Some where on the PRR need help

[71jeep]

Hello all,

I am going to take the plunge and build a layout in my basement, only and biggest problem is I have no idea where to start? I can figure out how to fixture ,machine and build parts good to tens of thousands of an inch I feel like a fish flopping around on the bank of the river on this one.
As you can tell I am a diehard PRR modeler but I have no real preference on where to model I like any where PRR.
About the only thing I would really like to incorporate some how on my layout is the feel of the Shamokin branch there is nothing better to me then seeing those hippos coming up along the creek.
A big yard is not a must for me I like scenery and town settings bridges ect.
I have a 14'9" x 9'9" space to work in if I could I would go double deck but I dont think it is feasible.
I bought anyrail and have been playing with it but at the end of the day I no clue where to start.
I have been on this board for quite awhile and noticed that allot of you guys really like designing layouts so I thought I would reach out for some help.

[conrail98]

Is the space under the stairs utilized for anything?

Phil

[Dave V]

Sounds to me like you've already picked your prototype!  The Shamokin branch is very attractive as a model; it saw coal in one direction and iron ore in the other, most often with 4 decapods in the train.  Your biggest challenge will be in obtaining the hippos.

Another option might be the Schuylkill Division...  Coal ops in the north end, electrified commuter ops on the south.  The south end was mainly MUs and non-electric freight, but you might be ae to sneak a GG1 or two in there.

If you want coal ops, really it's those lines or perhaps the lines north of Cresson where RJ Cornan operates now.  The bonus in doing that is that you can do an interchange with the Pittsburgh Division mainline and the helper station for the Hill.

[Lemosteam]

It's ok Dave, he'll just MAKE the hippos. Right Allen? 

Wish I had some ideas for ya but not a chance.

[71jeep]

Hey Guys,

First Phil no there is nothing there I should not really call it a closet as more of empty space under the stairs.

Dave I would really like to include alittle of all that. I really dont want to get caught up in modeling a very specific area. I want my model railroad to scream Pennsy but from bits and pieces from east to west.
Your Middle division is such an inspiration to me if  my railroad comes out half as good what you have done I will be a very happy camper!
And there are plenty of Hippos in the wait five of the brass type and three of the mad Max conversion sitting in wait.
I have so much stuff I would need a layout twenty times this size!

Hi my name is Allen Eck and I am an addict if its PRR and n scale I must have it in multiples 

Anyway what it comes down to I am tired of collecting and building now that I own a home I want to be able to play/operate with what I have worked so hard to collect and build all these years.

Lemosteam you got that right buddy if I build it they will come 

[eric220]

Allen, it sounds like you got a good start on your thought process. Both for your benefit and ours, I'd suggest taking a step back in the design process and think about what you want out of your layout. Are you a lone wolf or do you have a crew that you're going to have to keep busy? Do you want to railfan or operate? Do you want to recreate freight operations or something else like being the experience of a tower operator? You mentioned that you have machining skills, but what other skills do you have or have access to? For instance, would you be comfortable with programming JMRI to run automated trains? Anything else that you can think of at the "50,000 foot" level will help both you and us immensely. It will begin to define what elements you will need, and we can then take a look at how they could fit in your space.

[71jeep]

Hello Eric,

I believe I am going to be a lone wolf I do not know any fellow asshats hear in the Lehigh Valley PA. area but that does not mean that they are not welcome if they make themselves know.
I would say I am more of a railfan but down the line may give operations a try who knows.
I would have to say I would be a tower operator.
If programming JMRI is anything like programming a CNC with macros I am in. I am willing to learn anything I have done electrical not sure what else would be helpful?
I would really like to stay on the eastern side of the PRR just closer to home 
Hmmm this is tough never thought I would have to think so hard to build my layout.
I want a functional layout something that makes sense . I want it to flow like a real railroad not look like some nitwit like me just threw a bunch of track on some foam and called it a model railroad anyone can do that.
This is one of the main reasons I am reaching out to you guys here I want my layout to flow right. I know I can throw a bunch of track down and play with trains but this is not what  I want.

Thanks allot guys all the help is greatly appreciated!

[C855B]

Quick note - in your rough draft I see lots of issues with the "24 inch" rule. You need to design with the idea that you will need to reach all track locations. You can sorta kinda get away with 30" in very small spots, but any more than that is a stretch... literally.

[bbussey]

Allen,

You also want to maintain access to that closet next to the stairs I'm guessing.  Each block in the grid represents one square foot, correct?

Do you want just mainline running for freight, or also some industry for switching?  Do you also want to run passenger consists?

[VonRyan]

I'm still caught up by the fact that you own 5 brass hippos.
That in it self is an accomplishment.

[71jeep]

Mike ,

Thanks for the advice I am going to have to figure out how to compress things down a bit.

Bryan,

If you mean easily assessable no if had to climb under the layout to get in there that is fine. And to clarify it is not a closet at all it was actually a walk through to the other side of the basement. In there now is an cedar amour and this sits a few feet back from what I have drawn. So the space I have shown is fully usable space and I am not against moving the edge of the wall to accommodate something down the road if I need to.
Yes each square represent twelve inches .
I am a mainline freight kind of guy a little bit of industry and switching would be fun I am sure. I would like to run some passenger but I am going to have to come to the realization I can not have everything.

Vonryan,

I have been collecting since I have been twelve years old I am now going on thirty six when a deal presented itself I never looked away.
I used to spend one weekend a month with a buddy of mine going to every hobby shop in a hundred mile radius always came home with something interesting
Thanks allot guys for all the info.

[bbussey]

Since your initial plan is basically a double-track dogbone wrapped around the room perimeter, how about a folded-over double track "88" arrangement?  That would allow you to reduce the table width while maintaining a double-track mainline, and you could raise the elevation of one of the loops and use scenery to differentiate between the two loops.  A yard still could be incorporated on the wall, which possibly could disguise where the double track mainline crosses itself.  Or, the crossing could be a bridge carrying one set of tracks over the other.  Here's a rudimentary diagram.



It would allow you to have continuous running for your mainline freight (and passenger) consists through mountains and valleys and over bridges, as well as having the ability to add in industries here and there.  I think this is similar to what John Pryke had for his first HO New Haven layout, except that his was single track disguised as a double-track mainline because both loops shared the same right of way.

[dougnelson]

Hi Allen:

Good to see you are planning a layout.  I would suggest picking some particular locations to model and include PRR structures such as towers, signal bridges, and stone arch bridges.  Inspiration will come from incorporating recognizable features.  With your modeling skills, I believe anything you do will be spectacular.

Are you planning to attend the PRRT&HS annual meeting (Camp Hill, May 1-4)?  If so, bring your models for the model room.  I would love to see more of your work.  And bring some of those Hippo's.  The Capital PenNScalers Ntrak club will be set up for running.

Doug Nelson

[71jeep]

Thank Bryan I am laying out some more possibility with your suggestion lets see what I can come up with.

Hello Doug ,

The hard part is deciding where I like it all  . Though I think I am going to go with a feel of Shamokin I just wish I could find more info on track plans structures ect. ect.

I saw on the Keystone crossings a an ho layout based on the Shamokin branch I was thinking of contacting him for any info.

I am hoping to make it out Saturday to join the festivities i have not made on quite a few years. I would love to see the the hippos run I have never seen it myself they have all been shelf queens for many years.

[Lemosteam]

And all of the PRR minions, in unison, said "GO, GO, GO, GO,...."