CP Flog Subdivision part 2

[wm3798]

I like the size and scope of this layout.
Looks like the yard and Engine Terminal will be points of interest both visually and operationally.

I like how you've worked the layout in as PART of the family space, rather than APART from it.  Hopefully the kiddos will be engaged by all the fun that Dad's having, rather than wonder what the heck he does behind a closed door all day.

Lee

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

I like the size and scope of this layout.
Looks like the yard and Engine Terminal will be points of interest both visually and operationally.

I like how you've worked the layout in as PART of the family space, rather than APART from it.  Hopefully the kiddos will be engaged by all the fun that Dad's having, rather than wonder what the heck he does behind a closed door all day.

Lee

Yes the yard is a big part of the layout. Trains will come from staging drop cars, pick up cars and then move back to staging. Locals will work the industries that I can fit in.

As for the kids being apart of it yes my 5 1/2 year old likes to run trains, she is getting good with my UT4. Her favorite train right now is my 2 RDCs. she pick up passengers from the station and drops them at the industries. Its more like a Taxi train that takes you where you want to go. I am also building a 2'x4' layout with her that is her layout. I help her with building it and she loves moving all the little cars around the town we have.

[wm3798]

That's nothing short of cool.  Don't forget to teach her how to run a screw gun and a soldering iron.

My stepdaughter, who came into my life at age 9, has an awesome mom and girl scout leader (same lady) who had them building model rockets, numerous projects for Destination Imagination, and the coup de'gras, a working trebuchet, which launched pumpkins over 300 feet.

The girl child presently works (for money) at her university building sets for the theater department, and has learned welding in the process.

Model railroaders, as I'm sure you know, must be adept at many more tasks than just getting that RDC to the station on time!!
All the best,
Lee

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

Still trying to get this to look right.

In this version I moved the larger Loco repair building more to the left the rest of the tracks are the same.





Then I got to thinking and if I put the Machine shop more to the left it could almost be part of an old round house that is no longer there. It almost looks like the turntable would of been where the turnout is now. Then when the roundhouse and turntable were taken out they were replaced with the other 2 building.





Any ideas that might make this look better?

[MVW]

Then I got to thinking and if I put the Machine shop more to the left it could almost be part of an old round house that is no longer there. It almost looks like the turntable would of been where the turnout is now. Then when the roundhouse and turntable were taken out they were replaced with the other 2 building.


Any ideas that might make this look better?

I think you're on to something. Seems plausible.

Sounds like your approach to modeling is similar to mine -- continuously second-guessing yourself. 

I used to be more uptight about getting things right the first time. It's great when that happens, but now I settle for getting things half right ... eventually. 

Seriously though, your approach of moving things around in real space to get the right look and feel -- so that the layout tells a story -- is spot on.

Jim

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

I think you're on to something. Seems plausible.

Sounds like your approach to modeling is similar to mine -- continuously second-guessing yourself. 

I used to be more uptight about getting things right the first time. It's great when that happens, but now I settle for getting things half right ... eventually. 

Seriously though, your approach of moving things around in real space to get the right look and feel -- so that the layout tells a story -- is spot on.

Jim

Yes Jim I would rather get it mostly right the first time.

On that note I took everything off the Loco serving area and started from scratch. First I decided I didn't need a big car shop so that is gone. I added 2 ready tracks that follow the curve of the main line. This gives me storage for 12 or 13 locos depending on size. the first track left of the 2 ready tracks will be a RIP track. the next 2 will be sand and fuel. locos will also be able to get around the left sand and fuel track to get into the 2 stall service building



the 2 loco ready tracks lead to the left of the photo and also connect to the back of the machine shop that is going to be there. So after a loco is done with service it can be added to the back of the loco ready track by going out the back of the shop.



I feel like this is the best use of the space. If anyone see any problems or has any better ideas please let me know.

[Hawghead]

Jeff,

Looks good.  If it were me I'd put the locomotive sand and fueling facilities on the track closest to the layout edge.  That way any locomotive coming out of either stall of the service building or the machine shop cant get fuel and sand without having to see-saw back and forth to the necessary track.

Scott

[packers#1]

I concur, I’d swap the machine shop and sand/fuel so that locomotives aren’t blocked from the end of the ready track by it as well. It’s definitely looking more and more like a servicing area though!

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

Jeff,

Looks good.  If it were me I'd put the locomotive sand and fueling facilities on the track closest to the layout edge.  That way any locomotive coming out of either stall of the service building or the machine shop cant get fuel and sand without having to see-saw back and forth to the necessary track.

Scott

I concur, I’d swap the machine shop and sand/fuel so that locomotives aren’t blocked from the end of the ready track by it as well. It’s definitely looking more and more like a servicing area though!

Thank you for the input so don't think I don't want the help but it doesn't make sense to me. Maybe I am missing something or maybe I didn't explain it right. so I took a new photo. The 2 tracks that follow the curve with all the locos are the loco ready tracks, the track with the tank car is the RIP track, the 2 NS locos 1 SF loco are on a stub ended sand and fuel track, the 2 sd40-2 are on the second sand and fuel track that also goes into the right stall of the 2 stall service building, then the far left track leads to both of the 2 stalls and also the machine shop. Locos can go out the back of the machine shop and get into line on the ready track. This makes the 2 sand and fuel track so they do not block any other activity in the yard.

If I move the sand and fuel to the far left track that will block access to the machine shop will it not?

Sorry I just don't understand what you guys see that I don't and I want to make sure I am not missing something. Please let me know.

[packers#1]

So, think about it this way.

Does it make sense for locomotives ready for action to have to pass through the machine shop to get in the ready line? What if the shop crew is in the middle of a repair and won’t be able to clear the track for several hours? It would basically render that shop unusable because any time something is in there for repair you can’t get any locomotives to the back of the ready track.

IOW, right now your machine shop is blocking access to the loco ready tracks.

What would make more sense is for the sand and fuel to be two double ended tracks there so the hostlers pull locos off trains and go straight there, then the ready track, or pull locos out of the engine house or machine shop and move them to the sand/fuel?

Just pull up the two sand/fuel tracks, put the machine shop there, with the rip track beside it and you’re going to be sitting perfect.

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

So, think about it this way.

Does it make sense for locomotives ready for action to have to pass through the machine shop to get in the ready line? What if the shop crew is in the middle of a repair and won’t be able to clear the track for several hours? It would basically render that shop unusable because any time something is in there for repair you can’t get any locomotives to the back of the ready track.

IOW, right now your machine shop is blocking access to the loco ready tracks.

What would make more sense is for the sand and fuel to be two double ended tracks there so the hostlers pull locos off trains and go straight there, then the ready track, or pull locos out of the engine house or machine shop and move them to the sand/fuel?

Just pull up the two sand/fuel tracks, put the machine shop there, with the rip track beside it and you’re going to be sitting perfect.

OK I see where you are going now. I just don't know if I have room to set it up that way the machine shop is 5 inches or more wide. I will play around with it over the next few days.

Thanks

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Also, make sure to check out Mark Dance's fantastic article on this type of thing the 2020 Model Railroad Planning. It's very helpful and informative.

https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/product/special-issue/vt-mrp200101-c

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

Also, make sure to check out Mark Dance's fantastic article on this type of thing the 2020 Model Railroad Planning. It's very helpful and informative.

https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/product/special-issue/vt-mrp200101-c

Thank you. I always forget where the good articles are in MR. I found my copy and I am reading it again now.

[Jeff AKA St0rm]

Ok I think I got it...

we have the 2 ready tracks full of locos, the track left of that is still the RIP track, one left of that leads into the machine shop and a storage track beside the shop, then we have 2 sand and fuel tracks that lead into the service building and the track leading out the back goes around to the back of the ready tracks.



Did I miss anything???

thanks for the help

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Move the RIP track to the front. Remember, shop personnel aren't going to want moving equipment all over them.

Think about it all like a production line: "used engines come in one end, ready ones come out the other".

Also, what work is being done in the machine shop? Is it just for minor repairs and inspections? More in-depth work?

If the former, it should be part of the production line. If not, it shouldn't. Remember, you can't move a locomotive with a wheel in the drop pit.