Beaumont TX Harbor Island Track Plan Discussion

[basementcalling]

I've been back in my restored townhouse just over a month, after 31 months out because of delays and such connected to Covid, insurance,  supply chains,  and crappy contractors. While I haven't even gotten all my new furniture yet,  the soft opening of a house rewarming/ birthday/ retirement party was yesterday.

In the moving process I triggered lower back and sciatica issues,  so I've been forced to rest some every day and doodle layout ideas. So far 9 locals are under consideration for prototype for the new layout.

In trying to absorb and apply lessons from my Idaho Belt attempt to fill this space,  I'm deliberately looking not to cream the whole 19x20 room with benchwork for a maximum run mainline layout. Here are the givens and druthers ranked from a decision matrix.

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I'm considering 9 areas/ plans.
Southside Richmond, VA https://www.google.com/maps/search/southside+richmond,+va/@37.449003,-77.4265195,890a,35y,39.22t/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D: DKS Plan modified http://www.davidksmith.com/modeling/resources/track-planning/plan_29.htm

UP Alameda Industrial Leadhttps://www.google.com/maps/@34.0081167,-118.237606,720m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e1?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwMi4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D:
Lance Mindheim plan in book 8 Track Plans for Modern Switching Layout

Beaumont, TX Port https://www.google.com/maps/place/Beaumont,+TX/@30.0752941,-94.0838208,924m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x863ecb183d8fb19d:0xfdae9c3edc5acd1d!8m2!3d30.080174!4d-94.1265562!16zL20vMDEwNGxy!5m1!1e1?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwMi4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D: Bernard Kempenski plan https://usmrr.blogspot.com/2015/03/more-layout-mock-ups.html

Norfolk Portsmouth Belt Line https://www.google.com/maps/place/Norfolk+Portsmouth+Belt+Line+Railroad,+Portsmouth,+VA/@36.816147,-76.296271,1681m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x89baa285f897735d:0xee179c8b391578af!8m2!3d36.8318831!4d-76.3301304!16s%2Fg%2F1xpwkpd9!5m1!1e1?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwMi4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
: Bob Sprague plan https://www.bobstrackplans.com/single-post/2009/11/28/norfolk-portsmouth-belt-line

Hopewell, VA industrial area https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hopewell,+VA+23860/@37.3058651,-77.2752909,1642m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b1a9e2c99f5301:0x6009c778de2f697!8m2!3d37.3043154!4d-77.2872001!16zL20vMGtiZDc!5m1!1e1?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwMi4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D:
plan TBD

Findley, WA industrial area https://www.google.com/maps/place/Finley,+WA+99337/@46.1666485,-119.0220608,2210a,35y,270h/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x54a281eac4119a5b:0xf470f70a3eda3d90!8m2!3d46.1540232!4d-119.0338959!16zL20vMDEwcHE2!5m1!1e1?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwMi4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D:
 plan TBD

East Spokane Trentwood Industrial Park https://www.google.com/maps/place/Spokane+Valley,+WA/@47.6697796,-117.3195401,669m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x549e235fb0cf06af:0xdae7a00670e4f06!8m2!3d47.6732281!4d-117.2393748!16s%2Fm%2F021k85w!5m1!1e1?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwMi4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D:
plan TBD

Port of Tacoma https://www.google.com/maps/place/Port+of+Tacoma/@47.260542,-122.3933651,2994m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x549055bf7ca358ff:0x207c7695d27b2d32!8m2!3d47.2654682!4d-122.4123139!16s%2Fm%2F02q_9_b!5m1!1e1?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwMi4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D:
plan TBD

Port of Catoosa (Tulsa King) https://www.google.com/maps/search/port+of+catoosa/@36.2387631,-95.7402901,1277m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e1?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkwMi4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D:
plan TBD

I added links to pics of plans or Google Earth images of the areas under consideration.

At MARPM the best advice I got was make a decision and start working,  but I want this to be the right choice that I can work to a high level of completion: the Goldilocks Layout, not too big, not too small, not too complicated,  but not to boring. What better way to get lots of feedback than Tom Sawyer this process some with the experts on here. So if you love a blank layout space feel free to chime in.

Here's a scale doodle drawing using a grid of notebook paper,  1 foot per square. I use this for rough design cuz I used to do it on a small mini pad of paper in worthless work meetings.  It's not meant to be an exact track plan,  but a rough idea proof of concept. Complicating the design process are a walk out sliding glass door, gas insert fire place,  and poorly located circuit box panel, all noted on the plan.

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This is a 2ft per square set of sketches of workable benchwork arrangements. My next step is to figure out how to shoehorna semblance of  a prototype into the workable arrangements. 22in min. radius and 36 in mum aisles are firm non negotiable for the design.

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So have at it.

[Rasputen]

That closet looks like a good opportunity for double ended open staging.  You can still store things above and below it, and you won't have to necessarily enter it while operating.

[basementcalling]

That closet looks like a good opportunity for double ended open staging.  You can still store things above and below it, and you won't have to necessarily enter it while operating.

The closet certainly will be used for staging for the area directly above it. Not sure I want to put a lift out across the main aisle way from the basement to the exit though, which would be needed if I use it as staging for the lower end of a layout in the room. I'm trying to avoid that if possible, but it is also probably the easiest way to create a continuous run connection, so I may wind up there despite good intentions not to bite off that much layout again.

[basementcalling]

Here is Bernie K's drawing of the Port of Beaumont off his blog. Originally he wanted the project layout for his book, Waterfront Terminals and Operations to be this location, but he had better photos for backdrops for Harbor Island in the Port of LA. Rotated 90 degrees left, it almost drops into the bottom half of my layout room.

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The plan in his book adds another yard to the bottom of this drawing, representing staging.  While this idea is currently the high score on the decision matrix, not all plans are drafted yet. Because of wall obstructions, especially the sliding door and window/fuse box corner on the top exterior wall, laying this arrangement into my space isn't a simple exercise.

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You can see the problem corner here. Code says the breaker box needs 3 feet of unimpeded access out from the wall, and side to side centered on the box. That leaves me a 14 inch margin for benchwork on the right wall, which is very doable in N scale. The problem comes with layout height. I'd really like a 50 inch height, and prefer 53-54, to be sure to leave enough vertical clearance over the gas insert fireplace. Objects above that can be 1 inch wide for every inch above the top of the opening, which results in some narrow benchwork at less than 50 inches in height. If I go high enough to clear the fireplace, then the scenery - and maybe benchwork itself - will impede opening the breaker box unless it is flat and boring.

[mkearns]

Sounds like you've already been through the wringer with the home construction thus far. But what about moving the breaker box?

[basementcalling]

Sounds like you've already been through the wringer with the home construction thus far. But what about moving the breaker box?

I wish. Contractor and electrician both said it wasn't feasible for several reasons, biggest being the side walls of the room are against firewalls for neighboring townhouses and that is a code no no here.  Height is set by codes too.

[basementcalling]

The Port of Beaumont, TX, specifically Bernard Kempenski's rendition of it from his blog and Waterfront Terminals and Operations book, scores a 261 out of a possible 340 points on my decision matrix. That's enough to be third on the list of potential prototypes and worth exploring further.

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Here's an areal view courtesy of Google Earth. Linked here

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pine+St,+Texas/@30.0738687,-94.0841402,840m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x863935250c259ccd:0x1344194e62384c4b!8m2!3d30.1082642!4d-94.1061562!16s%2Fg%2F1tyt5qsy!5m1!1e1?authuser=0&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Harbor Island has incredible variety in a number of ways: 3 Class 1 railroads: UP, BNSF, and CPKC engines can all be found delivering trains to the port, as well as the Trans Global Solutions port switchers in an easy to paint black and dark blue scheme with ECRX reporting marks on their GP-38-2s or CF-7s if backdated a bit. Harbor Island ships break bulk tonnage, often in the form of windmill blades and naceles, aggregates to and from the Vulcan site, grain to and from the Dryfus elevator, crude oil, and military vehicles. Two Army transportation battalions based here ship all types of US Army vehicles all over the world in support of our troops. Obviously Micro Trains has made replicating these trains in operations much easier, and 3D printed resources are relatively abundant as well. Windmill parts also make interesting flat car loads, but the flat cars will require large radius curves for reliable operations, thus a planned 22 inch minimum curve. Military loads are transferred to ships in RORO fashion or with huge Gottwald harbor cranes lifting vehicles into holds. Modeling one of these cranes would be a challenge in N scale, as no models are made in 1/160 scale. HO modelers can use die cast models, but I would need to find someone willing to draw and print a 3D model.

From a benchwork standpoint, the 13' x 19' footprint here fits into my basement in one location if I reduce the 13 foot dock leg of the plan to 6.5'. I'd prefer more like 8 or even 10 feet for this scene, as Bernie's plan already compresses things so much he had to leave out a transit shed and shift the aggregate unloading spur for Vulcan Materials. I can replicate Dryfus yard in a 12 or 14 foot length vs the 19 feet drawn. The port leg fits the lower 80" wall of my basement between the room entrance and the gas insert wall. A short skinny stretch of benchwork across the fireplace and I could have staging - and future expansion - along the 15 foot side wall. Here's a bad scaled sketch.

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And Bernie's better plan. Rotated 90 degrees left, it practically drops into the bottom of my layout room with the Dryfus yard leg becoming a stub peninsula into the room.

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Drawbacks to this plan, there are a few, though none are singularly fatal to success. First, while the plan allows several orientations for the TV viewing love seat to fit the space, but operators would be standing right in the "crew lounge" portion of the basement, promoting fraternization with off duty crew members. Not ideal, as I'd like to keep the areas separate. Second, the angled bottom wall forces a scrunched harbor scene. 18 inches should be plenty of depth to represent the water of the Neches River and the docks, but 80 inches forces compromises on the width of the that will limit operational variety. Both combine to give me pause before proceeding further. And this arrangement allows room for a phase 2 expansion that could try to replicated the massive Jefferson Energy Transload facility across the river, but obviously in severely condensed form. There is also an intriguing LDE comprised of the Exxon refinery's lube shop at the end of Gulf States Road. Thoughts are welcome.

I also worry that as oriented, the view coming into the layout room isn't focused on a key scene of the layout. In fact, viewers might see nothing but the back of a backdrop until getting to the far end of the Dryfus Yard peninsula. This isn't the impression I want to make as guests walk into the room. A lower height backdrop could give a better view of the layout, but the central focus of the harbor scene would only be viewed from the side until turning the corner of the benchwork.

If I move the whole plan to the alcove above the closet, staging can be put under the stairs instead of in the open - not necessarily a benefit - the harbor scene can expand to 10 feet, which allows Transit Shed C to appear as well as the prototypical location for the Vulcan unload shed and conveyor system. This would also allow better representation of the expanse of storage for break bulk cargo - steel, windmill parts - Abrams tanks and Humvees and other loads would have space, and I could include a model of the 842nd Transportation Battalion HQ building to set the sense of place more firmly.

The second location, however, would force the lift out in front of the sliding glass door to contain multiple tracks in the Dryfus yard throat - likely including turnouts. This is the most complicated trackage on the prototype, with a scissors crossover using slip switches to make switching the elevator as efficient as possible. In my mind, it makes sense that the lift out is a logical location for a big bridge model, but that alignment doesn't make sense here. The upper right hand corner could be used for a mirror image plan, but then the Dryfus elevator model will sit right in front of the circuit box, blocking access even if benchwork is below the door to the fuses. Not a good trade off, and again, a big bridge model would not fit the track arrangement.

As previously said, this plan comes in at number 3 on my decision matrix. It scores well, especially in the 3 point area of switching ops. It gets 7s out of 10 on the other 4 criteria. It is highest in points for factor 2 criteria, although as drawn the big bridge model would only be modeled in an expansion. In the 1 point criteria, Beaumont scores highly except for mountain scenery. It might be the easiest plan to implement because of the lack of impacts on the center of the room. Shuffleboard table anyone?

Feedback is welcome if you see other options or flaws in my thinking.

[nkalanaga]

 I think this is the first time I've seen Finley, WA, mentioned outside of Northwest news or occasional railfan articles.

there really wasn't much there in the 1960s/70s, but it seems to have grown a lot since then.  Plus, besides the industries, one can run Amtrak, as the Portland section of the Empire Builder goes that way.

Attalia/Wallula on the east side of the Columbia, across the river from Finley (UP bridge) also has some promise, with several industries and a BNSF/UP interchange.  I don't know who runs the UP's Walla Walla branch now, there may be a shortline thrown in.

[basementcalling]

I think this is the first time I've seen Finley, WA, mentioned outside of Northwest news or occasional railfan articles.

there really wasn't much there in the 1960s/70s, but it seems to have grown a lot since then.  Plus, besides the industries, one can run Amtrak, as the Portland section of the Empire Builder goes that way.

Attalia/Wallula on the east side of the Columbia, across the river from Finley (UP bridge) also has some promise, with several industries and a BNSF/UP interchange.  I don't know who runs the UP's Walla Walla branch now, there may be a shortline thrown in.

The cold storage warehouse in that spot burned to the ground back in April. I've known about Findley for at least 10 years. Almost built a layout around it, Kennewick and the paper mill at Walluwa back then. Darn wye arrangement and that big bridge are hard to fit in a basement though.

[nkalanaga]

Yeah, I subscribe to the Tri-City Herald, so read all about the warehouse fire.  It started in April, but burned for over two months, and they're just now cleaning up the mess.  Apparently they're going to remove everything, including the foundation.

It had sprinklers, but was packed to the ceiling with boxes of frozen vegetables, so the water couldn't get to the fire.  And the warehouse was so big the firefighters couldn't get water to the center, without getting on the roof, which was too unstable.  They had to just let it burn, and it smoldered for weeks.   

[basementcalling]

Yeah, I subscribe to the Tri-City Herald, so read all about the warehouse fire.  It started in April, but burned for over two months, and they're just now cleaning up the mess.  Apparently they're going to remove everything, including the foundation.

It had sprinklers, but was packed to the ceiling with boxes of frozen vegetables, so the water couldn't get to the fire.  And the warehouse was so big the firefighters couldn't get water to the center, without getting on the roof, which was too unstable.  They had to just let it burn, and it smoldered for weeks.

Will they rebuild? Was a neat prototype with BNSF and UP servicing it.

[nkalanaga]

I haven't seen anything about rebuilding.  Apparently they want to get it cleaned up before making any decisions, or, at least, public decisions.

[basementcalling]

Meanwhile back at Beaumont, Google Maps has this image of the Dreyfus grain elevator. They have their own switchers to drag loaded hoppers through the unloading shed in short batches, as there isn't room here to put in a modern balloon track to unload the unit grain trains that BNSF, UP, and KCS (Now CPKP) drop off in the Dreyfus yard. Intermountain and Scale Trains will get a lot of my hobby dollars if I choose the Beaumont based layout.

But my question is what are the switchers doing here? Yes multiple switchers are working the loadout, but how? Any ideas. I see two loadout tracks and 3 switchers (SW something or others if you zoom in from street view) Is the one on the left tail track shoving the empties back around the loadout (At least 3 tracks join into 1 from what I can tell on the left of the unloading sheds.)? Would the engines not be allowed to run over the unloading grates inside the shed? And why block one unloading track with a unit that appears idle?

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[basementcalling]

This is a rough sketch from Anyrail - old  version on a cranky old laptop - of the a second try at fitting Harbor Island from Beaumont, TX in my basement. If you look up the basement floor plan above, this is going in the 10.5 foot alcove above the closet, with the left side of this plan touching the closet wall - with one opening to reach a staging yard not yet drawn.

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I mostly like how I was able to capture most of the industry locations, though not all the transit sheds on the dock. The Material Handling area is represented by just 2 random piles of gravel, but the unload would be on the long spur next to the rh transit shed. The trackwork is simplified some on the dock, but keeps the crossings and geometry.

Here's the same overall scene from Google Earth in several screen shots. The first is the LH side of the scene with the dock and transit sheds.

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The grain elevator and yard throats.

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The grain elevator is nicely located and can be modeled close to actual size, but the trackwork is another challenge, as I don't think turnouts on the lift out section needed in front of the sliding glass door are a good idea. I'm not thrilled with that many tracks crossing the boundaries of the lift out either, but want to represent both the storage yard, often used for windmill parts, and the Dreyfus grain yard. They can continue down off the space shown to the other side of the room. This would be stage 1.

Stage 2 could go in multiple directions, but this might be enough to keep me busy for a long time, with room for 2 ship models and a need for 1 harbor crane to work the docks. The dust control system on the grain elevator is extensive too, as is the conveyor system to load bulk carriers that dock here. 3.2M tons of grain are shipped annually from this elevator, so it's big and busy.

Comments appreciated, feedback needed. Smart a$$hat snark expected.

[Scottl]

This looks like a great theme.   One comment is that I don't see how you use the elevator tracks given the short length in front of the elevator.   Maybe some revision in there will help operations.