Norfolk Southern N Scale 6 x 10 Layout

[davidgray1974]

Hey Fellas,

Just wanted to start out by saying I'm new to the forum and so far I have enjoyed reading a lot of the posts here.  I have posted an earlier version of this layout on another forum, and this was the result so far.  The layout is 6 x 10 and I am using Kato Unitrack and a Digitrax Zephyr to make the layout DCC.  I have purchased MIANNE bench work for the layout.  I found this to be a wonderful alternative for me as it is very durable and I think for the craftsmanship, reasonably priced.  I myself have not tested my woodworking skills so I opted to take this route.  The layout will be accessible from all sides as it will be on rollers.  I want to be able to run a session on this layout by myself or with at least 2 other people.  I think what I have now will accommodate that but I am always open to further suggestions. 

My other dilemma is what type of industries to use.  This will be a current era layout based in NC, primarily somewhere near Raleigh.  I'm not trying to model a specific town or area but would like ideas as to what is fun to model and appropriate for the area.  I am also looking for input on how best to layout scenery that is appealing to the eye and will look realistic.  I have seen some layouts that don't have a realistic feel to them.  Like everything just seemed rushed and had no thought to how it was laid out.

This layout will be primarily NS with an interchange at the bottom for CSX.  There will be a divider separating the front and back of the layout and another divider separating the working yard.  I thought of the front half being an area with a small town feel with some local industries and the back portion maybe being one large industry.  (maybe chemical or grain) There will also be a waterway/ river coming from the bottom left side of the layout stretching up to the backdrop.  The very top track extending all the way to the right will be the drill track for the yard.

Also, here is a list of my locomotive roster:

Atlas NS MP15, GP15, SD60, (2)GP38-2 High Hoods
Kato NS SD70M, SD40-2 CSX SD70 ACe, (2) SD70MAC
Bachman NS Dash 8-40CW

Other locos of varying names and eras:
Atlas L&N GP40, RS3, (2) SD-35, U25B, (2) GP-9 High Hoods, MP-15DC, C-420
Broadway Limited L&N E7 PRR E7A and B
Athearn Challenger

I look forward to any and all suggestions or comments you may have.

Thanks again,

David

[Dave Schneider]

Welcome David. Way to dive right in! Quick question(s)....where are the walls in your space relative to the L-shape. Do you have access from all sides?
Are you tied to this exact shape or is there some flexibility?

Best wishes, Dave

[DKS]

Welcome, yet another David! Great that you jumped right in, as Dave remarked. I'm sure the comments will flow soon enough.

Regards,
David

[davidgray1974]

Hey Dave!  Yes all sides are accessible and the frame is on rollers to manuver it.  I am pretty set on the L shape.  Reason being the room has two large open, walk-thru areas and two fairly large windows in the front, so there really is no way of running an around the room layout.  Even if I could do this, the wife would have not agreed to it.  This shape fits nicely in one corner of the room, that is exactly (6 x 10), when it is not being used which makes the wife mucho happy.  I think if we ever decide to finish off the attic space, I would sooooo consider an around the wall layout.  At which I would probably step up to HO scale.  This layout in N scale satisfies the much needed urge to run trains and have some descent scenery as well.  For now it is the perfect balance.

David

[davidgray1974]

Welcome, yet another David! Great that you jumped right in, as Dave remarked. I'm sure the comments will flow soon enough.

Regards,
David

Thanks Dave!!  Great name by the way.  I am very happy to be here.  I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the informative posts thus far.  A ton of great information on here.  I am sooo glad I found this forum.

Thanks again!!
David 

[davidgray1974]

Welcome David. Way to dive right in! Quick question(s)....where are the walls in your space relative to the L-shape. Do you have access from all sides?
Are you tied to this exact shape or is there some flexibility?

Best wishes, Dave

Dave,  realized I didn't answer the question regarding the relation of the layout to the room.  Here is a quick drawing, not to scale of the room as it is now with the benchwork.  Hope this helps.

David

[DKS]

David, it may also help to describe those things that are set in stone, and those that aren't, as there may likely be some suggestions for relatively substantial changes.

For one, right away I can see it will be very difficult to reach things in the far corner of the layout. You might need to add an access opening, or adjust the plan so nothing is more than about three feet from the front edge of the layout.

Also, I think the scenic divider that separates the yard from the rest of the layout creates an awkwardly-shaped space and increases the difficulty of reaching things on that side of the layout.

[davidgray1974]

David, it may also help to describe those things that are set in stone, and those that aren't, as there may likely be some suggestions for relatively substantial changes.

For one, right away I can see it will be very difficult to reach things in the far corner of the layout. You might need to add an access opening, or adjust the plan so nothing is more than about three feet from the front edge of the layout.

Also, I think the scenic divider that separates the yard from the rest of the layout creates an awkwardly-shaped space and increases the difficulty of reaching things on that side of the layout.

Dave,
The L shape of the layout is pretty much set in stone.  Any track on the layout, scenery, town layout and industries is up for grabs.  As for access of the layout, I will bring the layout away from the wall towards the center of the room allowing access to all sides of the layout. 

David

[DKS]

Dave,
The L shape of the layout is pretty much set in stone.  Any track on the layout, scenery, town layout and industries is up for grabs.  As for access of the layout, I will bring the layout away from the wall towards the center of the room allowing access to all sides of the layout.  

David

So, it would be on rollers or something? Would it normally be operated in the middle of the room?

[davidgray1974]

So, it would be on rollers or something? Would it normally be operated in the middle of the room?

Yes, the layout has wheels on each leg and would be moved to the center of the room during operating sessions.  I would only keep it in the corner when not in use to keep the wife happy.   

[DKS]

Yes, the layout has wheels on each leg and would be moved to the center of the room during operating sessions.  I would only keep it in the corner when not in use to keep the wife happy.   

Right, I missed that bit in one of the earlier posts. Sorry.

[davidgray1974]

Right, I missed that bit in one of the earlier posts. Sorry.

Ha Ha!  No worries. 

[GaryHinshaw]

Welcome aboard David, and I agree that you picked a great way to dive in!

My first impression of this plan is switching.  What kind of ops scenario are you mostly interested in?  What kind of switching activity is prominent in the Raleigh area today?  Is there a vignette you're copying and building from?

The schematic of your plan is a lot like Dave (of course) Vollmer's Juniata.  I'm sure his recent ops session experience would be pertinent to you.

Keep us posted,
Gary

[DKS]

The schematic of your plan is a lot like Dave (of course) Vollmer's Juniata.  I'm sure his recent ops session experience would be pertinent to you.

Completely agree. In fact, Dave's Juniata serves as an excellent launching point to explore some variations. Here's something to consider. It's streamlined, with fewer sidings and a tighter, double-track mainline route. To break the "everything's parallel to the layout edges" syndrome of Unitrack, the whole plan except the yard is cocked on a 7-degree angle. The secret to the trick is one custom-cut track part highlighted in red.
 


Or, for some out-and-back ops...

[Dave Schneider]

David,

Sorry, I didn't read carefully about access...

The first thought I have is that while it is easy for a train to leave the yard, it is hard for it to return to it.

Without knowing your preferences, how about building a large paper mill complex. This could utilize a large variety of car types, and plenty of switching operations. Don't forget operations like a clean-out track and maybe some battered old cars to move pulp around the plant.

The stub yard can be used to pull cars and spot them at the plant. You could even use a caboose or pushing platform for the push back to the yard. The left side of the loop could be concealed behind a building or wood chips or something, with a view break between it and the yard. The loop can be used as a tail track for pulling cats or when you just want to watch trains running. This is my plan for my Beer Line. Switching when I am in the mood, and running when I don't feel like that.

The functionality of the interchange off line could be improved using a train length cart with a couple of tracks. Kinda like a car ferry to swap incoming and outgoing trains.

The MP-15 and Geeps would look great switching, and the six-axle power could be used for the transfer trains.

Just some thoughts.
Best wishes, Dave