Carbon Limestone Co.

[Chris333]

I was playing with this small Nn3 layout:
https://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/Nn3CarbonLimestoneCo

I wanted to model a small quarry on one side and decided to call it Carbon Limestone after a nearby 38" railroad that ran in a quarry. I was all freelanced and just for fun, but then I started digging for info and found out that the railroad ran in a loop from the quarry to the crusher and often 6-7 trains were running the loop at a time. If this shows up you can see the red line:

The quarry are is lower left while the crusher is top right.

Quarry:


And here is a close up of the crusher area in 1970:

Depending on how you zoom in, the crusher is still there:

The line looped into the crusher up high on a trestle. Over to the right were small shops and engine houses. The green lines are standard guage. Carbon Limestone had a few standard gauge locos, but the area was serviced by a short branch of the P&LE. Here is the area:
http://binged.it/1e27M2c

Anyways... Its a big loop of track... that high trestle and crusher begs to be modeled... So I'm thinking of tossing what I have and starting over with a slightly bigger layout.

[Chris333]

The railroad first had a bunch of 0-4-0 tank engines, some of them are still running around the country with the tanks removed and tenders added. One is running at Cedar Point. Latter they had 2 Plymouths, 1 Davenport, and 6 Whitcombs. Here is a Whitcomb at the garage?


Another one up on the trestle at the crusher:

[Chris333]

So here is the new plan 12x24" with a backdrop down the center:

This side would have the crusher on the right with a short standard guage track under it. To the left would be the garage shop area.


This side would be the quarry.


That is the plan. The first step is waiting for a Walthers glacier gravel company that I will try to bash into the crusher. If I get that looking decent I will go on to track. 

[Coxy]

Go for it Chris!

Your modeling talents seem a little penned in on micro layouts. I like the plan. The crusher and trestle will be a great scene.

Looking forward to seeing this larger one come together. On that point, nice job on posting your modeling efforts to date - great pics and vids.

- Coxy

[davefoxx]

I like it, Chris.  Not only is the track plan a little more interesting than your other quarry layout, but it's based on a prototype.  Too cool.

Now, get cracking.  I especially enjoy following along with the construction of your handlaid track.  Lots of pics, please.

DFF

[Scottl]

This is a great concept and prototype.  I am looking forward to seeing this one built.

All of these mini-layouts are so inspirational...

[VonRyan]

Wanna send the layout you just ditched towards my way 

I'd have to re-gauge it to 4mm, but it might just make a nice little slate railway 


-Cody F.

[packers#1]

Your narrow gauge layouts really make me think about Nn3; it doesn't look too terribly tough; then again, HOn3 could make use of Bachmann N scale engines.
Anyways, carry on, looking forward to watching the progress

[Chris333]

I know these mini layouts are a bit of fantasy, but I like to try and follow prototype by using real locomotives and rolling stock. The On30 guys can get out of hand sometimes. Modeling this quarry operation will allow me to use more of the prototype. The line crossed over and ducked under the local roads and those bridges are still there to try to follow. If it wasn't for the USGS aerial photos from 1950-1970 I would have no idea how the tracks were laid out.

Plus now I get to build even more Nn3 locomotives and cars    This quarry was in operation from 1894-1984 so I can change out the diesels for steam and swap the crane for an older steam shovel.

Cody, I'd send the old to you if you left the gauge alone    It is only 11x17x3" and its a runner:

[VonRyan]

I know these mini layouts are a bit of fantasy, but I like to try and follow prototype by using real locomotives and rolling stock. The On30 guys can get out of hand sometimes. Modeling this quarry operation will allow me to use more of the prototype. The line crossed over and ducked under the local roads and those bridges are still there to try to follow. If it wasn't for the USGS aerial photos from 1950-1970 I would have no idea how the tracks were laid out.

Plus now I get to build even more Nn3 locomotives and cars    This quarry was in operation from 1894-1984 so I can change out the diesels for steam and swap the crane for an older steam shovel.

Cody, I'd send the old to you if you left the gauge alone    It is only 11x17x3" and its a runner:

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Well if gauge is your only condition... I might just have to start modelling Irish 3' gauge after all 

-Cody F.

[Rich_S]

Very nice, Pittsburgh Limestone Co. on the old Mahoning State Line Railroad / P&LE Lowellville Branch.  One question, who is the Nn3 manufacturer of the diesel and steam engine and hopper cars seen in your video?




 

[Chris333]

The yellow loco is built by me. It is a 16ton Plymouth that I drew and had etched in brass. It ride on a "powermax" chassis:
https://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/Nn3#5752151100505495426
http://www.searails.com/powermax.html

The steam loco is from Toma Model Works. It had side tanks and I converted it to saddle:
https://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/Nn3040Porter

The cars are from Shapeways, I had someone draw them for me:
http://www.shapeways.com/model/466148/nn3-v-tipper-x-16.html



But if the layout goes well I will try to make more accurate equipment. I'd like a couple 24 ton 0-4-0 Porters and 25 ton Whitcombs using the powermax chassis and all new dump cars will be made...somehow.

[Chris333]

Welp the Walthers kit showed up today. I won't be using all the walls, but I can use most of the parts. I started building a core of styrene that will mostly be covered with corrugated sheets. This is the only info I have for the standard gauge side of the crusher:

You can see the one hopper being loaded will gravel. This is the side of the crusher that will show on the layout.

I came up with this:




And about 3.75" up is where the narrow gauge will run into the building:


When done it will be more like the crusher is sunken into the front corner of the layout.

[M.C. Fujiwara]

I dig how deep you got the building down.
Nn3 version of layout-to-floor scenery 
(will be good compositional balance with backdrop and quarry on other side)

Looking forward to seeing this come along!

For every Chris333 post, I feel I'm getting pulled further and further into the Magical World / Black Hole of Nn3....   

[Leggy]

I'm feeling much the same....there's always space for some sections of the QLD NG on my layout under construction....