is lower profile.  It is not wide enough.  You can leave a gap in the middle and fill it with caulk, plaster, or anything else including ballast.

If you're open to Homosote roadbed instead of cork, Cascade Rail Supply offers HO scale roadbed in 18" and 12" height and gives you an option of either 45 or 30 degree bevel.  This is what I'm using and I like it very well.  I don't think it would work well for tighter than a 22" radius if that matters to you.

http://cascaderailsupply.com/

[sjcox]

The specification is for a 18" minimum radius.  If someone needs a to go tighter I can make that I just need to know what they want when they place the order.

Steve Cox

Cascade Rail Supply

cascaderailsuply.com

[hornblower]

Ignatosky

If you or anyone else is interested in building a version of this track plan, as one of the very lucky people who regularly operate on this layout, I can assure you that it is a very rewarding track plan.  This layout operates with a real purpose and keeps several operators entertained for hours!  Using logging-style locomotives, regular trains haul empty logging cars from the town of Oakhurst on the lower level, up the "hill" to the logging camps on the upper level, exchange the empty cars for loaded cars, reverse the trains at Fish Camp, then descend the "hill" back toward Oakhurst. However, returning log trains must first haul the loaded log cars to the saw mill for unloading.  Only then can the train return to Oakhurst. Other trains haul supplies, ore, and/or people up and down the hill and there are just enough passing sidings available to keep the layout operating smoothly.  The various sidings, spurs and run-around tracks are just long enough to keep switching maneveurs challenging but entirely workable (with some thought).  Since the continuous loop is not needed during ops sessions, Marty uses the lower helix as staging for SP trains to and from Fresno giving the layout a connection to the outside world.  Given its small footprint, this layout plan offers more bang for the buck than any layout I've operated to date.  You'd be hard pressed to find/develop another track plan that provides as much operating satifaction and any kind of loggin or mining theme would work.  The only design aspect I would change would be increasing the aisle widths as they get a bit tight for three or four not so slim guys like me.  Even so, this layout is so much fun that all operator spots are usually filled within hours of Marty announcing an ops session.

P.S. The published track plan missed a crossover track between the number 1 (on the aisle) and 2 yard tracks about a foot from the stub end of the yard.

 

[Oakhurst Railroad Engineer]

Ignatosky

Can we use N scale roadbed on HO?

I assume it would be for a lower profile but is it wide enough?

Hi there.  It is not wide enough and the ties will stick out a bit.  It is an interesting look and was intended to give a look of poor or temporary trackwork. Or maybe just to avoid looking like a well maintained mailine railroad.  I think it turned out pretty well except in the logging areas, where the track actually looks better with no roadbed.

Thanks for the question!

[Oakhurst Railroad Engineer]

I posted a "user video" on the Model Railroader site on May 31st.  Is was taken in 2013 and was a bit of an experiment with a low cost mini video camera.  You can take a ride from Oakhurst to one of the logging camps to get an idea what a run is like.  I did shorten the time in the helix tunnel to save you from having to see darkness for a very long time.

[Oakhurst Railroad Engineer]

hornblower

P.S. The published track plan missed a crossover track between the number 1 (on the aisle) and 2 yard tracks about a foot from the stub end of the yard.

Yes, that extra crossover gives another run around option in the yard.  I don't use it much when operating alone, but I see people use it during operating sessions when two trains are moving in the yard.  Turns out I left it out of my original rough scanned drawing I sent to MR, so the mistake was mine, not the MR graphic artist (who always does a nice job with these layout drawings by the way).

[mobilman44]

It is lower profile but you may want an extra piece for a bit more width.