Hi All - I am building out a Boston & Maine transition era layout in HO in my 12'x 12' basement room.
I am modeling a stretch of line that runs from Lowell, MA up through Nashua & Manchester, NH. When built out it will include Middlesex Junction (steam/diesel facility along Merrimack River), a mill buidling district, Prince Spaghetti factory, N. Chelmsford Wye and Nashua Yard. I have been posting progress videos on MRR & YouTube - http://mrr.trains.com/videos/user-videos/2017/01/user-video-ho-bm-middlesex-junction-layout-under-construction
I will share a jpg version of the track plan when I figure out how to upload a photo to the forum (not working on my Mac). Your comments and suggestions are welcome.
Figured it out - here is a link to the track plan
https://goo.gl/photos/8XYaBTYsS7qvejrWA
Steve
stelloI will share a jpg version of the track plan when I figure out how to upload a photo to the forum (not working on my Mac).
The way I use photobucket requires Flash, which I don't think MAC's allow. There is a sticky on how to do it in the general forum; plus I posted a bunch of pics on how to do it [url]http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/p/260386/2927165.aspx#2927165[url]
If flash is the problem, try imgur.com At any of the picture hosting sites the link to the picture is usually not the HTTP address at the top of your browser. It has to end in a picture format extension like .jpg .gif .png
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Track Plan of BM Lowell- NH Line
Thanks Henry - I remembered that I could use Google Images!
Pressing the Control key while clicking the image on a Mac allows you to copy the image link (this woudl be right-click on a PC). Then you can use the "insert/edit image" icon in the post window to insert the image -- as here:
Grades and track-to-track spacing (vertically and horizontally) seem like possible challenges at first glance. (Edit: But maybe that's just the rendering and the actual build is different.)
Good luck with your layout.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Be interested in following your progress. I'm in the planning stages of a freelance N-scale layout loosely based in the same area.
First "real" job I ever had was a summer job at Prince, so it will be on the layout somewhere. There are a couple Prince Spaghetti hoppers just waiting for the factory to arrive!
Hi Cuyama
Thanks for the tip! I have been able to maintain 2" to 2.5" track spacing, with minimum mainline radius of 28". The grades run between 2% to 2.25% - in order to get 3.5" clearance. The layout is coming together - been testing various locomotives and rolling stock as I progress - just to make sure they can make the grade. Still have a ways to go, but very happy to finally be building my layout.
Hi - thanks for sharing your interest in my layout. I have been posting some videos on You Tube as I progress - you can find them at https://youtu.be/TD0m3m94URo
Look for Dr. Cybered. Never worked at Prince but seen many a train shuttle through there. Good luck with your layout!
My HO layout is a very similar folded dogbone shape in just a slightly larger area. It also has a lot of grade changes and tight track. It is built and operating and my focus has been on scenery for the past year. So having been there, done that...
First, I actually like your basic concept with the yellow track going under to enable maximum room for sidings/spurs on the upper level across the rear. Didn't think of that trick.
But reach in the dogbone areas and in the upper left and upper right in your plan will be a challenge. I put a popout in one dogbone and a mountain ridge with hidden access behind it for the second dogbone. That way I can reach all the track and scenery. But that does limit the track that can go in the center of the dogbones.
I kept all of my turnouts on level track to make sure they are completely reliable and most all of them are within easy reach. You have a lot of turnouts on grades and many are far from being easy to reach. Trust me, even if the turnouts are bullet-proof you will accidently run trains through with the points set the wrong way which ends up in massive derailments. Something to consider because you will have to be able to reach the train to set it all right.
In order to keep the grades reasonable you will not have much level track. Not a problem but it does complicate things a bunch. I'd like to see this layout get built. Looks very challenging but doable, especially if simplified a bit.
Huntington Junction - Freelance based on the B&O and C&O in coal country before the merger... doing it my way. Now working on phase 3. - Walt
For photos and more: http://www.wkhobbies.com/model-railroad/
Just watched your video. Glad to see it is being built and going well so far!
stello:
Great progress on your layout! Nice smooth track! Keep us posted!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
HObby Guy - Excellent points - I do worry about reach in some areas. On the left side dogbone (South Lowell), I moved most sidings to the front of layout, and have included a hatch to reach the crossover against the wall. Still thinking through how I will achieve this on the other side (Mill District). I was also able to make cut-outs in the wall along the "River" so I can access the Lower Level track and turnouts from the utility room beyond my room.
Because of the constant grade, I am challenged with turnout locations on grades. Have already replaced a Walthers Double Crossover in South Lowell with a simpler set of Peco #6 turnouts for a smoother, single crossover. Also trying to use #7 (curved) and #8 turnouts on the mainline wherever possible.
Thanks for taking the time to review and comment!