PRR/Conrail Juniata Division Engineering Report

[Bsklarski]

I am partial to the first one as you talk about minimizing the track joints between sections. You have the same number of connections, BUT with the first one, you have more connections that are straighter. All those connections are on curves and that will be an issue, unless he uses only Unitrack. Personally Id rather have the joints as straight as I can to minimize kinks and other curvature issues.

[packers#1]

My first reaction was I prefer the first one; however, a lot of the track is buried in tunnels and it's a bit more disjointed; the middle option is, I think, the best as it has the large staging and the town is also less cramped and more open. The last just has such a small amount of staging as compared to the middle one, and for the amount of moving you may do (as you mentioned retiring in Colorado I assume you may move once more?), having all those tracks across the joints shouldn't be as bad if they are made with Unitrack.

[Dave V]

This will be very tight with the main entrance door. If you go with it, you may need to flip the door to open into the hallway.

If I shove the left side against the wall, I think we have a winnah!

Now to figure out what track I need!

[Scottl]

That is pretty sweet.  The four track section is especially inspired, and it would be a great spot to lay some overhead wires.

[Dave V]

True 'nuff, but that scene has Sherman's Creek at Duncannon written all over it!!!

[wcfn100]

Are those crossovers on the bridge worth it visually or functionally for the extra wiring (and cost)?

I do like the look.  If they aren't really needed, maybe dummy them up and keep the reverse loops out.


Jason

[Dave V]

Good question.  The real Sherman's Creek had an interlocking plant on the middle of the bridge (still does, only smaller).  I would love the look of a real Pennsy 4-track interlocking.  I don't know how often I would need to turn a train, but it does look like to do so I would need four DCC reversing units.

[pjm20]

I vote (again  ) for Tyrone. Tyrone lies on a curve, and it already has a smallish yard you can use for staging. You could even through in Spruce Creek if you want.

[Dave V]

Yes, and Tyrone includes a connection with the Bald Eagle secondary...  I'm listening...

[DKS]

If I shove the left side against the wall, I think we have a winnah!

Can't shove it all the way, or the middle door will smack the old JD. A small aisle to squeeze through for maintenance access along the side would probably be a good thing anyway.

[Scottl]

Good question.  The real Sherman's Creek had an interlocking plant on the middle of the bridge (still does, only smaller).  I would love the look of a real Pennsy 4-track interlocking.  I don't know how often I would need to turn a train, but it does look like to do so I would need four DCC reversing units.

You could always put in proper turnouts and then add the wiring and functionality later if it suited you and the funds were available.  It would look great, even if it was not functional.  I am sure you could rig wires from tortoise motors through the bridge to run them.  Easier than laying flex track!

[Dave V]

If I committed the venal sin of using Unitrack, all the turnout wiring is internal anyway. They could be very easily interlocked.

Dave, still not sure how the door bumps the JD in the version where the tunnel piece is back against the wall.  It only protrudes 6'8" into a room that's 10'6" deep.

[pjm20]

Yes, and Tyrone includes a connection with the Bald Eagle secondary...  I'm listening...

This connection may be future expansion? Also, depending on time period, there is the Fairbrook Branch. This was sold to the my hometown railroad the Bellefonte Central in 1927 with the tracks being removed in 1941. Again, those split tracks going into tunnels in the middle section is a dead ringer for Spruce Creek.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Damn, miss a day or two and I miss all the action.

I have a bigger question about this expansion: What does it give you that you're looking for and that the existing JD doesn't?

[DKS]

Dave, still not sure how the door bumps the JD in the version where the tunnel piece is back against the wall.  It only protrudes 6'8" into a room that's 10'6" deep.

Sorry, brain fart. Mixing versions.