It's that time again, time to vote for you favorite layout design. This one is a little different in that contestants were given a sheet of plywood and told they could chop it up any way they wanted.
So click on the link and come back and post your favs. Don't worry Grumpy, you're excused.
Sheet-o-ply Design Contest
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
1. Old West
2. Angry beaver
3. Brooklyn Terminal
-G-
First Place - #10 - Lots of operating and detailing potential - shows that O scale can work in a smallish space.
Second Place - #2 - Does everything I would want a small layout to do, primarily continuous run, adequate staging, functional yards and switching.
Third Place # 9 - Interesting twist on the basic switching layout.
Lee
Route of the Alpha Jets www.wmrywesternlines.net
1) Industry Branch
2) Brooklyn Terminal
3) Old West (Hey, N scale may not be mine, but like this layout anyway!)
Jim in Cape Girardeau
All entries were very well thought out. I like logging and cities. I also like the ability to just watch trains run when I get tired of switching, so my choices reflect that. Scale is not too much of an issue in the selections I made.
1. Western Maryland Tidewater Division.
2. Angry Beaver Logging RR.
3. Industry Branch.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
#1 : Entry 7: "Industry Branch" - I really like the the way the designer has cut the corners and used curved turnouts extensively to buy himself better curve radii. Good placement of industries - this designer has gotten a lot of H0 scale layout out of a single sheet of ply.
#2: Entry 4: "Petaluma lumber company". Extra credits for the switchbacks down to the logging camp. I am a little confused by the term "high staging" for the logging camp - I assume that the logging camp must be at the bottom part of the drawing. I would have assumbed that the logging camp would be downhill from the mainline, not uphill from the mainline ?
Edit: got it explained to me by the designer. I was viewing the layout inside out. For some reason I though it was supposed to be operated from inside the pit - it is supposed to be operated from the outside - the pit is just used for dealing with staging. So the hillside to the logging camp goes upwards from the south end of the layout towards the staging pit, placing the single track staging for the logging camp about 8" above the staging for the mainline - hence the expression "high staging".
#3: Entry 2: "Western Maryland Tidewater District". Nice plan, even though I suspect that grades might be a little on the steep side a few places.
Like in the right hand back corner - where there is one branch from a turnout that goes up to a couple of B&O interchange tracks (which presumably are mostly flat), while the other branch goes down and under the interchange tracks.
Room is 9 feet across, so the elevation change to get under seems to happen in about 2-3 feet. Say 3 feet - 36". A three percent grade allows only about 1" drop in 3 feet. Even with maybe half an inch of elevation change up to the B&O interchange track, that is only 1 1/2" clearance. Is that enough for N scale ?
Edit: yes, it is. You only need about 1 5/8" clearance to have one track pass over another one in N scale. And that is doable in the 36" or so from crossover to the left of the B&O interchange until the track enters the tunnel under B&O interchange and the roundtable.
Smile, Stein
pcarrell wrote:Can the contestants vote as long as they don't vote for themselves, or do we just want to forego that?
IT has always been my contention that contestants can vote for themselves. However, they "should" be honest and only vote for themselves if they think their design deserves merit.
steinjr wrote: #2: Entry 4: "Petaluma lumber company". Extra credits for the switchbacks down to the logging camp. I am a little confused by the term "high staging" for the logging camp - I assume that the logging camp must be at the bottom part of the drawing. I would have assumbed that the logging camp would be downhill from the mainline, not uphill from the mainline ?
Logging camps are typically way above the mainline with steep climbs to get to them, but not always. In this case the "high staging" is about 10 inches above the main staging.
#3: Entry 2: "Western Maryland Tidewater District". Nice plan, even though I suspect that grades might be a little on the steep side a few places. Like in the right hand back corner - where there is one branch from a turnout that goes up to a couple of B&O interchange tracks (which presumably are mostly flat), while the other branch goes down and under the interchange tracks. Room is 9 feet across, so the elevation change to get under seems to happen in about 2-3 feet. Say 3 feet - 36". A three percent grade allows only about 1" drop in 3 feet. Even with maybe half an inch of elevation change up to the B&O interchange track, that is only 1 1/2" clearance. Is that enough for N scale ?
I wondered about that as well. I'm thinking even with staging under the layout access will be difficult.
steinjr wrote: #3: Entry 2: "Western Maryland Tidewater District". Nice plan, even though I suspect that grades might be a little on the steep side a few places. Like in the right hand back corner - where there is one branch from a turnout that goes up to a couple of B&O interchange tracks (which presumably are mostly flat), while the other branch goes down and under the interchange tracks. Room is 9 feet across, so the elevation change to get under seems to happen in about 2-3 feet. Say 3 feet - 36". A three percent grade allows only about 1" drop in 3 feet. Even with maybe half an inch of elevation change up to the B&O interchange track, that is only 1 1/2" clearance. Is that enough for N scale ? Smile, Stein
Right you are, Stein. Eliminating the crossover track just to the left of the Beano staging tracks would allow the grade to smooth out a bit. Being a smallish layout, I'm sure the designer was thinking in terms of short trains, also with that area being behind much of the scenery, a slightly steep climb would not be as noticeable to the eye, as long as it isn't too noticeable to the train!
1-Angry Beaver
2-Western Maryland
3-Industry Branch
In order my top 3 are:
1. Angry Beaver - love that name. Good scenic possibilities with the way the mainline partially doubles back on itself. Nice little shortline.
2. Yorklyn Delaware - good use of varying benchwork widths - nice switching layout
3. Western Maryland - shows the advantage of N scale in fitting in a class 1 mainline in a small space.
Enjoy
Paul
wm3798 wrote: steinjr wrote: #3: Entry 2: "Western Maryland Tidewater District". Nice plan, even though I suspect that grades might be a little on the steep side a few places. Like in the right hand back corner - where there is one branch from a turnout that goes up to a couple of B&O interchange tracks (which presumably are mostly flat), while the other branch goes down and under the interchange tracks. Room is 9 feet across, so the elevation change to get under seems to happen in about 2-3 feet. Say 3 feet - 36". A three percent grade allows only about 1" drop in 3 feet. Even with maybe half an inch of elevation change up to the B&O interchange track, that is only 1 1/2" clearance. Is that enough for N scale ? Smile, SteinRight you are, Stein.
Right you are, Stein.
I dug out Armstrong to check minimum clearances. 1 5/8" is indeed minimum clearance for N scale. Guess it makes sense that the engines are not just 55% of the length of an H0 engine, but also just 55% of the height of an H0 engine ....
I withdraw my "objection", your honor.
wm3798 wrote:Eliminating the crossover track just to the left of the Beano staging tracks would allow the grade to smooth out a bit. Being a smallish layout, I'm sure the designer was thinking in terms of short trains, also with that area being behind much of the scenery, a slightly steep climb would not be as noticeable to the eye, as long as it isn't too noticeable to the train!
Eliminating the crossover track just to the left of the Beano staging tracks would allow the grade to smooth out a bit. Being a smallish layout, I'm sure the designer was thinking in terms of short trains, also with that area being behind much of the scenery, a slightly steep climb would not be as noticeable to the eye, as long as it isn't too noticeable to the train!
Makes sense. What kind of train lengths are you picturing here ?
I have to say, I am always amazed (I don't know why after all this time) at the level of talent displayed on this forum! My picks are as follows.......
1. Entry #10, the Angry Beaver Logging Railroad is most impressive! The only thing against it is that it's really a "One Trick Pony", but then, what do I expect for a large scale model in a small space. Really well done!
2. Entry #5, Bath Port Belt Line. This thing could keep you busy switching for hours! What a puzzle!
3. Entry #2, Western Maryland Tidewater Subdivision. This one shows the most promise I think, but I'm not sure it's ready to be put to plywood yet. It's close though. With a bit more work this one may have made my top spot. The issues with the right have already been brought up, but I also see some potential issues in the upper left where you have three tracks ccrossing a bridge OVER the road, and one right next to it that has just branched off of those tracks that is an on grade crossing. A seemingly easy fix would be to put them all on the bridge, but then there isn't enough room to get down to the hidden staging.
The others are all excellent and quite creative as well. I just wish I could choose more then 3!
2.
3.
1. Industry Branch.
I downloaded and saved it. This layout layout would work exceptionally well for my limited space situation.
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
Hello Space Mouse ! My choices are :
1) Angry Beaver , I would almost vote for this one to be number one just for the tongue and cheek name .
2) Western Md ? Old West ? Tough choice . Can there be a tie for second ?
3) Bath Port Belt.
Chip,Being a fan of ISLs its a tough call..
My choices is:
Yorklyn Delawared
and
Brooklyn Terminal Railroad
It doesn't take much imagination in seeing a SW1500 working these layouts in modern times much like Progressive Rail..
For a earlier diesel era I would favor a ALCO S2,FM10-44,a Baldwin switcher,SW1 or SW7.
For steam era a 0-6-0 or 0-6-0T would surely look nice.
Chip,Keep these contest up as they are a great service to the forum members.
Kudos sir.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Congratulations to all entries. There was much thought and work involved with this group.
My choices are as follows.
1st: Western Maryland Tidewater Div.
2nd: Industry Branch
3rd: Brooklyn Terminal RR.
Thanks as well to you Chip, for all your time and effort.
Johnboy out.........................
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
1. Angry Beaver
2. Old West (I dont do N Scale, but this one makes me want to)
3. Petaluma
Train length on the WM would be restricted by the length of the passing sidings to approximately 10 cars, perhaps 12 55t hoppers. One decent diesel or a Bachmann Consolidation would handle a short steep grade pretty easily.
The highway underpass on the left side would be two tracks, with the third track dropping a bit behind it. The primary concern is the track plan. The highway, as a scenic element, could be disguised with a bit of scenic trickery, either a second bridge at a lower grade, the highway just dying under the bridge, or even a simple view block. This side of the layout would be located against a wall, so it wouldn't be difficult to mask.
My votes are #1 goes to number 10. Great creative layout.
#2 goes to number 3. Also a great looking track plan, not as much my style as #10, but well thought out.
I don't have a third place vote.
Phil, I'm not a rocket scientist; they are my students.
Finally. Well, here are mine:
1.Western Maryland Tidewater Division
2.Brooklyn Terminal Railroad
3.Old West
Some great entries, good luck to all.
Sawyer Berry
Clemson University c/o 2018
Building a protolanced industrial park layout
My Vote is:
#1 is entry #10- Angry Beaver
#2 is entry #4 Petaluma Lumber Co.
#3 is entry #3 Old West
#1 Petaluma Lumber entry #4
#2 Angry Beaver Logging Ry entry #10
#3 Old West entry #3
I would saddle up to the "OLD WEST". That design gets my vote.
Rob
yougottawanta wrote: 2) Western Md ? Old West ? Tough choice . Can there be a tie for second ?
Guess I am doing the counting again - nothing like traditions.
To answer your question: no - either pick three (or fewer) and indicate unambigously the order of those three (or fewer) or don't vote.
I am not going to count votes formulated in other ways.
Thus far your vote is invalid, and will not be counted. Would you like to change your vote ?
Stein
SpaceMouse wrote:It appears to be extra, but we can ask.
Doesn't change my vote any.....just wondering.