The Canal Line

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I say add it.  Ed's law provides for such oddities.  As long as you have a way to pull or push a car onto either spur (you do) go for it.

I feel compelled to downvote this...

[Lemosteam]

I feel compelled to downvote this...

Sorry fore the E-Law reference but you know its true.

[Spades]

And I had resisted the urge to place any locomotives on the layout until now, so it was nice to see one, even if it is a workbench shop queen...And I know, the boxcar seems to missing something

You nailed the ride height on the boxcar.  I kid.

[coosvalley]

OK gang, I have completed the trackwork and installed and wired/tested the switch machines.Most of the track has been painted, a I fashioned up a quick temporary control panel, on hinges to make it accessible . I have yet to drill holes, install the SPDTs and wire them. Fascia and backdrop are also in the works in the near future. I ended up not installing the track in question, I may or may not add the siding that used to be, depending on how the scene evolves. I also have some Bergen National laser kits to build, and I need to acquire and kitbash some Atlas Middlesex kits as well.

Anywho, pics to show current progress. I am happy to report it operates quite well even though the frogs currently do not have power, and soon they will.

[tom mann]

That is an awesome track arrangement. 

[Wardie]

I like it

[Chris333]

No! I like it 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I think it's safe to say we like it.

[Cajonpassfan]

This. Without the  reverse spur
Otto K.

[coosvalley]

Awe shucks, Thanks guys! Your comments are very encouraging!  .

Its nice to have a working model RR again, but I still can't throw switches (easily)yet, which should be possible by this weekend, I'm waiting for some terminal blocks to arrive. I also should have a backdrop up by this weekend! .I will then be able to run it and see what tweaks need to be made, and generally just make sure I'm happy with it before adding any scenery. 50 foot cars seem to be the biggest equipment that works well, but that's fine with me, and fits my existing roster nicely. As far as the era, most of my roster is geared towards a 1980 time frame, so I will probably stick with that. I realize most if not all of the industries would have been using trucks by that point, but suspend your disbelief and enjoy the last days of rail service in this area...

I also recently found a PDF of a 1911 city map, and it has this plot on it with the actual track arrangements, so when I figure out how to take a JPEG of a PDF, I'll share that with you guys.

After I get things running, I will focus on getting the bridge built, and since I used regular,not bridge track, I think I will cover the bridge with wood decking and fake it. Someday I hope to find someone who can build me a turnout using bridge sized ties, and maybe some Micro Engineering bridge track. But for now trains can cross it, so that will do. Once the bridge is in place, I will give the canal floor some gravel base scenery, and once I fit mirrors into the ends, I will pour water. Those mirrors will be hidden under road bridges. This will hold the "water" in, and give a sense the layout keeps going too..

Anywho, thanks for looking and stay tuned for more soon!..And of course, questions and comments are always welcome.

[OldEastRR]

Well, nobody makes bridge tie turnouts, so it'd be tough to get it perfect. Maybe Chris333 would like to try his hand at making a turnout with bridge ties & spacing.

[coosvalley]

Well, nobody makes bridge tie turnouts, so it'd be tough to get it perfect. Maybe Chris333 would like to try his hand at making a turnout with bridge ties & spacing.

Not to worry, it works for now. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it!

Buh dum tiss 

[Cajonpassfan]

Not to worry, it works for now. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it!

Buh dum tiss 

Lol, just do a ballasted deck and all it a day; no need for bridge ties...
Otto K.

[coosvalley]

Ballasted deck is the fall back plan, I am going to try to fake it by covering the track on the bridge with wood decking, and I will simulate bridge ties at the visible edges, or at least that's what I'm going to try first.

OK gang, here is an actual map of the area, in 1911. I was only guessing as to the actual arrangement until I found this. I was fairly close, and remember, I did enhance it to make it more "model railroady", which had to include a runaround. I did know that on the right side, the track turns 90 degrees away from the canal, but I didn't have enough room to model it as is(which led to the discussion about the possible added track.)

Edit: I also included the lot to the left of what I'm modeling, as someday I may expand to include that plot as well.

[coosvalley]

Success!..The layout now has a basic backdrop, and fascia, which is not fully installed yet, the 4 switches in the front still need switch machines and wiring before I can finish that. All of the switches behind the canal have been wired up and frogs powered. So now I can switch cars!..So now I can spend some time running trains, testing my equipment, and getting some structures built, and hopefully I can chip away at the bridge too..Also you can spot my 40+ year old power pack, which still works really well, rusty face and all...I have a half dozen power packs, but this one is the only one without "pulse" power..It fits nicely though...