Conrail Windsor St Yard (York PA) Engineering Report

[Ed Kapuscinski]

You might want to snake that drain to make sure there's not a clog slowing it down, and I also suggest that you invest in a cheap sump pump that you can throw in the stairwell when you anticipate bad weather.

DFF

I like the submergable pump idea. That might be part of the future tiered defense.

I think the REAL fix, though, is to just get a good lip built around the steps to keep the water out in the first place.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ok, despite the Great Flood of 2016, things are getting back to normal, and that means more progress.
http://conrail1285.com/some-york-pa-teaser-pics/





An overall room view.


The cork here is laying out streets.


And some track being prepped for a siding:

[Philip H]

that will be a fun siding to switch.

I need to get up there at some point - how's March 2019 grab you? 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

that will be a fun siding to switch.

I need to get up there at some point - how's March 2019 grab you? 

It's amazing what you can run over if you do it slowly... it'll be for one of these sidings: https://goo.gl/maps/jAdEef1aDgR2

And yeah man, right now, looks like I'm good any time in March 2019... but seriously though, let me know when you have some time, I love to show off.

[jmarley76]

Ok, despite the Great Flood of 2016, things are getting back to normal, and that means more progress.

Glad to hear you have dried out, err rather your basement has dried out... 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Glad to hear you have dried out, err rather your basement has dried out... 

Lol. Oh yeah, I'm still quite damp... in fact, soldering was skipped in favor of a second rye last night. But it DID power the siding track tie spacing project along nicely.

[Bsklarski]

Thats a nice size layout Ed. Glad to see some overall pics.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Thats a nice size layout Ed. Glad to see some overall pics.

Thanks!
I think so. It'll be enough to scratch many of my itches, but not so big that it requires an insane amount of work or upkeep (or asshats to run it).

[Santa Fe Guy]

Ed, would you consider putting a divider down the middle to make the RR look longer. Just a thought.
Rod.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ed, would you consider putting a divider down the middle to make the RR look longer. Just a thought.
Rod.

I've thought about that, but I'm just going to let the buildings do that for me.

[OldEastRR]

It's amazing what you can run over if you do it slowly... it'll be for one of these sidings: https://goo.gl/maps/jAdEef1aDgR2

You can try gently twisting the siding track (like wringing out a towel) before you lay it; get some of those prototypical undulations in it. With less ties you might get the flexibility to do that without kinking rail. I'm going to try pushing down on the track (whether upsidedown or normal) while it's on a somewhat yielding surface (foamboard, maybe) to see if that can produce some gentle dips and rises.

[Chris333]

Just an observation.    Based on your light switch I'm guessing your layout height is about 42". I bet that makes it easy to work on. My own layout is at 60". Sucks to work on and I do most of it on a stepping stool, but for viewing it is just about right, maybe another 1-2 inches taller would be perfect.

Against better judgement I took a layout selfie:
https://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/NewLayoutSpace#6257014439201875394

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Yep Chris, right around 42". It absolutely does. I had given it some thought when initially setting it up, but given the depth of the yard, and the purpose of the thing, I think  it was the right call.

And when I want the "railfan view", all I have to do is sit down.

Lol, I like that... "layout selfies".

I see what you mean about height though.

Is it possible to move the thing to work on it? That's what I did on my old shelf.

[davefoxx]

Yep Chris, right around 42". . . .  [G]iven the depth of the yard, and the purpose of the thing, I think it was the right call.

^This.  Having operated this yard, I can tell you that you need to be able to reach and see the cars (and car numbers) on the far tracks.  This is easier with the lower height.  Ops worked, so I'm satisfied where it is.  Also, as Ed pointed out, he can sit and railfan.

DFF

[sirenwerks]

If I understand Chris's design right, he's not doing a lot of switching.  Ed, on the other hand, loves to punish himself...