In option #3caY you talked about running unit coal trains. The trains come through the hole in the wall, dump the coal, then traverse through the turnouts go between the buildings and exit through the wall. I like this option because you leave the 2 main lines. Enabling you to have an arrival and departure track. In your mind, will there be a dedicated switcher for this area? Or will the crew with the arriving train do the switching and then depart with outbound cars? To me, this seems like the best scenario. You have given me some helpful tips when I finally decide to build a layout myself.
Hi Todd. If I decide on running unit trains, I expect they would only handle the coal traffic, and another local assignment or road switcher would handle all the other traffic to and from the rest of the layout. Either way, I could still have an assigned locomotive stationed at the mill (either provided by the Q&NE or owned and operated by the paper mill). That's why the base plan included the small loco servicing area. Also just realized that depending on which hole in the backdrop they use to enter the mill area, they could be either loads or empties passing through the visible part of the mill. An expensive proposition either way! Could use Conrail/Q&NE pool power too!
Option 3 seems like the best one. As you pointed out... maximizes track length and car capacity. I like the idea of no dedicated track for the plant locomotive. Once your operations get going, youll discover a few areas that make good spots to "park" the power. With possible open areas for some small storage sheds for loco consumables. Also adds an operation of having to take and the local power to the main service facility on a mainline train.
Yup, that's what I was thinking, and suddenly I had this space available for something else. On my earliest track plans (when it was going to be a cement plant rather than a paper mill), I had a coal unloading shed at the same location. Any thoughts on the Option 3 "Variations"?
@QNERailroad I do like the idea of 3ca option. The loop track and alternative access just seems forced so to speak. About the only drawback to increasing the number of coal cars going in, is you're already limited on track. Less is more, as they say.
I like the 3cay option. I think you will need to stay away from a stub end switch lead. When I built my layout, I did a stub end lead. Eventually I realized I needed it connected to the main line. You might rethink the stub. Just a thought.
Thanks James. The only advantage of the stub ended lead is that it eliminates the grade while switching. I could try to extend the lead at the same elevation as the mill and run the grade out behind the backdrop, but that creates an odd visual where it would go through the backdrop at a different elevation than the mainline right beside it. I'll think about it.
I would realy like Option 3caY because I think it gives you many ways to run the papermill. And I thought of something like this wenn you showed the first options.
I've made sure that none of the new turnouts are fully covered. I guess I've been lucky in that I have never had to replace a turnout in my hidden staging yards (almost 20 years on this version of the layout, but some are over 30 years old!).
Thanks Anthony. Any thoughts on the Option 3 "Variations"? Regarding passenger operations, New England has had limited to no Amtrak service for many years. The closest would be the Vermonter, but it wouldn't run on the routes that my layout purportedly models. I've always like the idea of running a Budd car or two back and forth though ...
Hi Art. I try to make it a point to fully shut down my consists, including turning off lighting, when entering staging. Also, I only turn power on to the staging yards when trains are entering or leaving, since our "24 hour" operating sessions do not use all trains in staging. Typically one eastbound Conrail (exit west staging, work layout, enter east staging), one westbound Conrail (exit east staging, work layout, enter west staging), one Northbound Q&NE (originate on layout and enter north staging) and one Southbound Q&NE (exit north staging work layout and terminate/layover).
I haven't crawled like a 12 year old for over 50 years! Luckily, when this is done I shouldn't have to duck under the layout unless something serious happens, Haven't had to on the rest of the layout where I have two helices and hidden staging yards more than a couple of times a year.
@@QNERailroad i was referring to have to go under the rail instead of having something simple you could do a draw bridge with. That being said, enjoy what you call raising circle rails helicopters.
