The Transcontinental PRR

[eric220]

Instead of working on the layout today, I've been back at the computer.  I've been working on refining the Coors brewery that sits on top of the helix.  Here's the old (first draft) version:



Here's the result of some quality time with the computer:



There are a couple of givens with this area. It must include:

• A turnaround loop for trains operating only on the upper level.
• A runaround for the local working the brewery.
• Multiple delivery tracks for the brewery.

I really like the fact that the new design allows the whole thing to be built on the same level. (The two mainlines, represented by the darker lines, are descending into the helix as they pass around the brewery.)  Also, the new design allows for an implied passenger station under the US6 overpass for local/commuter passenger trains.

Thoughts?

[M.C. Fujiwara]

It's like counting the rings on a tree 
Just wondering about the length of leads: seems like anything switching the two Coors tracks with full-length cuts will be blocking the return loop as it comes off right as well as travelling through the wye & main.
Any way to move the Coors stub-end track turnout farther left (or the siding turnout farther down towards the overpass) so any switching won't block the return loop (or at least both return tracks / main)?
A shorter cut of cars might make this issue moot, so just curious.

And you have enough space for scenery between the return loop and the decending helix tracks (otherwise that's one long retaining wall  )
Cheers!

[eric220]

MC - Yes, a local working the brewery will block the wye and intermittently the eastbound main.  At the same time, there is enough room that the local can get onto the passing siding and get out of the way of any class 1 trains coming through.  I should probably add in another crossover to the east (left) of the turnout to the brewery to allow wrong-way running for eastbound through trains, thus:



I also added in a little extra space for a retaining wall.  My ops plan for most of the industrial sidings is that the local will block one of the two mains, and the dispatcher will have to route traffic over the other available main.  Hence, lots and lots of crossovers.

[eric220]

I left the computer behind tonight and actually got some work in on construction.  Before the Gandy Dancers came over, I extended the track east to the passenger terminal throat.  While they were here, one of my projects was to connect the electrical.  By the time they left, GG-2 7277 had taken a run all the way from the beginning of upper staging to the end of the line at the back of the alcove.



The rest of the team finished the benchwork for California, and pushed on into Colorado.  By the time they left, cork had reached the Snake River Valley.

[seusscaboose]

That Broadway is gonna look hawt on those sweeping curves...   do you have light kits in ol' #29 for a night shot or two once things get to that point?

EP

[eric220]

No light kits yet. I've been too busy buying track and rolling stock. It is on the agenda, however.

[eric220]

The track laying gang got some work done last night.  The westbound main reached the eastbound main, and the crews pushed both mains east to Walnut Hill.

[seusscaboose]

f'n sweet...

you using tortises i ASSume?

[eric220]

You ASSume-hat correctly. The holes are drilled for the wires, and the machines are there, I just haven't installed them on the mainline switches yet.

[John]

What's the beer per foot of track ratio on the gandy dancers

[davefoxx]

Loving those long tangents of straight track between the broad radius curves.  Trains will look awesome on your layout.  Keep up the great progress and keep posting pics!  Hope you didn't forget the superelevation.

DFF

[eric220]

What's the beer per foot of track ratio on the gandy dancers

For the Gandy Dancers?  0.  We generally don't drink while we're working on each other's layouts.  When I'm working on my own... I plead the fifth.   

Dave - I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the Pennsylvania Limited plying these rails.  To the lair!

[eric220]

Time for a little preview.  After the track crews spent some time laying track, the Pennsylvania Special made a trip out to the end of the line.



She had to be pushed through Walnut Hill, but there she is!  In a severe test of fate, I backed this train all the way back into upper staging.  It didn't derail until it hit the west throat of the staging yard.  Not bad.

[eric220]

Back to design, and once again with some urgency.  The next area that I'm going to expand into is Keystone, a ski resort in Summit County, CO, as seen here:



What I'm looking for is a passenger stop and a team track for the resort.  I've actually got enough room that with a little readjustment, I could move the lefthand crossover at the top of the image onto the bridge, much closer to the station, but I'm not sure if that really gets me anything.  Conversely, there is another crossover around the corner at the bottom of the map after 15 feet or so.  I could move the lower, righthand crossover up onto the bridge and consolidate the pictured crossovers as one interlocking.  Thoughts?

[3DTrains]

Ooooh! A perfect scene for Winter Park, CO!