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Wonder what the next MR Project RR Should Be?

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Posted by LensCapOn on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 4:11 PM

Construction site narrow gauge. That was the way things were done before bulldozers. A high volume of trains moving dirt and/or concrete would require some sophisticated operation. Think about it before saying "NO! OH GOD NO!"

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Posted by jmbjmb on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 3:29 PM

Thanks for the insight Steven.  Larry, I agree about an updated KR&D.  And in a nod to Mark's comment about larger layout projects, I've always envisioned the KR&D as one terminal of a much larger basement empire (not that I have a basement to work with) where the carfloat hidden stageing links to the other end rather than looping back on itself.  

Perhaps what's needed for Mark's question is something more along the lines of the old "Up Clear Creek on the Narrow Gauge" series that I think ran in the Gazette some years ago.  MR probably doesn't have the space and of course has to cover a wide range of interests, to take on such a long term project, but maybe there is someone out there who does?  I could see doing it as a labor of love if I had more than my 2x8 space to work in.

 

jim

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Posted by Steven Otte on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 11:42 AM

Canadian Canyons may be already familiar to MRVP subscribers, but we'll be bringing it to Model Railroader magazine subscribers starting in the January 2019 issue. The project for 2020 is an O scale (Proto:48) layout built by MR contributing editor and Model Railroad Planning editor Tony Koester. We're just beginning discussion of our project for 2021. All we can tell you for sure at this point is it will be HO scale. We're looking at what new structure, scenery, and rolling stock products will be coming out in the next year to help guide our choice of prototype, era, and setting.

--
Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editor
sotte@kalmbach.com

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Posted by Pruitt on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 11:21 AM

 I'd like to see something a bit bigger than the pigmy-sized layouts they usually do. Something that supports long-term operation fun would be really nice. What they usually do might be fun in the short term, but I think they tend to build what in a very short time become mostly dust collectors.

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Posted by BRAKIE on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 11:12 AM

I would like to see a modern one or two engine short line layout or perhaps a updated KR&D.

Larry

Conductor.

Summerset Ry.


"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt  Safety First!"

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Posted by dknelson on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 10:15 AM

jmbjmb
Or has David already given us a hint in his series on track planning Crystal Lake?

That's the vibe I got, unless that might be his next home layout.  It would also be interesting to see David P. develop some of the ideas he set forth in an article (and trackplan) about his former home of Kirkland IL. 

Another thought would be to attempt to recreate, but improve using today's techniques and materials, one of the more interesting of all MR project layouts, the Sierra Pintada -- not only was it point to point but it was not a rectangle.  

Dave Nelson

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Posted by selector on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 9:46 AM

How 'bout a real challenge...Z scale harbour setting with hand-laid tracks.

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Wonder what the next MR Project RR Should Be?
Posted by jmbjmb on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 9:42 AM

Well it seems like the Candianian Canyons will be wrapping up soon.  To me, they've really hit some home runs lately with the CC, Beer Line, Virginian, WSSB (love that little layout), and the David's Olympia.  To me these hit the same flavor as the KR&D and Clinchfield from the 70s.

So, with that background, what would be the next big hit?  Perhaps Colorado Springs Joint line circa 1980 where the wide mix of diesel schemes in that era?  Or maybe a steam era division point focused on engine servicing?  That could be interesting.  Maine two footer seaport?  It gets exciting thinking about the possibilities.

Or has David already given us a hint in his series on track planning Crystal Lake?

I'm getting giddy already.

jim 

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