CSX Hanover Subdivision

[mu26aeh]

I'm obviously not going to ding anyone on code 80...

However, might I recommend Peco turnouts if the funds can be procured?   They're not perfect either by a long shot, but the internal spring alone makes them worthwhile.  I think they're also more reliable than the few Atlas "Custom Line" code 80 turnouts I've used.  No switch motors needed.

I have thought about the switch motors etc, going to try this from YouTube : DIY Center sprung switches

[Philip H]

Neat video. I remember Jim Hediger writing up something similar in MR in the mid 1980's. perhaps one of the folks with a good digital archive can dig that article up for comparison.

[Bendtracker1]

Since you're using the Atlas turnouts, here is a way that i did mine years ago, similar to the way the guy in the video did.



Use the same wire and same brass tube, instal just like he did, but just make a straight "J" bend on the top.  This will poke into the hole that should be or use to be in the throw bar.

Poke the wire into the throwbar and push it down until it rest in place above the bar and ties.
Below the plywood or sub roadbed, gently push on the wire until you bend it like I show in the picture, but try to keep the bend close the tube.
On the end, bend a "Z" so the rubber band has a place to rest.  Stretch the rubber band taunt, but not real tight, adjust the tension of the rubber band until the points snap and hold,  then insert a screw and wrap the rubber band around the screw.

It's a little more forgiving than trying to make the precise bend that the guy did, and it won't slip up or down n the brass tube because of the bends.

It takes a little practice to get the right bend and the right tension.
It makes no difference which direction you make the bend below the table and tube, just make sure you keep the screw in line with the tube and the lower section of wire.

[mu26aeh]

What size piano wire did you use ?  Thanks for posting this variation, I will definitely try both versions.

[Bendtracker1]

Honestly don't remember it's been so long ago.
I think the tube was a 1/8th OD and a 1/16th ID, but the wire fit through it very easily.

I can tell you that the wire fit in the holes on the throw bars with ease and without having to drill it out any larger.

[mu26aeh]

Heading east from the Hagerstown yard, we find the cement facility at Security, MD. I've laid out track to do a test fit, you'll notice I flipped this from the original design. In real life, the plant is on the south side of line.

20150314_131037 by mu26aeh, on Flickr

[mu26aeh]

Been busy since my last post.  I got all of the scenery dividers cut and installed.  Two sections are leaning, so I have strung a 1x4 to help coax them back.  I think it's the masonite pulling on them around the bend.  I may have to redo these if this does not work.  Here is a view from above showing the layout area.

20150321_205144 by mu26aeh, on Flickr

Today, I worked on laying roadbed and track.  I left Hagerstown yard, and headed to Security, MD where we will find a cement facility.  It is now owned by Holcim, previously St. Lawerence Cement.  It is a rather large facility, I will use Medusa Cement for the loadout area featuring two tracks holding 14 cars total.  The tail track can hold two locomotives and 7 cars.  I hope to find a backdrop representing something that looks like a cement facility.  Switching will be done from the yard.

20150321_204920 by mu26aeh, on Flickr

I had some open space between Security and the end of yard, so I put a spur in that will lead to Maryland Metals.  This will be off layout, so it will just be a spot for 2-3 gondolas.

20150321_205059 by mu26aeh, on Flickr

Leaving Security, we fast forward to what would be Ag-Com east of Gettysburg.  I was hoping for a little more space but this will suffice for now.  Real life, the two track spur holds 20-30 cars, with two loading/unloading areas.  Mine version will comfortably hold 8, but maybe up to 10 cars if needed.  Walthers ADM Elevator will be a spot filler until I can figure out what I what to do.

20150321_204902 by mu26aeh, on Flickr

Lastly, I tackled Porters Sideling.  This will be the junction point that will lead to York/Spring Grove and the paper mill.  I just have track laid out in this picture, no roadbed installed yet.  Once PS opens up, the Hanover Sub can transfer some freight to Windsor Yard @Ed Kapuscinski .

20150321_204823 by mu26aeh, on Flickr

[mu26aeh]

Here are the pictures to prove it was true. We follow CSX SD40-2 #8204 pulling a coal train from the paper mill thru my recent track work.

The train is leaving YorkRail property at Porters Sideling

20150329_100921 by mu26aeh, on Flickr

#8204 pounds the diamond in Hanover, crossing the ex-Maryland and Pennyslvania tracks, now owned by YorkRail (Genesee & Wyoming company). YorkRail uses CSX track to reach Hanover.

20150329_100944 by mu26aeh, on Flickr

Passing the future site of the Utz Potato Chip factory. The siding will hold 2-3 tank cars for cooking oils.

20150329_101027 by mu26aeh, on Flickr

Here we see where Bittinger will be represented using Glacier Gravel, two loading tracks here and a small yard in front of the Utz plant.

20150329_101049 by mu26aeh, on Flickr

Finally, #8204 is seen coming off the grade as it passes CSX "Granite", named for the road crossing at AgCom.

20150329_101105 by mu26aeh, on Flickr

[John]

this would be a cool feature to include

http://binged.it/1BAzPzi

[mu26aeh]

this would be a cool feature to include

http://binged.it/1BAzPzi

See reply #36

[John]

See reply #36

im looking at a wooden trestle in there ..

[mu26aeh]

Sorry, when I opened the link on phone it just showed the map.  That trestle leads to Maryland Metals.  I may model a small trestle on the lead that I have the two gondolas sitting on.

20150321_205059 by mu26aeh, on Flickr

What is available in N Scale for such a trestle ?

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=133638&nseq=1

[wm3798]

strip styrene and paint, my friend.

Lee

[Missaberoad]

I would use a cut up Atlas Through girder for the steel section...

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Monroe-Models-N-Branch-Line-Trestle-Kit-p/mon-9008.htm
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Blair-Line-N-071-Timber-Trestle-Kit-with-Micro-Eng-p/bli-2.htm
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/JV-Models-N-1014-Timber-Trestle-Bridge-Kit-p/jvm-1014.htm
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heljan-N-Scale-Old-Time-Timber-Trestle-Bridge-Kit-666-w-Walthers-Instructions-/400857968219?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d54ff2e5b
http://www.ebay.com/itm/N-SCALE-LOW-BOY-MODULAR-TRESTLE-BY-BAR-MILLS-KIT-0304-/111609584400?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19fc731b10

[mu26aeh]

Package from MBK showed up in the mail this afternoon. Staging yard can begin this weekend if house work doesn't get in the way.