Packers#1's ongoing ideas thread

[avel]

http://urbaneagle.com/data/RRturnouts.html#constr

http://www.mtco.com/~ngntw/

My main motivator was the article in Model Railroader's September 1998 issue. By Jim Kueneman pg 90 - 94

Also here  http://whiteriverandnorthern.net/clinic_12.htm

[DKS]

DKS, do you have the file for that plan?

It's an AnyRail file.

[packers#1]

That's fine man, i can't remember though, is anyrail free?
So while at my gma's house today I got around to building a layout based on MC's layout; I'm thinking the upper right will be left open for a slight rise and forest. I can squeeze in a pair of sidings with a crossover, but it'd be a bit much to operate that. However, I might add one switch mirroring the other spur for a windsheild factory (local sand, NS coal for power on the other sideof the plant (off layout) and a boxcar loading for finished windsheilds for my line). I will maintain the option for cassettes, and will use that for the norfolk southern interchange, but will not really need them for the main line.

[MVW]

At first glance ... I likee!

Nice job.

Jim

[packers#1]

Thanks Jim, but I've had another idea hit me as well...oh well, I'd rather develop a bunch of idea and then find something I can *finally* stick with.
My next concept is a layout to be built in three modules that will fit under my bed.
Inspiration is pics like these
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=10061
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1823775
This idea will also let me use my current motive power. I have a B23-7 that I'll repaint into a what-if black NS scheme (I couldn't find any CR low-noses that made it to the throughbred black, but I'll whistle and act as if they did or protolance a low-nose buy or something). My ex-ATSF will remain, but my other U23B and my C420 will get a BAWR (Barnwell, Aiken, and Western Railroad) paint job.
Could a mod please change the thread title to "Packers#1's ongoing ideas thread"?

[MVW]

It's highly advisable to consider all options and think things through thoroughly before undertaking such an important task as building a layout! 

But then there's the danger of falling into "analysis paralysis," where nothing gets done because you're too wrapped up in thinking about it.

I find track planning to be one of my favorite aspects of the hobby, and I invested a lot of time figuring out what I wanted, how I could build it, and making sure it would do what I wanted it to. But sooner or later you have to back away from the computer and actually build something. I reached that point about 1.5 years ago, and took the plunge even though the timing wasn't the best (I was starting a major remodel of my house, doing most of the work myself; I also work full-time and have three kids at home, and spend about seven months a year coaching their football and softball teams). My layout progress has been meager by most standards, but I wouldn't be anywhere if I hadn't made the decision to start.

I think you're headed in the right direction by planning for portability (and stowability). When you settle on a design, make sure it also provides options for future expansion. Since building even a small layout requires considerable time and money, you'll be way ahead of the game if this layout can eventually be incorporated into something larger, when that opportunity arises (and if that interests you).

Good luck!

Jim

[packers#1]

Jim, I hear ya man. To back away from the analysis paralysis, I'm going to make an order for some paint and decals from MBK in a few weeks hopefully, and then get my Harbor Freight airbrush working (need to get an air hose), and then I can get my C420, CM U23B (I hate the patch and weathering i put on it), and B23-7 into paint (the U23B and C420 will get a buff and green paint with large numbers on the long hood; the B23-7 a fantasy Norfolk Southern scheme (now if I had only left the factory Conrail...oh well, might just detail it for Conrail and paint it up in the blue and patch and weather it).
As for planning, I'm adjusting as I keep scouring rrpicturearchives.net for more and more pictures of railroads around SC and probably neighboring states. Until then, I have enough track to spare some for a diorama or to build the interchange at least.
as for the trackplan, i'll be updating that soon hopefully. I was a bit lost in RTS when i tried to get my thoughts out, so first will come the grid paper to get the ridiculous ideas flushed out and a first bit of reality set in

[DKS]

That's fine man, i can't remember though, is anyrail free?

AnyRail is free to download and try, but the free version limits you to a maximum of 50 track pieces (there are no other restrictions). Given the type of layout you're designing, you probably won't need to pay for it.

After using it for a while, most folks see the value of paying the $59 fee for the full version. Download it here: http://www.anyrail.com/index_en.html

Here's the file for the last plan I drew up for you (right click and save as): http://whiteriverandnorthern.net/images/berry8.any

[packers#1]

DKS, done. is anyrail the one that lets your run trains virtually though? I can't remember which one it is

[DKS]

DKS, done. is anyrail the one that lets your run trains virtually though? I can't remember which one it is

No, it doesn't, but you can export your track plan to TrainPlayer, which lets you run the trains.

[GaryHinshaw]

Could a mod please change the thread title to "Packers#1's ongoing ideas thread"?

Done.  That's how it shows up front, but the individuals responses still show "Re: Switching Layout Design critique wanted".  Oh well, at least the mods read the posts. 

[packers#1]

Done.  That's how it shows up front, but the individuals responses still show "Re: Switching Layout Design critique wanted".  Oh well, at least the mods read the posts. 

hey, if it gets the intended effect, I don't care. Grazie sir 
DKS, thanks man!
hopefully this weekend i will finally have time to sit down and draw a few plans out...school takes up a heck of a lot of time, but hey, no money, no trains haha, that's why it's God, family, school, work, trains 

[packers#1]

http://www.layoutvision.com/gallery/id25.html
I’ve admired this layout plan for a little while now fellas. I’m really liking the flow and end-of-line functionality. It really does allow for a proper setting of place. And I’ve found several industries both in Greenville and locally that would work well, including these two
This would take the place of American can
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1693298
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1693302
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1246
The interchange will be replaced by this large industry
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1693303
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1693305
The Mayfair buildings will be replaced with several warehouses and also a fertilizer company like the one downtown in Aiken
616-798 Timber Lane Rd, Aiken, SC on google maps
Also, Mobil Oil will be replaced by a concrete block company (there’s one outside the window on the way to and from Augusta whenever I’m going to Mays International for work. Shouldn’t be too hard of a kitbash)
However, another option that was suggested by Alex (Guiliford Guy)on Facebook was to invest in some unitrak and rock some floor layouts when I’m in college and have a single dorm or apartment. What I like about this idea is it allows for both an immediate (compared to an actual layout) changing of any track arrangements for switching etc, and could be a good way to figure out what I like and don’t like. Also, I could still build dioramas based off of prototype pictures found on rrpicturearchives.net
So what do y’all think, which idea is better, are they both good, or are they both kinda crappy?
Thanks for bearing with me y'all