Wow, it has been way too long since I have posted a layout update. I have been working on the Brush Creek Diorama, with the goals of having a small scene for photos and trying some new scenery and detailing methods. This time of the year, I usually stow the layout, so that I can get the truck in the garage and avoid the hail storms of the spring. That has led to not much progress on the layout. We also had to take care of some work on the house, which takes priority over the trains. I have been again thinking about a configuration that allows for continuous running, and provides a way to turn locomotives on the Cherokee side of the layout. Here is my latest imagined plan for the layout, needing a few more sections (need to figure out where to store them) and modification of others. The location of the turntable is not prototypical, but would assist in operations. This is the smallest turnout that would allow turning of the decapods and consolidations that I have (larger locomotives here). I still need to figure out how to attach my two-track staging yard section in this type of configuration. Oh well, something to think about. Take Care All, -Bob T.
Looks good to me! 2 track staging: store it below on wheels, then lift to layout height, maybe similar to a ambulance gurney that lowers and lift patience into an ambulance.
Impressive work on the Brush creek scene. I like what you've got going there. As I have found with my different layout configurations, the ability to just let trains run is important.
This plan is exactly what I’d like to have …… if I had such a king sized space to put it in. What happened to the old layout? It was 5x9 or something. It wasn’t bad either.
Patrick, The old layout was 1/2 of the two-car garage. (9' x 15' o so) It was based on the "Vienna and Carthage" ( https://www.trains.com/mrr/how-to/t...hicago-north-western-and-vienna-carthage-rrs/) It was dismantled when I had issues with truck break-ins in the neighborhood. The benchwork became workbenches for my friends' workshops. The new, sectional layout allows me to stow the layout and still get the vehicles in the garage when needed. The layout above is the next modifications and additions to the current layout, adding a corner section to the brick yard and the turntable corner section, modifying the lightning creek mine sections as well. Take Care, -Bob T.
Thanks, This update (when/if completed) will result in a ~70+ ft mainline run. It will require 2 entirely new sections, and modification of track layout on 3 others. -Bob T.
Why just 2 tracks for staging? Regardless on how many trains in your operating sequence, additional staging will always be useful and practical. I would attach it to the benchwork at Wier. Your staged train could depart from the wye in either direction unto the layout and returned and back in without lifting and turning locos and rolling stock.
How about this version, incorporating staging with more than two tracks ? I am afraid that I will not be going to two decks anytime soon (portable/sectional layout). -Bob T.
What is the size of your layout now Bob? I like that trackplan. I love your nonstop progress on it too.
Thanks Steve, Two car garage-sized, so about 18ft X 18ft or so. I am considering the next series of module/sections to construct. I like the above version, although it deviates more and more from prototype. A turntable should be north of the Cherokee diamond, but I just don't have the right space to include that here. I might tweak this (26 June) version and try to fit in a 3-4 stall engine house and a few supporting items in the lower left. In the near term, I am definitely making the changes to Weir City. A big challenge is storing the layout's additional sections. This plan would add a few more big chunks, and I am currently near my space/storage limit. I think I also need to plan a new storage rack for the sections beyond what I have now. For Reference, the current "as-built" layout is shown below: Edit: I should note that a two-track staging yard will attach at the lower left if set up where there is space. Take care all, -Bob T.
I do like the version with the completed loop and extra staging tracks better, if you can find room for the extra modules. As for the turn table, some times you gotta use that modeler's license to pick stuff up and move it to a new location to make things work.
I am assuming that you can store them horizontal in racks with one section above the other. For ones that may not have much in the way of structures, vertical storage with modules on end may be desirable.
One of the things we did in our Free-Mo group was to built a very lightweight cover for our modules so that the tops were protected. You could use 1/8 inch masonite or you could use plexiglass. The idea is to protect the scenery such as buildings, telephone poles, etc. Tony LaLumia
