New Direction for Zalma Branch (photos)

I'm not sure Keith. I keep changing my mind about how this will progress and I'm leaning toward making the Brownwood module a separate 4x8 with an early Diversion Channel construction scene on the opposite side. I always have the option to make a shelf type around the wall layout and reuse my scenery. Then on the other hand I could start anew with a real shelf type model railroad. There I go again. Must have adult A.D.D

 

Here's my latest idea after standing in the basement all evening: long term goal is a point to point layout made on freestanding 18" wide modules. First I will build the Brownwood module and put legs under it. Then I will build new Zalma and Greenbrier modules possibly by using the existing sections from my 4x8 and putting legs under them. Then I can arrange the modules in the basement and connect them with two curved modules. One curved module would represent the cut between Zalma and Greenbrier as on the current layout and the second curved module would include the Dark Cypress swamp and early Diversion Channel construction. This second curved module would connect Greenbrier to the Brownwood module. This is my latest plan and I hope I can reuse a lot from the existing 4x8 Zalma Branch. This "New Direction" should provide a more satisfying and prototypical layout with better operational possibilities.
What do you folks think?

 

Free-standing is fine for mobility, especially if built so that one could at some time pick up and move to a different location. From what I remember of your basement, that may be the best plan.

 

It's settled then. I'll get started on this Brownwood module. That way I'll have a good switching module to operate while I finish the rest of the layout.

 

Got side tracked building some rolling stock, steam dredges and what not. Plus I'm branching out into n scale projects as well (HO is still my main thang). Too many irons in the fire! I need to get a few more #4 turnouts and some 2" foam insulation board and I'll be getting the Brownwood module going.
The reality is this....I get burned out for a while and go into a slump. Then I get going again after a while. I'll snap out of it soon because the journey is far from over. Your recent work inspires me and it's kind of fun to sit back and watch for a while.

 

Here are two pictures of the dragline.

 

Thought I should add a photo of the prototype. It does look weird!

 

I'm starting to lose heart. I finally have the 4x8 2" foam board and all the switches and flex track I need to model the junction at Brownwood but I've stalled. My basement isn't the best for a model railroad. Weird obstacles and general arrangement issues. I'm stuck with stacking the Brownwood module on top of the Zalma branch. A multideck 4x8. Insane. I could connect them with a helix attatched to the end or have them not connect at all. I don't see any other option but this idea kind of sucks. I've bitten off more than I care to chew. I'm slightly sidetracked by N scale plans and with spring around the corner I'm contemplating a garden railroad. Too many irons in the fire.

 

Jim, Looking at your most recent picture, I think you are approaching the design in too much of a recti-linear fashion. Don;'t let the rectangular shape of the Zalma module and the new hunk of foam dictate your track arrangement. You can tie into the Zalma module from a corner and at any angle from another hunk of foam substrate.

 

All great advice. I'm home today, sick with the nasty stomach bug. Dangers of healthcare work. Must've started last night and put me in a funky mood. I'll figure something out. I did make it to work this morning but that sure as hell didn't work out. Haven't missed a day of work in 10 years. Luckily my wife and I work together so she drove us home. Oooohhhh.........