Last Day: 10 x 12 Layout Contest: We need your vote: Close race.

[marknewton]

snagletoothwrote: Overall #1: Kintetsu Utsube Line (HO #5). This trackplan seems very versatile. With just slight changes in scenery, it could be a European tramway, or a turn of the century American interurban or county seat trolley line.

I think the layout concept could be readily adapted to model a European tramway or US interurban, but I wouldn't use the trackplan as is - I'd makes some changes to that as well as the scenery. Features such as the runrounds are specifically intended to accomodate loco-hauled trains, whereas a European tramway using only self-propelled cars might have balloon loops, and a US line a stub track or wye, depending on whether they used single or double-ended cars.

The scissors crossover connecting the shunting neck and the main line at the depot at Utsube is a distinctively Japanese type of track layout, again I would use a more typical US or European layout if I were modelling another prototype.

But I do like the idea of adapting the design to other prototypes.

Being narrow gauge, you just add one switch somewhere for an interchange and turn it into an industrial narrow gauge or Maine two-footer.

There is an interchange, or more properly a tranship track, already on the layout. The isolated siding on the far left at Yokkaichi, drawn as a hatched line, represents a standard gauge siding that runs along one side the tranship platform, with the narrow gauge on the other. The passenger interchange is only hinted at by the stairs leading up to the standard gauge platforms at Yokkaichi, which are not modelled.

I'm glad you liked the layout,and that you took the time to post your comments, thanks,

Mark.

[marknewton]

SpaceMouse wrote:

Of all the layouts, The Kintetsu Utsube Line is probably the best thought out, but it lacks the two elements I like about model railroading, continous scenic running and the ability to make or break trains. I could live without one but not both. In the end, the few switching moves would become monotonous.

G'day Chip!

The lack of continuous running has been mentioned by a number of posters. It's something that's a low priority for me, which is why I didn't include any provision for it. But I can understand why many people like having that option. I reckon the design could be altered to include it without too much being changed. One way around it would be to include the former street trackage that ran from Yokkaichi to Yokkaichi-ekimae. This could cross the doorway and connect with the neck at Utsube. With the layout up around eye-level, and the track threading it's way between the buildings, it shouldn't be too obvious.

If anyone's interested, I'll be more than happy to redraw that part of the layout and include the connection. I might even decide it's something I'd want as well!

Your comments about switching are interesting. They highlight just how much our ideas and expectations about operations differ. I'm assuming that when you talk about switching you mean moving a large numbers of freight cars in a multi-track yard, or amongst numerous big industries. That's something this layout can't provide, but there is provison for freight traffic between the freight houses and the tranship platform. Like many Japanese lines, the Utsube often tacked a freight car or two onto a passenger car, or ran the loco-hauled trains as a mixed. So there's a bit of potential for switching there.

As well, there is a requirement for switching the MU cars themselves, which you may not have been aware of. On the Utsube, there are motor cars, driving trailers and plain trailers. The train consists were frequently changed, with cars being attached or detached according to traffic and maintenance needs. During the peak, trains ran with three or four cars, but during quiet times a single car would provide the service, so the others would be detached and stabled in the depot or the yard at Utsube. I agree that what I'm describing is not the same as switching a big yard or freight terminal, but it does have it's own apppeal.

All the best,

Mark.

EDIT: I've just noticed Stein's post announcing the end of the voting, and the tabulation of results. Can I just say:

I'm gobsmacked!

I didn't think a layout design based on something as obscure as the Utsube line would appeal to many people at all, so to all those who took the time to look at the entries, cast their votes and offer their comments, I say thank you very much, indeed.

And I'd also like to offer a big thank you to Chip for organising and mounting the competition, and to Stein, for keeping count of the results.

To my fellow contestants, congratulations to you all, for entering, participating, and being part of something worthwhile.

Mark.

[SpaceMouse]

Mark,

Congratulations.

For what it's worth, I could see operational possibilities, however, what there was seemed to few in number and limited in what you can do. A fiddle track would have made a lot of difference operationally.

However, I know that is not what interests you as a modeler. I get the impression you could work months on your layout without ever running a train.

For that reason, your design is an excellent one.

[C&O Fan]

 Twin Peaks -  I think the two almost symetrical blobs attract all the attention.  Seems like with this much space a logging and mining road with geared locomotives could have been executed better.  Where are the sharp curves, switch backs, and 6-8% grades?  No mill pond, or saw dust burners?

 

The two " almost symetrical blobs" are supposed to grab your attention as you enter the room

As is the chin high bridge

This design is influenced by a local MR layout

Jim Lemmons HO layout

You can see more of it here

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2100191635

 

 

 

There's something really cool about being able to walk up to a bridge and watch a train run right passed your nose

I thought about the steep grades and using switchbacks but that would have limited

the layout to JUST a logging line

As i stated it is a Logging AND Ore Mining theme with Passenger service using Steam other than Shays so i opted for the Helixes

As for the sawdust burners and mill pond

These are easy add ons BUT-------not all sawmills had ponds

 

[marknewton]

Mark,

Congratulations.

Thank you, Chip. I really appreciate all your effort in mounting this competition, and it's good to see others do, too.

For what it's worth, I could see operational possibilities, however, what there was seemed to few in number and limited in what you can do. A fiddle track would have made a lot of difference operationally.

However, I know that is not what interests you as a modeler. I get the impression you could work months on your layout without ever running a train.

Guilty as charged!

For that reason, your design is an excellent one.

Again, thanks. I'm glad you liked it. I'm just a bit surprised that so many others did, as well!

All the best,

Mark.