I have been modeling since I was a kid and have modeled in HOn3, N, HO, and Sn3. For the past 7 years I have modeled the Tonopah and Tidewater in HO which is a very obscure Nevada 1910 short line. I have recently toyed with moving to On30 on my new layout. I have the benchwork and valence and lighting set up for my new layout following a move to Las Vegas and I am ready to lay track for either a new version of my T&T or On30 layout.
However seeing all these recent new modern layouts like the James McNab Iowa Interstate Grimes layout and the work Lance Mindheim is doing with that Miami layout makes me think I should reconsider. My layout is a 10X18 G shaped shelf layout that would lend itself to such layout. I look at all of these new diesel models and how well their sound systems work and I start thinking it would be really fun.
So my question is, has anyone gone from NG and steam to modern switching type layout and are these as fun as the look to operate?
Let's see, I've gone from an HO inspired by the Clinchfield series in MR to an N scale granger to a N scale what today would be in ISL (while I was in the AF). All of those were set in what were then current times of the 70s/80s. And then after the AF back to HO ISL (late 90s/early 2000s) and finally back to today's layout which is an HO switching branch set back in the 50s. Part of that journey backward in time was driven by the size of modern equipment vs the space I have and the fact that my real love in model railroading is scratchbuilt interesting structures more than mega industries. Which following that trend, if I had the space, I'd love to slip a litte further back to an On30 version of the Maine 2 footers for that same reason. So it seems we're going in opposite directions.
That said, there is still a part of me that would like to have a recent ISL just as you mention. What I like about the ISL is I can come in and run a decent "shift" in a short period without a lot of prep and don't need to set aside an evening to do it. I also happen to like the switchers and 2nd/3rd gen diesels, the variety of covered hoppers, and IPD boxcars that were around during that time.
So I guess my ideal layout would be a double decker with an HO ISL on one level and an On30 on the other.
jim
Unless you have a lot of modern buildings you can run steam and pull them off and run modern trains. When you look at a lot of towns many buildings have been around since late steam times
[quote user="NevinW"]So my question is, has anyone gone from NG and steam to modern switching type layout and are these as fun as the look to operate?[/quote
Since I prefer switching layouts and will add my two or three cents worth.
The real question is do you like switching every time you operate? If the answer is no then a ISL is not for you.
The most important thing about ISL operation is in the design flee from any type of "time saver" design since those become boring.
If you like detailing to the nth degree then a ISL is just the ticket since industries require lots of scenery from dock locks and lights on the truck dock to interior detail.A trailer drop lot adds to the believability of the industrial area.
IMHO larger industries with several car spots is better then several small industries.
As a example.Let' say a rubber pellet company recieves boxcar loads of scrap rubber,Jflex in tank cars and ships rubber pellets in covered hoppers.That's three car spots.
Here's a excellent example..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpG39pVFUx4
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Excuse my ignorance, but what does ISL stand for?
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
modelmaker51 Excuse my ignorance, but what does ISL stand for?
One thing to consider is that the more modern the era the longer the rolling stock. In 1960 you could use mostly 40' boxcars, with some 50'.,short tank cars, short covered hoppers etc. Current boxcars and hoppers are much longer.
Two 60' cars are about the same length as three 40', but have fewer destinations.
This is if course entirely up to you.
Have you friends to come over to operate, or will you do this alone?
Only thoughts, up to you.
Dave
A G shaped switching layout can be configured to have a continuous run capability if you use a liftout at the appropriate place.
Tight turnback loops would probably look out of place on a modern layout, so some reconfiguring of track would be necessary.
If you can deal with the shocking scenery difference, I say go for it.
- Douglas
davidmurrayOne thing to consider is that the more modern the era the longer the rolling stock. In 1960 you could use mostly 40' boxcars, with some 50'.,short tank cars, short covered hoppers etc. Current boxcars and hoppers are much longer.
Boxcars of 50 and 53 foot doesn't require that much space a covered hopper about the same as well as a mill gon.
The problem I've found is cars above 57' so I keep those to a minimum and send them to my transload track.
On a ISL one doesn't need the longer cars like 87 foot boxcars unless one has a auto part manufacturer on the layout but,auto parts can be shipped in 60' auto part cars as well.
I would not care for a loop on a urban industrial lead since the majority is stubbed end.
However,that would be better for those that would like to extend the run or let one run while detailing the layout or just kicking back and watching that brand new locomotive run.