PRR/Conrail Juniata Division Engineering Report

[crrcoal]

Oh I dunno; I think you are on to something with the current JD. Why not keep that plan and just lengthen in about 4' from the cent out? And while you do that; add another foot or so to Enola? You have a recipe that works, just fine tune it.

[Dave V]

You mean more crowded than it looks as drawn?   

That's what we were saying...  Even the drawing is too crowded.

Less is more.

QFT.

Oh I dunno; I think you are on to something with the current JD. Why not keep that plan and just lengthen in about 4' from the cent out? And while you do that; add another foot or so to Enola? You have a recipe that works, just fine tune it.

Not sure I follow.

[Missaberoad]

Less is more.

Took the words out of my mouth... Keep in mind the role of the layout is to provide a stage rather then give the trains things to do.


There is plenty industry on your concept if you ever decide to run a wayfreight and it should be no issue shoe-horning in a locomotive storage/service area to the staging side of the layout.

I just fear I'd fall into the same trap again, trying to fit in too much stuff and making it all too crowded and non-functional.

I think that you are on the right train of thought here.

[Dave V]

Revised...  I added a long passing siding on the "farm" side to simulate a wider mainline.  In fact, by 1956, parts of the four-track Middle Division had been reduced to three tracks anyway.

[davefoxx]

Much better.  Me likey.

DFF

[delamaize]

Much better.  Me likey.

DFF

Agreed.

[MichaelWinicki]

I think it looks good!

Like the long passing siding/3-track look.

Nice variety of locations which would be make for great photo opportunities.

And you have a decent amount of staging.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ok, next question.

Is your staging long enough now?

[chicken45]

You should also install a helix. 

[davefoxx]

@Dave Vollmer,

Since you don't have room for a turntable and roundhouse and aren't necessarily building a scale model of Enola, I'd suggest a double-ended locomotive facility for efficiency and to avoid reverse moves to get to/from a train, if it turns out that you have the room.

Here's my inspiration- something I always wanted to model- the former RF&P's Bryan Park Terminal:



This was once the main locomotive facility for the RF&P.  Unfortunately, CSX has downgraded it to maintenance of way, because, at one time, this facility not only serviced locomotives coming from the north (run-throughs from B&O and Conrail, but also locomotives from the South, e.g., ACL, SCL, and SBD).  It was once a great place from which to railfan, and it was legally done from just yards away from the ready tracks.  Good times.

DFF

[MichaelWinicki]

Ok, next question.

Is your staging long enough now?

That's a valid point...

He could extend the view block on both ends and start both ends of the yard off with curved turnouts.

The passing siding that starts by the Mifflin tower could be extended as a 3rd track right into staging.  That would give one long staging track right there.

[davefoxx]

Ok, next question.

Is your staging long enough now?

Curved turnouts will solve that problem by extending the tracks into almost the full length of that 10-foot layout section.

DFF

EDIT: Simultaneous post.  @MichaelWinicki was quicker on the response.

[Dave V]

I need 7' staging tracks and that's about what I have here.

@davefoxx, you're pushing this double-ended engine facility but it's going to be hidden behind a view block.

[davefoxx]

I need 7' staging tracks and that's about what I have here.

@davefoxx, you're pushing this double-ended engine facility but it's going to be hidden behind a view block.

@Dave Vollmer,

I don't even know if it would fit until you have a scale plan.  But, I'm only pushing this idea now to keep you thinking.  This idea is solely for ease of operation, not for esthetics, since it's behind the curtain.  But, with a double-ended locomotive facility, it's much easier to hostle locomotives, and you can do more of a first-in/first-out type of operation.  You would also have immediate access to both ends of staging for eastbound or westbound trains, which, to me, would be very important.  That might even free up a staging yard track, since you would no longer require a runaround track.  Merely food for thought.

DFF

[Dave V]

That's a valid point...

He could extend the view block on both ends and start both ends of the yard off with curved turnouts.

The passing siding that starts by the Mifflin tower could be extended as a 3rd track right into staging.  That would give one long staging track right there.

I've been thinking about that but I also want staging to be as reliable and as hands-off as possible, and I don't feel like the Atlas code 55 switches are that right now.  Peco curved turnouts have too broad a radius to be of much use.

EDIT:  Does anyone know more about the geometry of these guys?