In my last layout update, I said this layout wasn't dead... now, I'd say it is. We came to the conclusion that we'll be staying in this house a while longer - probably 5 years or so, and frankly, I don't see myself getting five years of enjoyment out of this layout. It was built to be small and relatively easy to move in case I wanted to save some scenes from it, but that has resulted in operations leaving a lot to be desired. I've run a few sessions lately (albeit with stand-in cars as my fleet of log cars is very small), and there's no variety. The only industry is the log loadout, and the operations are the same every time - run to Sloane, run around the train, pull loads out of the camp, push the empties in, and run back to staging. Additionally, I've finally come to the conclusion after working through a number of ways trying to make trees for the layout that I don't think I can convincingly model the scenery. Maybe that's a problem that goes along with trying to build a layout based on a book with very vivid photos. I might save a section for photos, I'm not sure yet. I am planning on saving a couple pieces of the backdrop I painted, as they could be useful for building some sort of photographic module for my BC Rail equipment.
I've decided to go back to modeling the Dakotas. I feel like I did this pretty convincingly on my old DM&E layout, and I've got a lot of nice BNSF equipment just begging to be used. The new layout will focus on BNSF's Madison Subdivision, which runs northwest out of Sioux Falls, SD. This provides a nice variety of freight cars to run and could support three different jobs - the Airport Switch Job (works the industries in North Sioux Falls), the Cyclone (runs to Madison, switching the industries there and Dakota Ethanol), and occasional unit trains to Madison (the runaround there could support a 10 car train with two Dash 9s or similar). I've attached my proposed track plan below; once I actually start building this (hopefully within the next month) I'll create a new thread. I've got most of the track I need on hand so hopefully it won't take too long to get it operational - I've missed engaging branchline operations.
Best,
Baxter Barnes
