Geronimo Branch/Subdivision - Union Pacific

[CRL]

Several months ago, I opened a thread based on my initial thoughts for a layout in our new home which was in the beginning planning stages at the time. https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=46470.0

Well, as you might imagine, things have changed as the project has progressed and the old adage that all things shrink with age (except my waistline) has never been so true. It became apparent that including the train room in the house would be cost prohibitive (we don’t have basements in south Texas), so it looked like Plan B was to get a prefab portable building, install electrical service, insulate, etc. $$$$ $hit $$$$. So I was getting a little discouraged...

You see, as the house plans evolved and the female & feline priorities were addressed, I had told our builder we needed to add a carport to the side of the house along with a storage room where we could put the Water Heater & Water Softener, along with the lawnmower and other assorted tools from our current garage. It will be insulated & drywalled. This ate then rest of the budget... and then some. Bummer.

Then I was looking at another layout thread https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=49626.0 and the light bulb 💡 finally lit up. You see, this layout space looks kind of like my “storage room”.

So, lawnmower & assorted tools/crap will be reassigned to a really cheap storage shed & I’ll get an “easement” on a perimeter shelf with a couple of feet of headspace. I’ll put a little window AC unit in the window and this space should work just fine. It will take a more creative track plan to maximize the space, but as long as I have the plumber install the WH leaving a 4” clearance from both walls, I’ll be able to snake a single, or maybe even a double track behind it to connect the 2 wall areas. The window will be above “counter height”, so everything above the window AC unit can be sky boarded.

Anyway... here’s the finalized space.

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[CRL]

Just to add a comment about the name of my layout so nobody gets their knickers in a twist...

The part of southeastern Arizona that is the inspiration for my layout is located within the ancestral home of the Chiricahua Apache of which Goyaałé (Geronimo) was an important leader. My mother was born there and her family were early settlers to the area. Also, our home will be located on Geronimo Rd and looks out on the south fork of San Geronimo Creek which forms my rear property line. So, I really can’t call the layout anything else.

[Steveruger45]

Around 9 x 12 overall for a layout, even when sharing space with other stuff is still more space than many can have. 
I get the disappointment you are feeling though but maybe look at it differently and as an opportunity.  That has helped me on a few occasions.   I would love to see what you conjure up for a plan.   
Maybe double deck it and join levels with a no-lix with lower level for staging perhaps?

Also, smaller means you wouldn’t need so much more dirt.😀

[CRL]

Actually, not disappointed in the size at all (insert joke here).

Yeah, I’ll definitely need to work in some lower level staging track, or maybe a split/staggered level arrangement where the trains only have to climb 6-8 inches to the next level instead of a lot more for traditional double decker. But a single main level might actually get finished before I’m too old to pull it off.

Decisions, decisions...

Now I have to figure out how to work AnyRail since I can’t draw worth a damn.

[CRL]

More random thoughts...

Maybe I could buy some added layout space by having the builder install a “shorty” hot water heater, the type typically installed under cabinets. I’m thinking there are short model Kinetico water softeners also.

Maybe I need to rethink my prohibition of a helix. I don’t know if there is sufficient linear space to pull off a nolix without it looking like crap. If double track helix used (one for up, other for down), then it becomes operationally a long passing siding. Depending in which corner it was placed, it could add some real operational interest.

I’m still thinking a maximum train length of 6’ or so. Long enough to “require” double headed small 4 axle diesels in the “mountains”, but not so long that it doesn’t fit the scenic windows this room arrangement will force. There needs to be sufficient linear distance between industries to allow switching without fouling the next block.

The primary serviced industry will still be copper mining, with some gravel/aggregate. I’ll only show the loading/unloading facility. Some agricultural also, with other supporting businesses worked in as per space available. I already own enough rolling stock to service these types of industries... I think.

I don’t know yet if I’ll have enough space to allow through trains to represent a subdivision, or if this will be a branch-line operation with lower level yard switching/staging. Probably the latter if I had to guess. I do want a continuous run option so I can JFRT if the mood strikes.

Room will likely only accommodate 1 or 2 guest operators. I’ll be running solo the majority of the time letting the computer perform the JFRT operation (LTFCRT?).

[pdx1955]

The space separated from the main area up top by the water heater would be a great place to put a out of the way helix and staging yards coming off the bottom or the top. That way all of the "utility  " trackage could be in one area . You could scenic the narrow  lines around the back of the WH  just so it gives the semblance  of a long run between the main  layout areas.

[CRL]

That’s a possibility for sure.

I’ll have to be extremely careful to allow ample space to remove, replace or service the WH & WS units... I’m guessing a “no go” zone either side of a line extending 45 degrees from the corner where the WH is located. Any part of the layout located in front of either unit would have to be easily removed. Also must be sure water shut off valves are easy to reach.

[Steveruger45]

If nothing is built yet, house wise, can’t you have the WS and WH installed in their own little enclosure on the other side of the wall?

[CRL]

That would be the kitchen. Plus, the design is finalized with the builder & lender so any changes require way too much $$$$. Plus, if I can’t come up with a reasonable workaround for the WH & WS “geographic obstructions”, I won’t be able to call myself an  ... right?

[CRL]

Some progress being made. The “storage room” - in reality the future train room is the little short roofed section between the carport and the house.

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[davefoxx]

Here's an enclosure (obviously, still under construction) for your water heater.  Screw the plumber!

DFF

[Jbub]

Here's an enclosure (obviously, still under construction) for your water heater.  Screw the plumber!



DFF

Bwhahahaha... wait, I'm my own plumber

[CRL]

Here's an enclosure (obviously, still under construction) for your water heater.  Screw the plumber!



DFF

I actually thought about that for about 10 seconds before realizing that would be an invitation to the water heater needing replacement just about the time the helix was finished. Decided to specify a “shorty” model water heater instead and have a removable section to allow servicing. I’m actually pretty happy with the space and configuration of the room. Will just add a little window AC unit to keep things cool.

If I decide on double deck, I could locate the helix in one of the corners, or even in front of the stationary section of the double doors. This would allow 3 sided access if needed. Make the helix section modular so if it needed to be moved, just unbolt and drag it out of the way. Not the worst option.

[CRL]

Almost dried in... looking through the rear wall into the future train room. I’m happy with the size and general configuration.

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[CRL]

Just realized my photo looks like the anti-gravity house at Knott’s Berry Farm.