Tar Branch for N Scale

[MikeShort]

I was quite taken with the Tar Branch in the January 2018 issue of MR (and the 2017 MRP). So I used Scarm to create a (mostly) sectional version of the layout. This one is 4 1/2 by 2 ft. When I build it, I'm going to extend it to 5 ft, because the stub in the middle track on the left is barely long enough for a locomotive and one car.

I don't plan to build the module using sectional track, but I had enough to do a proof-of-concept, hence the design.

There are two flex track pieces: one on the middle track just to the left of the first turnout from the left, and one connecting the middle track and lower track just past the second turnout. I've also added a run-around and second team track at the front, because I have two tracks running off an existing module, and because Dave Popp said he wishes he had a run-around.

Here's the link:

https://imgur.com/a/VEuYU

and a picture:

[MikeShort]

For those of you seeing a lot of editing of this post, I have never posted a picture, and it took some "practice," but I finally got it.

[Pruitt]

I'm looking forward to seeing your build on this, Mike!

[MikeShort]

I'm planning to use the track plan, but I'll be going my own way on the buildings and fictitious setting. Instead of using the curving backdrop idea, I'm going to use that space for a waterway and cannery, for example.

[fmilhaupt]

Nice adaptation of the plan there, Mike!

After the plan appeared in Model Railroad Planning, last year, we adapted it to use as the plant trackage for an aluminum tube plant. Most everything behind the track will be a large brick and concrete manufacturing plant.

We went the other way, and simplified the plan by removing a couple of the sidings from the original plan.

Here is where we are with it now.

The drop-down staging is out of frame, to the right. When I took this picture a few months ago, we had blue tape over the track in preparation for painting the foam base.

This piece will stay home when we bring the Operations Road Show layout on the road.

[MikeShort]

I finally got my garage back (my workshop), so very basic progress has been made. 

Here's the roughed-out Shoreline South Branch (using the N scale variation on the Tar Branch track plan): 

 

It will connect to the North Branch:

Here's where it connects:

Because I couldn't work on benchwork, I've pretty much finished the buildings (except for signage). I've also now cut the flextrack I'm using to size. I need to fill in the seams and have a lot of work to do on the inlet. Once that is done, it should go pretty quickly: work out where the roads go, lay the track, and get the scenery in place.

Rather than bend the backdrop like David Popp did, I'm using that space for an inlet and a cannery:

It's been fun the operate (and build the structures) even in its incomplete state.

[Jon_PDX]

Very interesting, I like it. Looking for ward to your progress. Jon...