Hi guys,
Time to start a new edition of this thread. Please feel free to do so and link back to this one.
Thanks,Erik
I don't think I've ever seen a passenger train that dirty. Scratch that. Here's one that's even dirtier.
Still nothing accomplished. Got band exam on friday- the most annoying phrase you could ever think of is stuck in my head!!! And the six others next week. However, I have Monday off, which I'll probably spend studying anyway, and next Friday is make-ups.
My Model Railroad: Tri State RailMy Photos on Flickr: FlickrMy Videos on Youtube: YoutubeMy Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives
Guilford Guy
Geez Alex... And you thought MY locomotives were dirty!
I painted my RDC's black!
Not Really... I was testing out the weathering on the two RDC's that are going to be stripped anyways. I'm ditching the Proto 1000 paint, and giving it Alclad for a more realistic finish. Anyways, I like the gray effect in general, and will probably use a similar method when painting the UNDER bodies of locomotives... No, I don't feel like painting any LVRC equipment black!
Alex
Railfan Alex We heard you the first time Jordan! No need to post 12 million times!
We heard you the first time Jordan! No need to post 12 million times!
But it's very important and must be read!!!!! (Just kidding, Trains.com wasn't being very nice today...)
My Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/JR7582 My Flickr Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wcfan/
As for track planning, I would like to get together soon, but with exams, it can be a little tough. But like I said, after exams, there should be a good two weeks of relaxation.
We don't go to the same school either, so no chance of taking 5 minutes to discuss it. It's too bad we don't go to the same school, cause I think this would make a pretty awesome grade 11 personal project! We'd just have to make up some baloney on what the purpose of doing the project, besides it's fun. I don't think too many people at school would think it to be fun...
green_elite_cab Anyways, AS far as your layout goes, i'm sure you don't need two helixes. Have you considered double tracking the first helix? I'd like to see your plan, and the space you have. as long as you have enough room for return loop, you can get your mainline to go back onto your helix, and have them seperate in a convenient way. I have two Ideas, first the easy one, then the hard one (which isn't so much hard as it requires some work). 1). Many railroads would have a branch or something that can serve as an alternate route in case the mainline is too congested or some incident forces traffic to be diverged. It is only logical that you can make an excuse for your branchline to be the "detour". Just give yourself some sort of hidden staging for the through trains that pass by every once in a while, and you're set. 2.) I personally dislike helixes. they take up to much space for almost nothing in the way of a layout, other than giving the train some extra "distance. What i would do is combine them, but loose the helixes. i'd make your bottom deck a mainline operation, and you can focus more on the scenery there. If you can hide half of this deck, just make it staging for through trains. then, have a "tunnel" that goes to your branch, but have a track elevator (these can be easily constructed and can hold a reasonable train done right), and then just make your upper deck the branchline where you do the switching. It would give you so much extra space, assuming you've got enough room, but if you have room for a helix, then you have room to do the suggestions i have provided. Also, i'm assuming its no accident that your reporting marks equal "Win". thats awesome. good luck!
Anyways, AS far as your layout goes, i'm sure you don't need two helixes. Have you considered double tracking the first helix? I'd like to see your plan, and the space you have. as long as you have enough room for return loop, you can get your mainline to go back onto your helix, and have them seperate in a convenient way.
I have two Ideas, first the easy one, then the hard one (which isn't so much hard as it requires some work).
1). Many railroads would have a branch or something that can serve as an alternate route in case the mainline is too congested or some incident forces traffic to be diverged. It is only logical that you can make an excuse for your branchline to be the "detour". Just give yourself some sort of hidden staging for the through trains that pass by every once in a while, and you're set.
2.) I personally dislike helixes. they take up to much space for almost nothing in the way of a layout, other than giving the train some extra "distance. What i would do is combine them, but loose the helixes. i'd make your bottom deck a mainline operation, and you can focus more on the scenery there. If you can hide half of this deck, just make it staging for through trains. then, have a "tunnel" that goes to your branch, but have a track elevator (these can be easily constructed and can hold a reasonable train done right), and then just make your upper deck the branchline where you do the switching. It would give you so much extra space, assuming you've got enough room, but if you have room for a helix, then you have room to do the suggestions i have provided.
Also, i'm assuming its no accident that your reporting marks equal "Win". thats awesome. good luck!
Well, I can fit one reverse loop, but I don't think I can fit another one at the opposite end of the layout. I'll only have a maximum of 4, maybe 4 and 1/2 feet, to have a reverse loop. The height of the layout is fairly low too, as it needs to stay under a breaker box. The Second level was just going to be a staging level. I'd like my layout to be a photographic video layout, but also have a main line and switching operations, with out cramming in everything and making it unrealistic. Scenery is something I'd like to work on. Humm, a lot of things to ask for in one layout. I may need to cut something out, or switch to a different scale, which won't be happening. I'll get the dimensions of the room/rooms soon.
Extra post...
Extra Post...
Trains.com was being a female dog... extra post....
Jeez, what happened over the weekend while I was gone! Tyler hope your okay!!! Hope he's with you!!! The reason I've been gone for a while is because I have been playing with my Trainz!!! No not a spelling error a game, A more fun version of your guyz silly CAD although I might download that, well, here are some screen shots of a possible canidate 4x8 layout that I may build.
I later took out all the weeds because it was eating at my FPS.
I know that my home road is a shortline, but we bought the old GP40 off of CSX and they left it on the interchange with the other cars.
OK, I'm going to download that! Thx for the link Tyler!
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
Tyler, that link to the Google CAD program is the coolest thing I've seen in a while! Here's what I managed to whip up in an hour and a half. If I can do it, anyone can! Two 3D shots of my prospective layout.
Well, I got all the pieces for my pikestuff multi-purpose building cut (I'm building it at 10 ft. high, so had to cut on the lines to get them to fit). I'm going to build it as is (still blue and white, no paint) b/c it'll be easier and I'll have it built sooner. Will probably get most of the work done Friday, and finish it up Saturday. Then I'll get to work on my DPM Trackside Transfer kit. I have to paint this one though (SCL Hopper beige for trim, probably a color I want to use up for brick).
Nope, I'm back on my computer again. I can sit up without head support fine, except a few things are still hard, like getting dressed (pulling clothes over my head still hurts) and lifting heavy objects.
I made the benchwork design using Google Sketchup, a free 3D CAD program. It took only about an hour to create the various models and take the screenshots.
I'm looking forward to seeing your track plan ideas!
Packer Didn't know about their not being coal in Northern Quebec.
Didn't know about their not being coal in Northern Quebec.
Sorry, I meant Southern Quebec. There are a few isolated mines way up north. To my knoledge, none are very big, and none are rail served.
And wow! Ty, you've put a lot of work into that! Thank you so much!
Did you do the drawings on your dad's iphone?
Your plan really sounds good. I'm not sure Jules has space for a layout, but I think it would turn out fine anyways. I really like your idea. It helps my home layout come along as well, because I really wasn't sure how I was going to mount that to the wall anyhow. I guess me and Jules need to really sit down, come up with an idea, and start drawing some track plans. It would be the perfect time to start now, with exams being over in a week. School work should be pretty light for the next couple of weeks.
Tyler's idea is great. That would work out pretty well.
As much as I hate to say this phrase, I will anyway: Still nothing new. I have a band midterm exam this Friday and all other six exams are next week, so it's been busy. If I finish my homework early, maybe I could finally finish the road and whatever else I get to.
Well, it definetely wouldn't connect to your layout over the shelf and desk. It WOULD be the layout over the shelf and desk, and it would be sectional (connects to your friend's section to make the bigger layout for shows). Let me illustrate my benchwork ideas:
This is the base. It has the surface (plywood, if you want foam it will go on top of this) that is 7 (or 8, or however long your layout is) by 1 1/2 feet deep. If you want 2' deep, that's fine too, you'll just have to adjust the dimensions. This base has 2-by-4s screwed to the bottom. The one in back is flush with the back of the layout surface, and the front one is set two inches back from the front surface. Each end of the 2x4 ends two inches away from the ends of the layout board. The back one has eight holes drilled in it, shown in the illustration. The layout is the same on both ends. The front one has four holes, also shown in the illustration.
The backdrop will attach to the back, bolted onto four of the holes. It will have holes matching up with all eight holes in the 2x4s, but only four (the inside two on each end) will have bolts in them. The bolts attach with the nut end inside the benchwork.
When used as a module (a section of your show layout) it will have legs bolted to those extra holes. The bolts will go through the outside holes on all four corners, and on the back will also go through the backdrop through those extra holes I mentioned.
When used as a home layout mounted above your shelf and desk, it will sit in this structure which is attached to the wall or however you plan to mount this. It is exactly the dimensions of the layout board, except it is a 1/2 inch deeper. I've highlighted it red in this illustration.
The layout simply drops into it like this. The extra 1/2 deeper allows for imperfections and the bolt head that's attaching ther backdrop on. Remember that the 2x4s are two inches away from the front and the ends? This is to allow for this support structure.
Any questions? This would probably work for your friend as well, because he can attach the layout support structure to his wall or he can set it up like a module.
Railfan Alex Packer, I am assuming those ideas were for your layout, right? If not, I wouldn't be able to model a coal plant in Northern Quebec. There are quite a few mines, but definately not coal.
Packer, I am assuming those ideas were for your layout, right? If not, I wouldn't be able to model a coal plant in Northern Quebec. There are quite a few mines, but definately not coal.
Yeah they were. However, the coal mine idea I picked up after I took the layout down. The one with the feed mill (don't have any reefers, yet) I had working. Didn't know about their not being coal in Northern Quebec.
Vincent
Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....
2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.
WCfan Guilford Guy TrainManTy Guilford Guy I think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people. You mean so I can spend more time and money on a project that will only get used a few times a year? Just what I need! Exactly! But that's the fun of it! ... Alex, I think you should do a switching layout with two reverse loops. I think switching for the entire show would get a little tiring...IMHO. Which brings up another point (I'm sure Alex F is going to kill him self is I bring this up again), but now that the computer is up in my room, I'm going to have more room for my layout. I can't decide weather to do a main line layout, or something more along the lines of a branch line. I'm more swaying towards the branch line, but the problem is that I have a lot of SD45s (And wanting to get a FP45 and a F45 doesn't help either!). Not many where used often on branch lines. If I opted for the main line I would need two Helixes, but I only have room for one. So Alex and I kind of talked about the idea of a well maintained branch line that has a junction with a higher traffic main. I was also thinking of running daily rock trains to a quarry at the other end of the layout that could use the larger power. A local would handle the CNW interchange, numerous pulp wood spurs, and the few industries at the terminating point of the layout. What do you guys think I should do?
Guilford Guy TrainManTy Guilford Guy I think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people. You mean so I can spend more time and money on a project that will only get used a few times a year? Just what I need! Exactly!
TrainManTy Guilford Guy I think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people. You mean so I can spend more time and money on a project that will only get used a few times a year? Just what I need!
Guilford Guy I think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people.
I think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people.
You mean so I can spend more time and money on a project that will only get used a few times a year? Just what I need!
Exactly!
But that's the fun of it! ...
Alex, I think you should do a switching layout with two reverse loops. I think switching for the entire show would get a little tiring...IMHO.
Which brings up another point (I'm sure Alex F is going to kill him self is I bring this up again), but now that the computer is up in my room, I'm going to have more room for my layout.
I can't decide weather to do a main line layout, or something more along the lines of a branch line. I'm more swaying towards the branch line, but the problem is that I have a lot of SD45s (And wanting to get a FP45 and a F45 doesn't help either!). Not many where used often on branch lines.
If I opted for the main line I would need two Helixes, but I only have room for one.
So Alex and I kind of talked about the idea of a well maintained branch line that has a junction with a higher traffic main. I was also thinking of running daily rock trains to a quarry at the other end of the layout that could use the larger power. A local would handle the CNW interchange, numerous pulp wood spurs, and the few industries at the terminating point of the layout.
What do you guys think I should do?
I'm seeing more people getting into this free-mo nonsense. is this the new HO scale version of N-trak? I agree, don't build something you can only use every once in a while, it won't satisfy you.
As for swtiching for an entire show, as long as there is a ryhme or reason, and its off the mainline, Why not? At my club's shows, i love switching the industrial areas after running my mainline trains. It keeps me occupied and entertaining guests without making me burn my brains out, i can relax. So it really just depends on what kind of operator you are!
*****
Modeling Conrail, Amtrak and NJ DOT under the wires in New Jersey, July 1979.
Ok, finished that stupid essay... Five pages isn't that bad to write, it's just when it's a very boring subject, it's hard to complete!
Jordan, I'm liking your idea. It is completely possible and plausible. I mean look at CSX today, and their rock trains that used to run pretty often. I think it was on TRP someone said that UP had their big six axle power going into a quarry located on the WSOR. I mean I don't see why not. It is completely possible. Another example would be the RJ Corman Railroad and their large SD40T-2's. They wind there way through the Kentucky mountains, and it sure is a nice site to see. If your branch is well maintained, there are no problems. And it's not like you are climbing mountains, you're in Wisconsin! You have no excuses to follow that idea. It's not like WC's trackage was top notch 60 mph track anyways, or was it?
BTW excellent video on what the the RJ Corman is like when there is no derailments to clean up, and no QJ attracting huge crowds. http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=QhRY0zsfywA&feature=channel_page
And yes, I would think that pulpwood would be a pretty big industry there. Also something fun is having big switching problems at the end of the layout, with lots of industry, so you get to bring the cars across the entire layout.
Anything else you want opinions on?
Jordan, I'll get to your question in a little bit, trying to finish my midterm science essay.
But just to clarify, by "modular" I really mean "portable." Sorry if that confused anyone. Bad French-English translation on my part.
This layout probably will not connect to my layout, or club layout, because club is in another era, and they have really strict module standards, and my layout is in a tight space anyways. No place to connect part of this layout to my planned layout. My room layout will be literally built over a desk, crammed between a wall, a door and closet and a bed against a window. Not really any room for anything else. Not to mention, two of the walls in my room are like a chalet, where the roof is really pointy, so two of the walls are all slanted inward. So no layout against those two walls, the other has a window, so that leaves only the 7-8 feet of wall above a shelf and desk.
A modular switching layout? I had though (and planned, 2 seperate sections based on my existing freight roster) about that idea for a while. I'd have to agree with double tracking and having a passing siding as to not clog traffic.
Idea 1: A loads in, loads-out coal mine and powerplant. I'm pretty sure ya'll know how that works. I'm trying to figure out a to run empties from the powerplant to the coal mine, but loads-in, loads out-works okay if one doesn't mind the empty stage.
Idea 2: A brewery, grain facility, and yard/interchange track. These would have to be seperate seperate modules, preferably placed on opposite ends of the layout, for the illusion of distance. This one would be handled by several trains, since hoppers, reffers, and boxcars are all used and can come from all sorts of places. I had this idea planned for the 4x8 I had, but I didn't have reffers, so maybe a feed mill would be more approriate for that.
Thank you Ty! Exactly what I was looking for, just ideas to think about. It might be obvious what to do for some, but I guess when you have so many ideas for a project, you just don't know where to go with them... Thanks again!
Alex- At our club, we have two mainline runs, so you have 1 in each direction. There are a good amount of industries, it's just that members park their trains on sidings during running nights, so it blocks access to the industries. About half are off the mainlines, but then again you don't really want to start flagging other trains to stop so you can switch an industry while you leave your train on the main, preform run around moves, etc... If I actually took the time to switch cars at a normal speed and enjoyed taking the time to couple at a safe speed, actually stop short of a switch to throw it etc, I would have about 20 angry members saying they had to constantly stop for Alex and Jules' switching scenarios! (Jules is the other teen member who I plan on building the layout with, who also really enjoys switching)
We do have an operating session once every 1-2 months, but it isn't really that great. In my own opinion, everything is oversimplified so the older members don't have to hurt themselves thinking. Heck, it's amazing there are run around moves in the scenarios, because when it is time to preform one, at least a few of the older members can't figure out if the switch points are thrown properly. Get some eyewear people!
So I'm trying to say I don't like club operations too much. "Switching" involves running laps around the layout at 150 mph and stopping to switch only 1 industry at a time, once in a blue moon.
Enough said...
TrainManTyGuilford GuyI think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people. You mean so I can spend more time and money on a project that will only get used a few times a year? Just what I need!
Guilford GuyI think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people.
The Hub Division is lacking(IMHO), in the fact that most people just want to run circles. I can't really run a turn from the yard out to the staging yard and work back. Someone broke the switches and circuits to the staging yard so that plan is further screwed up, but the way its scheduled, you have people on the inner and outer mains who go wheeeee in circles, and you sign up for one or the other. I'd like to see if we could add a local freight job to the schedule. I think Tyler and Yoshi, and I need to form a modular freemo club, so we can run turns and locals and whatnot, just like cool people.
Heh heh, yes I do...
How about a small switching layout in your room with the paper mill, that is modular and can be combined with your friend's layout at shows? At home, you can operate on it as a switching layout, and it will be fully contained with staging tracks (the mainline) and at shows you can still use it for switching, but you can hook it up to the other modules to use it for continuous running and display purposes. A small, switching layout really lends itself to modular use, because it probably will have pretty generic ends (unless you're modeling a stub-end industry or a carfloat or something).
I would cast my vote for continuous running. This can be accomplished with cheap bare-wood return loops, maybe with plywood over the top so you can store unused equipment. These won't be part of the layout at home, but since you said you both would have room to store modules, these loops can just be stored for shows.
How many trains do you want to be able to run at a time by themselves? If you want more than one train, a dogbone loop (I'm assuming this isn't a circle) is necessary rather than a loop-to-loop plan is a necessity. In a show atmosphere, you will want to be able to just let a train "orbit" without needed direct control by an operator. You'll be talking to somebody (as always happens at shows) and then BANG! Your trains will collide head-on. Modern model equipment's details won't stand up to collisions like the molded on details of the past. In other words, "They don't build 'em like they used to!"
If it's just one train, you could get away with loop to loop, a single track mainline, and no passing sidings for the industries. You'll want an auto-reverser for this, and something to throw the switch after the train passes over it.
If two or more trains, passing sidings will work wonders for the industries. Say you're switching an industry on the mainline, clearing it for the other train as it passes. Then a visitor asks you a question. While you're explaining how you kitbashed ABC Paper Co., you stop your train. You fail to clear the mainline for the other train, and then you get rear-ended. A passing siding to work on when switching would've prevented that!
I realize that three tracks (main 1, main 2, and passing siding) is a lot to fit on most model railroads, but if you use backdrop structures for the paper company, you should be able to fit those tracks easily.
You might even discard switching at the shows. At home, you can switch all you like, but at the shows, those tracks are just for show most of the time. Sure, maybe your friend will stop his train on one of the loops to break for lunch, so then you can switch for a while, but most of the time, trying to switch at shows is hard to do without ignorting your visitors (they won't ask questions if you look busy) and/or causing wrecks. I'd just let the trains run at shows and save the switching for at home. Plus, after a couple hours at a show, you're bound to get bored of running trains and wish you'd set up the layout so the trains could just run on autopilot.
Just my