Illinois Central/Canadian National in N scale

[nscalemike]

Some ideas on operations:

Here is where the plan stands today:


You'll notice there is a few minor changes.  First, the Middle Fork area.  I want this to represent a small midwest town and felt there was too many tracks along the main for that.  One came out.  I am going to operate/scenic this town as the branch line, but it will be connected for run throughs when desired.  The tracks are identified, by bottom to top, run around/passing/interchange access, main line, storage/switch lead, grain complex.   There will be a loco stationed here.  Either a CN loco or a industry owned one, haven't decided.  Also,  I think the green backdrop line will actually be a 'soft' backdrop consisting of the industries and tress.  The openings between those will provide a visual look to the staging yard, and a photo backdrop will go on the rear wall.  This will make it easier for me to see when the turnouts are clear and the tracks that are in use.  If need be, a temporary sky can be put in place for photos.  The 3'+ long elevator scene will block most of the view.  It will be constructed on a piece of plywood so the whole building can be removed is major access is needed.

The abandoned crossing has been names Middle Fork Junction.  Middle Fork Junction is located about 15 miles from Gilman, which is represented on the layout as the north staging yard.  The IC interchanged with the Middle Fork and Eastern at this location up until the MF&E went bankrupt in the early 90's.  The MF&E line at one time ran approximately 55 miles between Danville and Gillman.  IC aquired the line and immediately abandoned the stretch from Middle Fork to Danville, citing a lack of profit.  About 2 miles of the line still exists east of Middle Fork.  A year before the IC take over, a new grain transfer complex was built at Middle Fork and part of that construction process was updating the tracks from Middle Fork to the IC to handle modern day grain traffic.  Between the grain and the interchange with the CSX, Middle Fork provided enough traffic that the IC continued to service the Middle Fork line and today it is a 8 mile branch the CN controls.  When the IC aqquired the line, they constructed a new bridge on what was the interchange track between the two road.  When the new bridge wsa completed they abandoned the old bridge, crossing, and tower.  Today the junction is nothing more than a switch off the mainline.  That being said, it still sees at least one train each weekday, sometimes two.

Next on the line is Lynfield and the manufacturing plant located just outside of town.  A fourth spur was added to this to increase the size a bit.  Currently, the industry type is undecided but the top running is a paper plant, automotive parts manufacture, or food complex.  It must take a variety of cars types.

Lynfield itself hasn't changed at all.  This is designed to be an urban enviroment with industry, abandonded track, and older buildings.  Finally, just south of Lynfield is the last industry on this division.  The main line continues south until it reaches Champaign, represented by staging. 

So the operation? Main lines trains pass through Lynfield on their run from Gilman to Champaign and the opposite way.  Gilman also is home to 3 locals, while Champaign hosts one.  The Champaign local will run from the left staging to Lynfield.  On the way they service the safe industry.  The Champaign local will leave cars for Lynfield either on the passing track or storage track just behind the station.  They will also pick up anything the Lynfield Turn left behind the previous day.  Those cars are typically southbound regular service cars which can be attached to their southbound trains the next day.  High priority cars that travel south will still be taken back to Gilman on the Lynfield Turn for departure on trains that same day.  The Champaign local may not have any work to do in Lynfield, on those days they simpley service the safe industry and return to Champaign. 

The Gilman trains include the Lynfield Turn, the Middle Fork Local, and the unnamed industry local.  Depending on traffic volume, the Lynfield Turn and the industry local may be combined.  The Middle Fork local is based in Middle Fork.  They work the town during the day and at the end of the day they make a run to Gilman to drop off / pick up cars.  Typically the pick up is light, as the Lynfield Turn will bring a majority of the Middle Fork cars and drop them at the junction on their way to Lynfield in the morning.  The Lynfield Turn leaves Gilman and works Lynfield before returning to Gilman.  Finally, the industry local leaves Gilman and runs to Lynfield.  It works the industry and then returns to Gilman.  This industry will be good for a half dozen or more cars each day.  On the days the Lynfield Turn is light, these two trains will be combined.  The local trains will be limited to 10-12 cars each.  They layout will need to be staged before each session.  However, when operating myself, one session will take at least 4 days, assuming each local is ran the entire way through.  As I operate one or two days a week, the layout will likely be staged once a month or so. 

I know its been a long post and thanks to those who are still reading.  Feel free to correct any of my incorrect operation ideas or provide suggestions.  I want to ensure the operations will flow smoothly before I start this project again, so bare with me.

Thanks,
Mike

[nscalemike]

I am thinking if I am going to proceed with this the time to start will be in the next week or so.  One more issue I feel I need to address prior to that though.  What are the thoughts on a valance over the layout for lighting?  This is room has a 9 or 10' ceiling, and two ceiling lights.  I have bases for the CFL's that I put on the previous layout, but with the footprint of this layout I will need a new way to support the valance.  Is it necessary?  Ideas on construction?

Thanks Mike

[Philip H]

I went through the same debate since I picked up 4 or 5 4 foot dual tube fluorescent lights for free ayer or so ago.  My original thought had been to have them hung from light weight frames over each side of the layout (probably with some sort of valance structure and then change out the room light (there was only one)for track lighting so I could add CFLs that color and temperature balanced with my tubes.

I abandoned the idea with the installation of a 5 light halogen track system.  Frankly the room (which was probably the back porch a couple of generations ago) still has a high pitched sloped ceiling, so either the valance would have to have been angled or I'd have had a dark line along the top of my layout viewing area.  i"ve still got a couple of the fixtures, and if I can figure out how to temperature and color balance fluorescents with halogens, I may yet try something.

So I guess I'm saying Im not wedded to the valance thing, if there are ways to light the whole room that give your layout enough light.  all you may really need is a couple of tracks on each long wall and one on each side wall - and I bet there's a Habitat Restore near you that can vend them to ya!

[LKOrailroad]

FWIW here is how I addressed the valance/lighting problem. Going for a total shadowbox effect throughout the entire layout. Combination CFL and LED gave me sunny, uniform light without much heat. Plenty of construction detail on blog. Look in the Layout Lighting category.

www.lkorailroad.com

[nscalemike]

It has been nearly a month without much updating and there is a reason for that.  I'm not sure I am committed to a project like this right now.  Over the last few weeks I've been spending some time thinking about what I really want, what I can realistically do, and what will keep my interest the most.

Fact #1, a new baby is coming rather quickly.  This is #1 and I know they will take a great deal of my time, money and energy.  That being said, I don't want to step aside completely.  I fully expect I will still be able to work some time on occassion.  I want this time to be spent on productive modeling work or running trains.  Both of which will require me not to feel overwhelmed when I am in the room.  Because of this, I am concerned about the new idea.  Lots of track, lots of operation, lots of maintanence, lots of rolling stock, engines, wiring, etc, etc. Can I do it, probably yes.  Will it be practical, probably not. 

Fact #2, what do I like to do.  Switch cars.  The last layout, this current layout, the ones I operate on, my favorite part of it is switching cars.  Not running trains in circles and not doing yard work.  Right now, I can run any number of trains around the layout.  But what do I do, I take an engine, find some cars, and aimlessly move cars around the future industries because I have no ops plan yet.  Everytime.  All the time. That is it.  Switch cars.  I like watching mainline trains pass by in real life, like the modern stuff, and imagine I want to model it, but I don't actively participate in that aspect of railroading.

Fact #3, what do I like scenery wise.  Modern, industrial, realistic scenes.  But not just the building along the tracks.  My mind needs the whole picture, at least a segment of the whole picture.  I mean, I don't need to model the entire 24 acre factory, but if I model a building and there is a loading dock on the back for the trucks, I need the service drive to be present for access to that dock.  A dumpster behind the building must have a drive to access it.  A city street needs room for the sidewalk and traffic signs.  I just can't believe a scene where things just don't make sense.  You can't put a car in the middle of stuff without a way for it to get there.  But, to model this complete scene, you need space.  If you don't have space, you need less scenes.  I've tried to cut back on what I've included, and have gotten better, but plain and simple, I can't fit two towns the way I want to model them in my space.

Fact #4, who does this with me.  I have family and friends who want to 'see' the trains when they are here, but other than that it is me.  That's it, me.  I don't need a layout that is going to support 4 operators for a 3 hour session once a month.  It doesn't happen.  And when I make the layout for that, when it is just me I get overwhelmed.  I can't do 4 peoples jobs at once and I don't want to. 

So, with this stuff on the table I started to think about what really peaks my interest model railroad speaking.  Then I realized it is the modern day industrial park types layouts.  It is the picture of a geep and a string of cars on a branch.  It is a big warehouse with one car spotted outside of it.  While certianly not the only one doing the type of modeling, but probably the best known is the Lance Mindheims Downtown Spur scenes.  Its his site, and others, that I can read over and over and over again.  It looks real.  It is one operator required, simple, less work.

Now that I identified my concerns and identified a possible solution I started tossing around ideas.  Thanks to DKS, I believe I have also found the floorplan for the room which provides the best use of space.  I quickly identified I can run about a 1.25 mile line around my room using that floorplan.  That is not much space in real life.  Keep the scenes real looking as much as possible and see what happens.  This is what I came up with:



Introducing CN's Middle Fork Industrial Spur.  Completely fictional line off the mainline somewhere is Illinois.  Simple industries to take a variety of car types, space to model more of the scene.  A staging track in the lower left corner holds the local of up to 7 cars.  The local will run the spur to switch industries for the day, one, two, or all of them, whatever I want based on time allowed.  A few turnouts in each direction, but once you get past the runaround its all the same direction.  Plan ahead for easier work.  A caboose staged directly behind the loco on the staging track will turn into a conductor platform to lead the train deeper into the industrial park.  A storage track is provided for extra cars and sorting.  But it is 100% modern switching.

Well, not quite 100% switching.  If I have a guest, or an urge, I can simply close the two industries on either side of the door and place the optional continous run track in place and I have a loop.  I also have a few tracks with trains premade and ready to run in circles for the guests.  Just in case, you never know.

Another lengthy post of my rambling, but what do you all think?  Is the plan doable?  Is there modifications that will keep it in line of my goals but still be better off operationally?  I am not trying to cram the 20 lbs into the 10 lb bag.  I know I can 'fit' more industries, more tracks, but I am trying to keep it simple, but busy enough for the time I do have an hour or two to play.  I am fully expecting a solo 30 minute session to be the norm.

Construction is due to start soon.  At that time I may start a new topic for this layout.  Until then I am looking forward to your feedback.

Thanks,
Mike

[Dave Schneider]

Mike,

You know better than the rest of us where your interests lie.  I like the new plan very much. One suggestion is to have some of the roads cross at an angle. Many industrial buildings have angled walls, and it adds character in my opinion.  Perhaps add a section with the rails on a high fill with buildings on the far side of the track lower down. Those make for nice photo opportunities. Maybe add a road underpass. Just some ideas to break up the table top look.

Good luck with the new baby. 

Best wishes, Dave

[mcjaco]

As someone with 15 month twins, my modeling time has shrunk to nothing.  I under estimated the time they take up!  So, with that being said, I think you've got the right formula in your head.  I've been following this thread closely because if we ever find a house, I'm kind of in the same boat.  Modern, switching, something that won't overwhelm me, and I can operate alone when I have time. 

I think you're dead on point with this plan.  And there's obviously changes you can make as you get moving, but DKS has provided a great building block to get started on. 

[DKS]

...DKS has provided a great building block to get started on.

To be fair, all I did was act as a sounding board. Mike did this plan all on his own.

[mcjaco]

^ Well, either way, it's a good start, and one I'm watching closely for inspiration. 

[Philip H]

Mike,
I think you have a good idea here. I have found (4 kids and 2 marriages later) that progress really is tied to maintaining an inviting organized space. Right now the little bit of momentum I got after returning from down south has been derailed this week by having a bunch of stuff "stored" in my train room while my SIL and her kids are here. I've also learned that work comes in short spurts - 15 minutes here, 20 minutes there. So get you space set, get your bench work and track in, and then go for it.

[nscalemike]

As someone with 15 month twins, my modeling time has shrunk to nothing.  I under estimated the time they take up! 

I don't know if it is a boy or girl, but I do know it is not twins.  So half the kids should equal twice your modeling time, twice of nothing is nothing still!!!  That is a concern, but I am keeping hope for something!

Thanks for the positive thoughts guys.  I will probably start the prep work to change over tomorrow evening as I have the house to myself for a few hours.  I figure the new track will go in pretty quick since there is not much there and hopefully before this baby arrives it will be ready to go.  (Good thing is the baby stuff is ready already, just waiting on the timer to go off now.)

Mike

[mu26aeh]

As much time as the baby will take up, even if you have 20 - 30 minutes of train time, use it.  Even if it's just to sit down and look at things.  Take notes on thoughts/ideas that come up.  That way when you do have more time, you can experiment and see if something will work or not.  I seem to do my better work when I work like this.

Good luck ! (with the layout, and the new bundle of joy)

[mcjaco]

I do a lot of reading and research during down time (you will love nap time).  I've got my Soo Line Passenger Car book tagged with post-it notes for prepping modeling the Laker.  Stuff like that can take little time and keeps the mojo going. 

Good luck, it's been a lot of work, but well worth it.  The first year flew by for us!

[GaryHinshaw]

Congratulations on the pending new arrival!  I gather this is your first?

I like the list you made for yourself and the concept you have drawn.  I would be tempted to find a prototype town you like the feel of and copy elements of it to make it authentic, but what you have sketched will be fun in any case.

My only advice regarding time management would be to get the track down soon -- before the baby -- so you have something to operate in short spurts.  After that, don't take on any projects that require close attention or more than an hour of uninterrupted time, for about 2 or 3 years...

Enjoy the baby!
-gfh

[MichaelWinicki]

I've got mixed emotions on this one Mike...

Hey I fully "get" the "A baby's coming and I won't have time" aspect.

Been there done that.  I understand that one all too well!

And I get the, "Well I probably won't have anyone else over to operate it with me" point of view.   I thought the same with mine.

In addition I do like the last (simplified) plan that you did.

However I think the other plan still has merit for several reasons...

First being this is a long-term project.  You'll most likely have this layout for several years.   So you might as well have what you want– within reason.

And yes time will be in short supply the next couple years.  Perfectly understandable.  But you will have some time available here and there. 

It looks to me that the benchwork is about the same in either plan... so no added time issues there.

The big time crunch would be additional track and additional buildings.   

Buildings are something you can putter away at 10 minutes here and 15 minutes there.

And how much longer does it take to lay a few extra switches and flex track?  I can tell you... no long.  Not at all.

But the big thing would be that at some point you may pick up some additional operators along the way who'll want to run the pike.   Why not give yourself some additional options in the name of operating interest?   

There are no wrong answers here.