Seaboard Central 2.0

[eric220]

Heh, it's probably closer to 70-75% missing, but you've seen my layout.  Not only would a large train be chasing its tail, but I couldn't fit a prototype length Auto Train on my mainline.   

After seeing some videos of the prototype and counting cars, I'm not sure that I could fit a prototype length Auto Train on MY mainline! It's a shockingly long train. That was really more the the target of my comment: the ridiculous length of the prototype.

[mcjaco]

I've got four Kato Phase III Amtubes, and they are also very nice.  However, they don't belong on this train.  If someone wants to offer proof of the mixing of Amfleet and Superliners on the Auto Train, let me know!

If I ever build a period-correct Auto Train, then the Amtubes can mix in with some heritage fleet cars.  But, unfortunately, I'm not made of money, nor do I have time to really scratchbuild or kitbash that train.

By the way, what a coincidence, I'd rather spend Matt's (mcjaco) money! 

DFF

Then throw some Heritage cars in with the Amtubes, and you have a more region acceptable train. 

I love the Auto Train, but I'd never try to model it.  Too friggin long for a home pike. 

You'd fit in with Modutrak  We love to spend each other's money.   

[davefoxx]

I would love to have a consist for Amtrak's Silver Star or Silver Meteor.  With the heritage of those named trains going back to the Seaboard Air Line, they're a perfect fit for the Seaboard Central.  Something like this, but substitute the F40PHs for the E60:

http://history.amtrak.com/archives/southbound-silver-star-with-heritage-equipment-early-1980s

But, I have to admit that I became enamored with the Superliners after our first Auto Train trip from Florida last month.  That's what started this mess and me violating my rule of staying within my 1983-86 era.  Ergo, the foobie Auto Train.  However, this is not the first time that I have violated this rule… this year!  Go back a bunch of pages in this thread and you'll see an ATSF GP60 and an ACL E7.   

I'll eventually add some heritage cars to the fleet, but that will have to wait.  Besides, I will be on the lookout for more auto carriers and possibly a Superliner sleeper or two to better represent the ratio of cars on the prototype.  Eric's right, the prototype Auto Train is a ridiculous length.  For now, though, I'm really enjoying running this admittedly truncated Auto Train, but, while it's on the layout, nothing else can run.  It's too long to hide in the yard, including the 30" cassette that I have, without breaking up the train and hogging the yard tracks.  Perhaps, instead of more passenger cars, I should expand the layout.

DFF

[mcjaco]

Time to proto lance?

Amtrak is doing well in the eighties (ha, ha), and has expanded service via the SC.  Superliner train once a day/week in either direction.  It could be like the mini Builder once it splits in WA. 

I've got rolling stock from multiple eras, and roads.  I try to contain myself, but I can't sometimes.  The only train I'm kicking myself for not grabbing is the Daylight.  So hawt.

[Rich_S]

I would love to have a consist for Amtrak's Silver Star or Silver Meteor.  With the heritage of those named trains going back to the Seaboard Air Line, they're a perfect fit for the Seaboard Central.  Something like this, but substitute the F40PHs for the E60:

http://history.amtrak.com/archives/southbound-silver-star-with-heritage-equipment-early-1980s

But, I have to admit that I became enamored with the Superliners after our first Auto Train trip from Florida last month.  That's what started this mess and me violating my rule of staying within my 1983-86 era.  Ergo, the foobie Auto Train.  However, this is not the first time that I have violated this rule… this year!  Go back a bunch of pages in this thread and you'll see an ATSF GP60 and an ACL E7.   

I'll eventually add some heritage cars to the fleet, but that will have to wait.  Besides, I will be on the lookout for more auto carriers and possibly a Superliner sleeper or two to better represent the ratio of cars on the prototype.  Eric's right, the prototype Auto Train is a ridiculous length.  For now, though, I'm really enjoying running this admittedly truncated Auto Train, but, while it's on the layout, nothing else can run.  It's too long to hide in the yard, including the 30" cassette that I have, without breaking up the train and hogging the yard tracks.  Perhaps, instead of more passenger cars, I should expand the layout.

DFF

Dave, Slightly off topic again or what does the TRW folks say, thread drift    Anyway thanks for the above link. There is a lot of great info on that site for the Amtrak Stations still in use and their history. Now back on topic. If you don't have room to expand the layout, do you have room for a longer cassette to hold your AutoTrain?

[davefoxx]

Rich,

You must have no idea how big that cassette would have to be to hold a model of the Auto Train, even if selectively compressed.    Seriously, I would much prefer to expand the layout, and I have the room to do so.  The biggest hurdle (outside pissing off Mr. Wallet) is not space but the availability of Atlas Code 55 track.  I'll need quite a bit.  Sure, I could handlay track, but I don't have the time.

Soooooo. . . maybe it's about time to hold the next TRW expansion brainstorming session.  My plan is to use another 36" HCD perpendicular to the first layout.  I'll have to notch into the corner of the new door, so that the SBD mainline and the A&R line can head for points off-door but also allow me to connect to the tracks at the end of the yard in Aberdeen.  Imagine that the mainline through Aberdeen takes a ninety degree turn left (where the cassette exists now) so it can reconnect with the other end of the SBD mainline.  This will allow the yard tracks in Aberdeen to be extended approximately 12-15".

I just need help on what to do between those endpoints and what to do with the A&R line on a different level.  I'm okay with the A&R being an out-and back or point-to-point operation out of Aberdeen.  I'm thinking I want a larger staging yard for the SBD on the new door.

Like this:



Thoughts?

DFF

[Rich_S]

Rich,

You must have no idea how big that cassette would have to be to hold a model of the Auto Train, even if selectively compressed.   
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.
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What, you mean a 6' long cassette would be too much? Just kidding. As for your track planning question, I was thinking of a slightly modified version of this DKS's track plan.

   

Eliminate the Harrisburg yard and substitute your layout for the existing Juniata division layout in the attached picture. Then just have the A& R meander down the middle of the layout?

[davefoxx]

Hmm, Rich, there's definitely some ideas in there, but I only plan to add one door to make an "L."  Perhaps if I took that left door and moved into the position of the middle door, we're getting close.  I actually sat down to draft something up on Empire Express today, when I realized that my new laptop didn't have the software.  I moved the files over from the old hard drive, and, voila, it prompted me to enter my registration information.  Crap.  God only knows where that could be.  So, I either buy another version, or I try something different.  I like AnyRail, but I have a Mac.

Anyhow, moving on to actual modeling, I finally got inspired to return to highway construction.  My procrastination resulted from a miscalculation when I cut the piece of styrene for the road that fits between the SBD and A&R tracks.  I had mis-cut the piece months ago and was left with a gap against the rail.  The only obvious way to fix that without starting over was to install a wood railroad crossing on the A&R track.  Because I was able to put that row of ties outside the rail, the gap was filled.  Whew.



Now that it's finished, I'm not only pleased, but this creates a contrasting look as compared to the nice smooth "asphalt" crossing over the nearby SBD tracks.  See the old photo below.  I'm hoping to differentiate the two roads' construction.  Eventually, there will be different colored ballast to help distinguish the separately owned lines, too.



DFF

[seusscaboose]

 

[conrailthomas519]

DFF the grade crossing sure does look good. Is that going to be like a focal point? super detailed grade crossing?

[davefoxx]

Thanks!  I hope it becomes a focal point.  I already have a couple pairs of N.J. International crossbucks with flashing LED lights to install at both of these grade crossings.

DFF

[seusscaboose]

be double sure to check your clearances on those cross bucks...  it would be a shame for an 80 ft passenger car to take em' out on that curve.
 
EP

[davefoxx]

be double sure to check your clearances on those cross bucks...  it would be a shame for an 80 ft passenger car to take em' out on that curve.
 
EP

Like they almost took out two bridges last weekend in a spectacular derailment?  HAHAHAHAHAHA!!

DFF

[wm3798]

Looks very good, Mr. Dave.

[davefoxx]

Looks very good, Mr. Dave.

Thanks, Lee!  I'm looking forward to seeing you back in the game with your new layout.

DFF