Has anyone built "the Chippewa Central" layout that was in 5 Conpact Track Plans from Model Ralroader Magazine? I am looking for ideas on how to connect the elevated village on the left end with the bridges on the right. The picture does not show how they proposed to do this very clearly. It shows a raised area are about the width of one track. I am looking for a more prototypical arranement so this looks good.
Chippewa_zpsb5c68294 by Donald Schmitt, on Flickr
It is intended that the back of the layout (long side) be placed against a wall, thus limiting the vewing angle. For normal viewing the lower level track in that area would be hidden. The single upper level track runs on a hillside then turns and crosses on the bridges to a hill on the other side of the valley.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
I'm not sure what you mean by a more protypical arrangement. This is a small plan and like all small plans it makes some compromises. In this case the track passes through the scenes more than once. That narrow section leads to one of 2 bridges. After passing over the second bridge, a grade starts down to the hidden siding in the back.
This should be a fairly easy plan to build, but be careful where the grade starts to make it a gradual transition.
Good luck
Paul
IRONROOSTER This is a small plan and like all small plans it makes some compromises.
The layout is one step above a "dump spaghetti bowl" of track work..In cases of small layouts less is best when it comes to track work.
If I were to build the CC I would remove a lot of track,the unneeded grade, the bridge and the too small industries.
I would add larger multi spot industries, a small 3 track yard and a view block and have the layout accessible from all sides.
My thoughts on improving a small layout.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
My plans for the CR&T is a U-shaped multi-level walk-in against a back wall and two side walls. CR&T's "Community of Conemaugh" is inspired by the Chippewa Central trackplan of "5 Compact Track Plans" fame, on the layout's lower level. CR&T is N Scale, and not HO Scale.
CR&T is interurban traction, making the C.C.'s tighter curves plus elevation changes more doable with additional traction/trackage to the left of the original C.C. trackplan. The C.C. inspired traction portion, is now an L-shape, on the right layout side into the layout's backside.
There is also one dogbone track, surrounding all but the left side of the original C.C. inspired area, serving the larger radius needs of a PRR mainline, and; then the mainline proceeds just past CR&T's left layout side into a helix to the upper level which is pure Pennsy.
Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956
After looking at the plan I see what you are saying about it being set up against a wall. That type of layout would make it a lot easier to get the ROW from the two bridges over to Clara City. I have the layout in the center of my room, what I do must look good from both sides. I think I will make a cut stone viaduct leading from the steel truss bridge to Clara City. I have a molds that I can use to make this out of plaster. This will be a fun little project.
Thanks so much for your help.
I realize that this post is several months old but we have just started to build the Chippewa Central layout. We have stayed pretty close to what is in the magazine article.
Good. Let us know how it goes and post some pictures.
Great News: Ours is coming along pretty well. I will post some pictures of our progress to date tomorrow. It is a challenge to get the upper layer correct so I can connect it all to the bridges so it looks fairly realistic (for a small layout). I am also wiring for a DCC control system which I have not purchased yet. We are still looking a various systems to see which one will be the best for us to use as beginners. On the upper level I am adding a round house instead of a village for a little more action.