Conrail in New England

[davefoxx]

Something is much, much better than nothing.

This is my credo.

DFF

[Ian MacMillan]

I don't follow. You mean, "get to it" as in parking and such? Parking would be "off-stage" along the front, I'd imagine, with pedestrian tunnels under the track. A road would go under an underpass on the left, then rise to the level of the industrial buildings.

OK I was thinking the same thing but the building drawing made me think the entrance was on the "north" side.

[Chris333]

Well you know I like Doug's layout and almost used his plan myself. (might still)

[DKS]

Ed will object.



http://whiteriverandnorthern.net/images/ian_door3.gif

I also had an idea to use the space behind the backdrop to create a little loads-in-empties-out scheme, but I don't know if that would be too much to deal with or not.

[John]

Even a roundy-rounder with a few small switching opportunities can bring years of interest when done with care.  I've seen Ian's early scenery attempts and I was floored.  Just imagine what he can do in a small space over 2 years.

For the longest time, while in the Navy, I lived with a small 2x4 roundy-roundy .. it got rebuilt more times than I care to remember, but each time I learned more ... and had fun

[Ian MacMillan]

Ed will object.



http://whiteriverandnorthern.net/images/ian_door3.gif

I also had an idea to use the space behind the backdrop to create a little loads-in-empties-out scheme, but I don't know if that would be too much to deal with or not.

Approved! I'm going to want to move that industrial track in road crossing to the left a tad though so its not right on the edge of the benchwork seam.

[John]

I really like this design .. nice and simple - not a spaghetti bowl - some interesting switching possibilities - and not too big to where you can't super detail it

[DKS]

http://whiteriverandnorthern.net/images/ian_door3a.gif

[DKS]

not a spaghetti bowl

Interesting you say this, because I thought it was borderline spaghetti, and I was tempted to pull some stuff out. But I'll let Ian do that.

[John]

Interesting you say this, because I thought it was borderline spaghetti, and I was tempted to pull some stuff out. But I'll let Ian do that.

I don't see it that way .. the same track doesn't enter the scene more than once ..

The only thing I might do different is make the track that fits into the backdrop from left 2 right a double track or more to allow some interchange and another off scene train to enter stage right

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I see what you did there Mr. Smith, I see what you did there...

[tom mann]

You could build that in z scale and make it a shelf.

[nscalemike]

That is a very interesting plan, and I could see that being a well detailed and fun to operate layout.  Not only do I like to most recent plan, but there is something about version 1.0 that I really like as well.  Maybe it is the straight parallel road and simple track plan, kinda the midwesternly feel that I'm used to here in central IL.  I think I know where I am coming for planning assistance when I make it up to my second level, as I plan to include a town like this as well.   

Can't wait to see how it comes together . . . . .  It is going to come together, right??

[Dave Schneider]

That is a very interesting plan, and I could see that being a well detailed and fun to operate layout.  Not only do I like to most recent plan, but there is something about version 1.0 that I really like as well.  Maybe it is the straight parallel road and simple track plan, kinda the midwesternly feel that I'm used to here in central IL.  I think I know where I am coming for planning assistance when I make it up to my second level, as I plan to include a town like this as well.   

Can't wait to see how it comes together . . . . .  It is going to come together, right??

Mike,

The July 2008 Model Railroader had a nice HO plan that would scale down to N scale for the Milwaukee Road through northcentral IL. It had many of the same features as DKS plan. If you are a MR subscriber you can see this plan at: http://mrr.trains.com/en/How%20To/Track%20Plan%20Database/2010/05/The%20Kirkland%20and%20DeKalb.aspx

If not, send me a PM with you email address and I will send you the pdf.

Best wishes, Dave

[davefoxx]

One idea might be to put some distance between the crossovers on the mainline (left end near the highway underpass), so they could be used as a runaround when switching.  Perhaps one set could be moved to the other end of the station trackage.

Also, I'm not sure I like that crossing buried in the road near the backdrop.  However, Ian's scenery work blows mine away, and he might be able to "pave" that crossing realistically and with minimal trouble.

Otherwise, looks like a great plan, which will be fun to operate passenger and freight trains!  Perhaps you could add a stub siding near the station for some passenger train switching.  Roundy-rounds can be fun!

DFF