Starting a layout this weekend

[JDouglasFisher]

I guess one of the things I'm trying with this is to see if it IS possible to build something high-end without having to engage in a bunch of overly complicated stuff below the styrofoam.

Ed,

I think you (and Dave Vollmer) have already proved this point with your layouts you have built already. I think its also safe to say that to a lesser extent, David Popp proved this as well with his NH layout. (his layout I believe is a mix of construction methods IIRC)

The idea of using doors is a brilliant one, one that I have been studying for a while myself. (yes, hollow core doors can be cut down in length if need be provided one is able to cut some 2x2 to fill the gap, and use some liquid nails too boot.)

I have to question myself though why the change of location modeled? I agree with others on the list that it seems to be a rather quickly made decision. I understand the peril of "Analysis Paralysis", but that shouldn't mean that no though be put into what you want to model and achieve either.

The design of the layout you provided I realized was a "Rough In" just to get an idea of what you can expect to get in the basement. I know some are tempted to look at it as a final blue print but the fact remains that final track placement for many of us is determined right at the side of the layout, with flex track in hand. (I never worked from precise designs, just rough ideas)

Model Railroading is an interpretive hobby, and as such, how one interprets something, may be different than how another interprets the same. I would say, advance in your work, but do so cautiously, and seek wise council frequently.

Joe

[JDouglasFisher]

I'm not familiar with the location of the curved yard previously shown, but I can show you this (from the CRHS Site no doubt)

The CNJ used a curved yard called Brills, down in Newark, NJ. I wish I could locate a more aerial view for you, but this was a tight curvature yard/wye combo and the CNJ had no problems with it.


Yards on curves are not as uncommon in the Northeast as one might think.

[DKS]

I guess one of the things I'm trying with this is to see if it IS possible to build something high-end without having to engage in a bunch of overly complicated stuff below the styrofoam.

I have no doubt this is possible. But I seem to get the sense that what you're dabbling with is kind of "safe." It doesn't seem to take on anything that might be a stretch. It's OK as a starter layout to stay safe, but you've got the real estate to tackle something new conceptually, and it just doesn't seem like you're headed in that direction. It's more like a bigger apartment kidney than the next logical step in the evolution of layout building. (Of course, if that's the direction you're consciously trying to take, it's your choice, so you can ignore the tap on the shoulder.)

[SquirrelHollow]

The idea of using doors is a brilliant one, one that I have been studying for a while myself. (yes, hollow core doors can be cut down in length if need be provided one is able to cut some 2x2 to fill the gap, and use some liquid nails too boot.)

Joe

I cringe every time I see someone recommend or use a full size hollow-core door without modifications. (I missed this thread, or would have commented earlier.)  Narrow doors aren't too bad, but 24" or wider - and you better give it a little help.

To turn a hollow-core door into a non-compressible/non-sagging surface, it's best to fill them, and run a brace down the center.  One of my brothers is the most tenured door builder in the door shop of the largest door building company in Utah.  As you can imagine....  That means we have access to a nearly unlimited supply of solid, fire-rated, and hollow core doors.  (As I type this, I actually have stain drying on my new entry door...  {he gets my family tons of doors})

Even the best doors will sag over time. 

As Joe suggested for repairing cuts - 2x2s are usually the correct dimension to run a reinforcement down the center of the air space (if you can get the cardboard out).  In addition, I have come to like filling the remaining air space with 1.5" pink/blue insulating foam sheets.  Many people building a layout have it on hand, anyway, and it's a rigid reinforcement that helps insulate for sound.  (Instead of that "I'm running trains on a hollow-core door" sound, it sounds like you're running on a solid slab.)

A little bit heavier, but even better for sound insulation, is expanding foam.  It completely deadens a hollow-core door.

Right now, I'm using three of the foam-sheet-filled doors for work benches, and one of the expanding-foam-filled doors as a reloading bench (metallic cartridge reloading - I shoot a lot).  All of them are 'tough as nails' after being reinforced, but retain light weight for mobility (I stack my benches out of the way, when not in use, so my wife can use the garage).

[sirenwerks]

Ed,

I'm with DRD, just go for it. A plan's a plan, it's not like the ten commandments, written in stone. Just start and see what comes out of it. No matter where you end up, I'm sure it'll be great. I can't wait to see it and am available to help with whatever you need help with. Any excuse to stop by MBK and that pig pit...

[tom mann]

Ed,

Since you like urban railroading, you may want to dedicate a portion of that layout to a semi-complex track arrangement typical of an urban area.  Turnouts in streets, crossings, head room tracks, all make for interesting operations and will visually improve the layout.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

You mean like this?
http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=qn2m9v8qg5jq&scene=39920097&lvl=2&sty=b

I was actually just there on Monday. It's tempting...

[MichaelWinicki]

You mean like this?
http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=qn2m9v8qg5jq&scene=39920097&lvl=2&sty=b

I was actually just there on Monday. It's tempting...

Excellent example.

[tom mann]

You mean like this?
http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=qn2m9v8qg5jq&scene=39920097&lvl=2&sty=b

I was actually just there on Monday. It's tempting...

Excellent example.

Yes, Ed.

[ednadolski]

The CNJ used a curved yard called Brills, down in Newark, NJ. I wish I could locate a more aerial view for you, but this was a tight curvature yard/wye combo and the CNJ had no problems with it.

Yards on curves are not as uncommon in the Northeast as one might think.

That would look really awesome with a few custom, curved, handlaid turnouts!   

Ed

[Philip H]

BUMP

Hey Ed, Any progress to share?  Others seem to be advancing at lightening speed . . .

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Yep actually.

I've got a line on all the stryofoam I'm going to need, which is the next step. I'm just waiting for a call from my supplier.

In the meantime, I'm working on scouting out locations:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&msa=0&msid=108670877067729118954.00048c76941309fe2d69b&ll=39.276384,-76.55694&spn=0.04033,0.076132&z=14

[wm3798]

The "Don't Know But Looks Awesome" is the old Crown Cork and Seal plant.  Closed in the mid 70's, I'm guessing, replaced by the newer facility on Newkirk, which I think closed later, or at least ended up scaling back significantly.


CR/PC/PRR served it on the west side of the building, B&O on the east.  Really cool middle industrial period architecture.

Lee

[Philip H]

Excellant. 

[sirenwerks]

The unknown tankcar load-out... that's on the site of the old Exxon tank farm, or butts up against it. Is it still owned by Exxon-Mobil?

Maybe you could replace that with the Castrol outlet which is way up in Middle River. It has two tracks and platforms ala TrainCat, and a corrugated plain building. (actual address is 9300 Pulaski Hwy 21220).