Northern Division - Modeling a KC-Area Interlocking Plant

[yardmaster]

So many towers from which to choose...so little space!

The progeny and I are a day or so away from setting up benchwork; Olathe will go up first in the new space.

In the area over and adjacent to the gigantic workbench, there is enough space for a narrow vignette. An interlocking plant would fit perfectly; however, I'm struggling with deciding which one:

• KCT Tower 4
• 29th St Tower
• Rosedale (KY) Tower

Each of these three locations have been discussed in the forum, and I believe each has advantages. I do want a "modelgenic" location and I think all 3 fit the bill.

I am leaning toward Tower #4, since it could potentially be both picturesque and functional: it could control both a track leading to a hidden KC Stockyards staging track and the track that leads toward KC Union Station.

However, I think that 29th Street could also make for MKT interchange traffic.

Any thoughts from the KC Crew?

Best Regards,

[renapper]

Chris,
I have scratch built both 29th Street and KY Tower and they are both on my layout. I have not constructed Tower 4. Since it has more windows, tower 29th Street is a little bigger than KY Tower. I can send you the construction article for 29th Street if you are interested. It makes for a neet little tower which does not take up a lot of room.
Richard

[klrwhizkid]

Based on my recently (since 2009) accumulated knowledge of the Frisco in KC and interconnecting railroads, I would go with Tower 4. Although I don't have the benefit of an overall track plan or theme, I believe that interlock might best serve what I understand are your needs. Think in terms of how Rick McClellan put it to use on his layout.

[Karl]

Ditto Tower 4, which would offer a greater variety of railroads, which would include your son's favorite, ATSF. Tower 4 would allow you to use pneumatic switch machines.

[yardmaster]

Gents, thanks very much for the feedback. Admittedly I was biased toward Tower 4 for the strict operational possibilities that it provides, and I supose I was looking for validation more than anything.

While a Tower 4 scene would be more aesthetic than functional at the start, I would love to have it set up as a fully functioning interlocking with an assigned operator down the road.

Keith, you make an excellent point: a track plan or layout room diagram would help. I'll try to get one posted soon; I really haven't sketched a new plan bur I am planning on revising the KC Terminal Plan that I'd originally developed for our garage. Howeve, we have more space as I gauge it in the new house.

Best Regards,