CSX Hanover Subdivision

[Blazeman]

Why not?

At the RPM last weekend, saw a few presentations on prototype layouts and in most cases, upper levels were employed in order to insert distance between scenes. Some lucky ones are able to expand their home to enlarge the layout (Mike Rose, frequent contributor to M-R-H).

[mu26aeh]

One of my layout buddies came over this afternoon to fease my layout expansion plans.  After a few measurements, some discussion, ok lots of discussion, drawing a mockup turn back design, we've come to the conclusion that this will be a go ahead with construction.  Details still need to be worked out but he feels that it will add much enjoyment to anyone who operates on the layout.  This plan will add at least 2 new customers to the layout, a new interchange point (possibly a second, have to wait and see) and allow two other moves to be made more prototypically.    The biggest issue in the room now is getting the helix figured out.  I'm going to build it myself, using threaded rod to get the rise needed.  He has a ton of it available from his layout and work.  Construction probably won't happen until mid-September after the local open house event, as I am fairly certain I cannot tear everything out that needs to come out and get things back in place by then. 

If anyone can point me to helix construction tips etc, please feel free to do so

[conrail98]

If anyone can point me to helix construction tips etc, please feel free to do so

A good one was the MRV videos of the mini-helix from staging to the main level. Also, I have a Ashlin kit I may or may not need if interested,

Phil

[mu26aeh]

I wired in my LokPilot decoder for #1504.  Need to get it to my buddies house for an update to the decoder for Full Throttle features and it will be ready for service.  I still need to add the antenna stand/table on the cab in front of AC unit.

[mu26aeh]

Still have some settings to change around, but here's where they are at right now.

[mu26aeh]

After starting to transfer my upper level plans to full scale on cardboard, I realized I was going to need to make some changes.  I decided to flip the scenes on the upper level side for side.  This allows the correct track/siding orientation and easier coupling/uncoupling as buildings will not be in the way, for the most part.  Nothing to scale, just an idea on paper.  Upper level center divide will probably get shifted to the left, allowing more room on the right for Dal-Tile and Ag Com facilities/buildings to be modeled.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Are you fitting Gettysburg in now?

Downtown would be cool, the cut would be cool, even the stretch by the dairy queen would be cool.

What I'm trying to say is... Gettysburg would be cool.

[mu26aeh]

Still not enough room for Gettysburg.  That's going to have to wait for a complete rebuild, in another house if that were to come to fruition.  Main point of this expansion is getting Center St added.

[mu26aeh]

I set out to transfer my drawings from paper to a rough sketch on cardboard for a more full size view of how things could look.  This gets me excited about the possibility.



https://www.google.com/maps/@39.8056355,-76.9676392,400a,35y,2.98t/data=!3m1!1e3

[DeltaBravo]

Is that little yard long enough?

[John]

Is that little yard long enough?

Not really, but 10-15 car tracks would take ~4-6 feet

[mu26aeh]

Center St is usually just a yard for the D795/797 and Q (now W) 762/763 power, and a handful of cars that the 797 (eastbound) brought in for delivery by the 795 (westbound).  When the 797 arrives, it has already dropped empty cars from AgCom at New Siding (Bittinger), it will run to Smith's Siding if it has cars for YorkRail and then return to Center St to tie down.

Once I get some turnouts, I can get a better feel for how the curves will lay out and can make adjustments if needed.

[mu26aeh]

I was able to get all of the upper level drawn out last night.



And a couple more of the lower level since that will change on the Hanover side of the divide.  First up, Smith's Siding will be added.  This is where YorkRail and CSX interchange.



Next would be the aforementioned Center St photo

And then the Ma & Pa diamond will get moved to where Utz and the Vulcan Lime Loadout tracks are located.  I have the spur drawn in for YorkRail to get down into Hanover for Sunoco Products, plan is to have that modeled on the outside of the helix area if that will work out.



Finally, I messed around with Flickr photo editing.  The crossing lights are now activated 

[mu26aeh]

Just an update to say nothing new on the layout.  My company sold the branch I was working at to Nestle Waters and the transition hasn't gone as smoothly as I or anyone else has hoped.  Been putting in some long days and Saturdays too, so Sundays have been spent on yard duty ( the grass mowing kind ) and napping.  In little time I have extra, I've been entering information into the Shenware programs for car cards and waybills, but now I can't get into the car card program even though I have a registration number.  Waiting for assistance on that.  I have a few more details to finish up on #1504 Ma/Pa and hopefully I can get my CF7 pair down to visit the home rails of @Ed Kapuscinski Windsor St before it meets it maker. 

Good thing is that I get paid extra to work Saturdays and it's nice coin for the hobby

[DeltaBravo]

Are you planning an open house again this fall?