Motley What makes you think I'm not modeling a prototype operation?
What makes you think I'm not modeling a prototype operation?
I meant the multiple train thing where you research and build several specific prototype trains, stage them, then run them according to a timetable so they appear at the proper scenes at the proper time. You didn't seem to care where exactly the scenes were relative to one another and you don't really have enough staging tracks to do that.
You can certainly model different kind of prototype ops in a different way with one or two trains and less staging. That's what I do.
That's all I meant, strictly adhere to what a chosen prototype does in an operational sense.
In the context of my post that commented on the new staging area, if you saw the staged trains parked in the yard, then train XYZ would not be where it was suppose to be compared to where it should at be that time of day on the prototype...if that makes sense.
- Douglas
Doughless Motley What makes you think I'm not modeling a prototype operation? I meant the multiple train thing where you research and build several specific prototype trains, stage them, then run them according to a timetable so they appear at the proper scenes at the proper time. That's all I meant, strictly adhere to what a chosen prototype does in an operational sense.
I meant the multiple train thing where you research and build several specific prototype trains, stage them, then run them according to a timetable so they appear at the proper scenes at the proper time.
Building, staging, and running specific prototype trains, yes.
Running them according to a timetable so they appear at the proper scenes at the proper time, no.
If you are going to operate at that level of detail, then you also need to replicate the exact track work found on the prototype. I don't think that prototype operation requires that degree of exactness.
Knowing what I do about Michael's layout and operational practices, he models prototype operation.
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrain While a few model railroaders may adhere to that strict definition of prototype operation, that definition seems a bit extreme in my opinion. Building, staging, and running specific prototype trains, yes. Running them according to a timetable so they appear at the proper scenes at the proper time, no. If you are going to operate at that level of detail, then you also need to replicate the exact track work found on the prototype. I don't think that prototype operation requires that degree of exactness. Knowing what I do about Michael's layout and operational practices, he models prototype operation. Rich
While a few model railroaders may adhere to that strict definition of prototype operation, that definition seems a bit extreme in my opinion.
I understand Rich. I don't adhere to that level of exactness either, but that's what I was referring to when I used the term, albeit lazily.
It was obvious that he is not planning that level of exactness, at least to me.
Therefore, he can combine staging tracks with his yard scene, instead of using precious space to keep them separated. Parked/staged trains would enhance the yard scene instead of detract from it, IMO.
Ok been working on changing the plan for the yard scene. But now there's no room for my favorite scene, the multiple bridge and river scene. DAMIT!
But got some longer tracks there for staging/yard.
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
MotleyBut now there's no room for my favorite scene, the multiple bridge and river scene.
Whoa there!!! That’s a pretty big call, and while I might be wrong I think you’re going to regret it.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Ya I saved the river bridge section from the old layout. Although it won't fit here now. I can always add it later.
I do have that huge area for the mountain to be all scenery. And I have room for the trestle bridge running there along the inside mainline.
My plan is to have the entire mountain covered in snow. So the trestle bridge will go over the frozen creek.
Almost as many scenes, but larger scenes with less complicated trackwork. Starting two trains in the yard going opposite directions and meeting along the layout will give you almost the same visual appeal as what the reversing loop would do. There's probably not enough space to have everything, so I prioritized how I thought Michael would:
And the second with your sand frac facility added in the NW and a three track bridge scene.
ahh, you're playing with fire now, Doughless.
Michael wants that reverse loop.
The new plan is fine except, why the donut hole, instead just run it around the outside elininating the access hole and that loop, then (it looks like you have a 7' wide walkway now, you can put in a Y connected peninsula up to 2' wide and still have a 30" walkway.
richhotrain ahh, you're playing with fire now, Doughless. Michael wants that reverse loop. Rich
He's not getting married to it...not that that's all that permanent anymore. He likes to rebuild. He can always add it later. This helps him get started and running trains without getting bogged down on the wiring.
I like the mountain with the reverse loop in it. I'm sticking with the way it is now.
But thanks for all the suggestions.
Motley,
What's the status on the layout? Have you settled on a design? I'm looking forward to your progress, especially as my layout room is pretty much the same size and configuration.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Yes I'm ready to get started. I'm going to Home Depot next Monday to pick up a bunch of lumber. Then get started building the benchwork.
My plan is to start in the upper right corner, the mountain loop. Build that benchwork first. Get the foam installed. Then lay the track for the loop. So I can at least run some trains!
Then I'll start with the left wall benchwork, and work my way around. Hope to have the benchwork and foam completed before Christmas.
Great!
Mine fills the room with a 4 ft duckunder. I knowingly have some wide spans (corners mainly) where I have to get on the layout to get to the outside edges. I sacrificed ease of access for more layout area. My point is, I learned right away to work - be it roadbed, track, wiring, backdrop, scenery - from the outside to the inside...............
Ya my old layout height was too low, at around 40" (waist high), and I felt myself bending over to get the track level view of trains running. But I had some long reaches in places, that required me to climb onto the layout to do trackwork.
This layout will be 48" track hieght. Most of the edges will be around 30" reach to the outside wall. So track access should be much better than the old layout.
Picking up the lumber today at Home Depot. Gonna finally start building the benchwork tonght!!
I decided to go with 48" track height. Chest level for me. Still need to be able to reach in 30".
MotleyI decided to go with 48" track height. Chest level for me. Still need to be able to reach in 30".
That's what having a nice, generously sized step box is good for.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I got the lumber today. So I started on the first 4x8 going in the upper right corner.
Didn't get much done, but its a start.
Hi,
Hey, just want you to know I (one of many I'm sure) appreciate your layout building updates. For me, the building process is the most fun, and I'll enjoy it thru your efforts.
I chose 41" for my layout height (I'm just under 5-10) and that works out pretty nice. For me, 48 seems way too high, especially for reaching the outer edges. That said, someone mentioned "step box" and I have two of them. They are 12x14x12, made from 2x12, and covered with scrap carpet. The carpet lets them blend in, and keeps the splinters at bay.
mobilman44 Hi, Hey, just want you to know I (one of many I'm sure) appreciate your layout building updates. For me, the building process is the most fun, and I'll enjoy it thru your efforts. I chose 41" for my layout height (I'm just under 5-10) and that works out pretty nice. For me, 48 seems way too high, especially for reaching the outer edges. That said, someone mentioned "step box" and I have two of them. They are 12x14x12, made from 2x12, and covered with scrap carpet. The carpet lets them blend in, and keeps the splinters at bay. ENJOY !
Got quite a bit done last night. Finished the first 4x8 section.
I decided to go with 44" track height. You were right, the 48" would have been too high with the 30" reach to most areas.
On to the next 4x8 section.....
I have a question for you. How big is the closet? Could you build the staging yard in there if you pulled the door off the hinges (store it under layout)? I did this with my helix at my previous house. I had the Helix in the closet. Just a thought for you to ponder.
If it is a decent size closet you could pontentially add alot to your layout if staging was in there.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
Renegade1c I have a question for you. How big is the closet? Could you build the staging yard in there if you pulled the door off the hinges (store it under layout)? I did this with my helix at my previous house. I had the Helix in the closet. Just a thought for you to ponder. If it is a decent size closet you could pontentially add alot to your layout if staging was in there.
Sounds like the perfect size closet for a helix. Some food for thought...
Widening a door is not too big a deal, so that might make access easier.
For train access, there's always the hole through the wall (or two) if the doorway is not in the best place for it to enter/exit.
Got the second 4x8 section completed. Phweewee building benchwork is hard.
Next up will be the foam. Then cut the access hole.
Wow I just found out that this mountain section is HUGE! On the plans it looks tight. But I got up on the benchwork today, and traced out the loop track area.
I have plenty of room for a 36" radius curve now! And still room to the outside wall. And a good 10" from the inside edge. More room for bridge/river scene now.
Motley Wow I just found out that this mountain section is HUGE!
Wow I just found out that this mountain section is HUGE!
Well I got the foam installed, and cut out the access hole.
I traced out where the track will be, its 36" radius.
Got the cork roadbed installed. Tomorrow I need to install 4 Peco switches (and machines).