Thinking about the next layout...

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I've updated my site with an article about what my next layout might be (I blame Lee & David K Smith for this train of thought).

http://conrail1285.com/news.asp?storyid=49

Head on over, give it a read, then please come back and carpet bomb me with comments.

[amato1969]

Ed, I think we've all been there at some point.  Modeling the LV, the Bethlehem Steel plant makes my head spin!

Anyway, how about the ex-PRR Delaware Avenue branch and/or Frankford Arsenal?  You could have Greenwich yard as visible "staging" and run reasonable-sized trains up the industrial section of the riverfront...

[DKS]

I've updated my site with an article about what my next layout might be (I blame Lee & David K Smith for this train of thought).

Uh-oh, what have I done now?

[tom mann]

Ed, after reading your blog, I suggest that you consider modeling an industrial area (instead of a yard).  A lot of interesting track, a bunch of warehouses.  I'm thinking of Lance Mindheim's Miami layout or Bill Denton's layout.

[wm3798]

The "job" I always wanted to emulate was that of a sleepy branch line, trundling through the weeds to switch a remote industry or two, then trundling back to the interchange and tying up for the night.  Probably not the volume you're looking for, though.

I think you could do a decent job modeling the east (north?) end of the Canton RR.  There's a connection to Bayview yard up there, a winding, urban single track main, a variety of industries that could be modeled as they are now or as they were 50 years ago.  It's ideal for an around the wall type shelfy thing.  The south end, Clinton Street piers and Penn Mary, would be a bit bulky, though.

NW-2 or small steam switchers if you're going old school, or Geeps and MP15's with that cool Maryland flag motif if you're into modern.

It's also close enough to study, small enough to digest, and busy enough to generate a lot of diverse traffic.

As a concept for a future layout, I think you're off to a good start with the NCR, doing the research.  I spent about a decade scratching my head and reading up on the WM before I ever put pencil to paper, and then another 2 years designing before I settled on my current plan.  Don't feel like you have to be in a hurry.

Lee

[keystonecrossings]

Ed:

I'm guessing you don't have a girlfriend as you are so non-commital!!!  ;D

Hey, better now than after you start.

What's your forte? What do you really want to do?

If, by chance, you are in to heavy switching... consider something I'd long considered would be a neat Ntrak project....

Coming off the NCRy at York is the ex-PRR Frederick branch. It quickly comes alongside the ex-WM line. Together the two run parallel for one mile (out to the York Fairgrounds) in a gauntlet between industries. There must be something like 60 delivery spots in the mile, on both sides of the track. There are 1-2 passing sidings/interchange tracks and trackage rights. The mile could be represented in full-size, no compression, in what, 34' of layout? You could actually extend into York to show main line NCRy traffic looping by.

Here's my research from a few years ago...

http://kc.pennsyrr.com/modular/

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Jerry, worse than that, I'm married!

I was just looking at that part of the Frederick branch last night, actually.

If I go the switching route, that's a contender.

I'm looking at having the same space as now though, so I can't go too nuts.

Lee, the Canton is tempting. I actually know someone who's doing the whole thing (but in HO). Really cool stuff.

I think I'd want to stick with the CR theme (since I already have all the stuff), and you know, I'm kinda into it.

[sirenwerks]

Did the Canton get an MP15, or is Lee talking about the SW1500 they've had forever?

[Wlal13again]

Ed,
 How about a tight intercity switching area with plenty of old masonary type 4 story factories complimented by newer, pikestuff buildings? Or maybe the port of Philadelphia?

[Chris333]

Don't do it. Once you stop working on a current layout to start another the cycle never ends...

I suggest instead you go make some damn trees already!  ;D

[Wlal13again]

I`ve thought about my next one and it might look something like this...

[SAH]

Good article on CR 12/85. 

Three questions:

1)  Are you looking for a job that fits into your space?

2)  Are you looking for a way to model the RR you want in the space you have?

2)  Why do you feel you will be bored with your current layout soon?

Steve

[mopaustin]

Always interesting to read another's thoughts...

you could always model UP's Bailey Yard in Nebraska.

[wm3798]

Somewhere in my giant stack of stuff I have a brochure with a schematic diagram of Bailey Yard.  Voof!

Lee

[Iain]

Actually, I have started another layout of my own.  Still hoping to do the steel mill, but I just can't get it done with college looming.  Turns out not even the modular idea is working out like I had hoped. At least I can still work on all those interesting buildings.

Meanwhile, I am seriously into trying to do Newport, NC in 2'X4', an operating diorama of sorts.  Not much switching, but at least I have other stuff to busy myself with.