It's About Time - Some New Layout Ideas

It's been a very long time since I have spent any meaningful energy towards my N scale hobby.  I guess addictions can fade over time.  However, lately I've had a desire to get re-engaged in the hobby, at least in a small way.  I revisited a couple layout designs that I drafted over the last couple of years to see if I could come up with something that would inspire me to start a new project.  My garage is used for multiple things, and I didn't want another island style layout like my Marias Pass, which took up a lot of space.  Instead, I am looking to do a shelf style layout in an "L" shape to optimize the wall space I have available.  The main component on the left will be a 7' maximum length, with a width of 4' at the elbow of the "L".  This can be conveniently built from a 4x8 sheet of plywood.  I then have about 10' along the right side wall in which I can add an extension of 6' for some additional yard space.

I would like to feature my 3d printed trucks on this layout, as well as the lumber loads that I created a few years back.  That gives me at least a start to my list of industries.

The current short list includes:

• grain elevator with truck scale and unloading building for my 43' and 50' Wilson grain trailers and straight trucks
• lumber centerbeam transloading area or simple truss building shop requiring lumber delivery
• meat packing with loads of cattle being delivered in my Wilson cattle pots, and then cold storage and outbound beef in 64' reefer cars as well as truck/trailer reefer rigs.
• small intermodal facility to feature trucks and utilize a pair of piggy packer loaders that I own.
• other industries that I haven't decided on yet.

I like the idea of a major highway overpass stretching through the center of the layout.  I haul grain to an elevator in Council Bluffs that is right next to and under interstate I-80 which gave me the idea.  This would be a focal point for truck traffic as well as a natural view block to separate the layout into two sides.

I'll give these ideas some time to sink in and just maybe I'll be inspired to get the woodworking tools dirty again.  Let me know what you think.

Oh Yeah, I Like Trains Too - New Layout Started

I was nearing crisis mode there for a moment.... no posts for a almost a month, more trucks than I can shake a stick at, and over a year without a layout of any kind.  Well, I am back on track tonight, with a generous dose of layout construction to tame my N scale addiction.

I decided on a 3'x8' footprint this time, with a 6" extension on part of the front.  This will allow me to fit it easier into the space in my garage.  I cheated on the frame construction in that I used 1"x6"s ripped instead of using plywood.  I am a firm believer in using plywood as dimensional lumber, but with the limited amount of material that I needed for this project, I decided to take my chances in finding a couple of boards that didn't resemble firewood.

Like all of my previous layouts, I added caster wheels so I could move the layout around in my garage.  The difference this time is that the casters happen to be connected to a 300lb  tool cabinet.  I bought a cabinet several months ago to store my tools, and liked it so much that I decided to buy another just for trains.  I like the idea of having lots of storage right below the layout.  It's not a Snap On, but it's a nice heavy unit from Harbor Freight.  Although they do sell a lot of cheap tools, their tool boxes are actually made with heavier material than some competitors and very reasonably priced.  To get the top of the layout at an appropriate height, I built a pedestal with 2"x6"s on edge that fits snug in the top rim of the tool box.  When I go to train shows, I will simply lift the layout off the pedestal and load it.

So there you have it.  An unconventional method of layout construction, but practical.  I don't know that I have ever seen this done before, so extra points for originality.

2014 Layout Plans

I've been thinking a lot lately about starting a new layout project, and after months of ideas and false starts, I think I am ready to finally jump off the diving board.  I have other interests outside of model railroading, and a break from my intense 3d printing addiction the past couple of months has been nice.  But after being without a place to run trains for about a year now is starting to drive me nuts.  I had a set of track plans and had even built a pair of long tables for a shelf/switching layout, but never really got past the benchwork stage.  I want to build an industrial style layout with lots of buildings and activity, and a place to feature my truck models, but just can't sell myself on a layout without continuous running capabilities.  While watching a train run in circles seems like "playing" with trains to some, I actually enjoy it.  I have a few boxes of new Kato intermodal equipment sitting in the box that I am itching to put on the rail.  And the thought of shoving them in a yard, without the ability to run them continuously just didn't spark any interest.  So after some deep thought, I think I finally landed on a track plan that will work for me.

I guess the 2x8' tables that I built did serve a purpose, as I decided that my next layout will only be 8' in length.  I really like the 4x10 footprint that I have used in the past, but 8' will allow me to shove the layout into a few different spots in my garage, making room for other things.  And this layout isn't about broad curves and scenery, but rather industries and detail.

Using Sketchup, I drew a very quick sketch of a trackplan in a 3.5' x 8' space.  I spent about 30 minutes putting this together, so take it for what it's worth.  I still want to incorporate most of my industry and switching ideas from the shelf layout plan, but add a continuous loop for unit trains.  I drew this with a double mainline, but also want to consider a single main which would give me more room for other things.  This is where I could use some input from others.  

I have a few of the industries planned including a grain elevator, meat packing/cold storage, and an intermodal yard.  I also added 4 hidden staging tracks to allow for ample storage of cars and trains, which will add some interest to operations.

Well, there you have it.  I am pretty serious about this plan, as it seems to fit most of my needs.  And, I just need to start something before the idea gets stale and I lose several more months.  I'll fine tune it over the next few weeks, but this is at least a good starting point of what is in my head at the moment.

Let me know what you think.

UP Council Bluffs Sub - More Revisions

My life must be changing, because with as many things as I have going on in my life now, I don't know how I managed to build my Marias Pass in less than 18 months.  I do recall several nights up to and past midnight working on trees.  That said, I know most of my precious hobby time has been spent designing and finishing trucks and trailers, and I continue to neglect the new layout project.  Of course I am the type of person that if an unfinished project becomes stale, or goes too long without proper attention, I lose interest, and sometimes abandon it completely.  My Council Bluffs Sub has become victim of that, and I am already looking at different bench work arrangements.

As you might recall, I had 2 8' table sections built and waiting for final touches before laying out track lines.  I have already dismantled one of the two tables, and I really like how the remaining 8 foot table fits in my garage space.  I had toyed with the idea of a 10x4 foot "L" shaped shelf layout, and wrote about that a couple weeks ago.  Further noodling on this subject has produced yet another idea.  This time it is an 8x4 "L" shaped layout, with a permanent shelf, and enough staging on the backside of the backdrop for a possible scenic'ed space rather than simple hidden staging.

My logic is as follows:

I like the idea of a small simple shelf layout that I could finish in a reasonable amount of time without it becoming stale.  I imagine that my 3d design and printing efforts will continue into the foreseeable future, and I doubt I will have large sums of time to dedicate to a larger layout project.  This space still leaves me enough room for the industries that I had proposed on the original design, but more condensed.  The purpose of this shelf layout is becoming more of a "diorama" where I can showcase my trucks and trailers, and I am putting more emphasis on this modeling aspect as time goes on.

So here is a mock up of an 8x4' "L" shaped shelf layout.  I still plan to maintain a similar track plan as the previous "L" that I posted a couples weeks ago, with the extension for switching.  The lower shelf was added for storage, and additional bench work integrity if I choose to use smaller lumber pieces to keep the overall structure light weight.

Council Bluffs Sub - Let's Get Going

Tonight I started a very simple mock up of my new Council Bluffs Sub track plan.  I have the backdrop on one of the two tables and hope to begin laying out track lines soon.  Having an actual table to look at is much different than looking at a track plan on a piece of paper.

I know it isn't much to look at, but here is layout section #1 with the elevator located at the back left, meat processing and cold storage on the right, lumber transfer and wholesale, and warehouse in the front.  16' total length is going to give me a lot of real estate to work with, and I'm excited to get started.  The elevator will be the prominent industry on this section at about 4 feet in total length.

Both tables need a few inches trimmed off the front edge, and then I'll add a thin fascia.  The recess below the surface is for hand operated switch levers.

A Chapter Ends, A New Chapter Begins - Saying Goodbye to Marias Pass

With bittersweet emotion, the Marias Pass is now out of my possession, and moving east several hundred miles to its new home.  Of all my layouts to date, this by far has been the most special, for many reasons.  The timing of this sale is interesting, as the last installment of my article series in N Scale Railroading will be published in just a few weeks.  I can't believe how much time has passed since I sold my Orin Line, and at the time had only a frame with legs which would later become the Marias Pass.

I am also very excited to begin focusing attention on my Council Bluffs Sub, which is also just a couple of frames with legs, and has been resting against the wall until now.  I need a break from my 3d printing projects, and spending some time on the initial construction of the new layout will be a nice change of pace.

Eastbound and Down....

May/June N Scale Railroading - Snow Shed on the Marias Pass

I'm a little late with this issue, but the May/June 2013 NSR just came out a few weeks ago.  The snow shed is featured in this article.  Probably one of my favorite features on the Marias Pass.

The Marias Pass is FOR SALE

Hey folks,

So, most of you that follow my blog know that I was seeking a new owner for my Marias Pass model railroad several months ago.  Unfortunately, due to circumstances, the buyer that made claim to the layout is now unable to take ownership, so I am once again offering my Marias Pass for sale.  I have posted a lot of photos and details about the layout over the past couple of years, and N Scale Railroading has just printed the 10th article of my 11 article series.  With that much exposure, I feel like the layout pretty much speaks for itself in terms of how it was built, the level of detail it provides, and the amount of effort I put into the project in an attempt to replicate a fascinating place in the NW corner of Montana.

I had a great time building this layout, taking photos of the finished project, and was able to take it to two large annual local train shows.  I am ready to move on to a new project, and am looking forward to finding a new owner that can appreciate it as much I do.

Please contact me with any questions you may have, and indications of interest.  I would also appreciate help in spreading the word about the layout to interested N scale enthusiasts.

N Scale Addict

Council Bluffs Sub - Update

I've been focusing much of my N scale time on 3D printing projects, and the new layout was getting neglected.  Recently, I was able to spend some time on the two 8' bench work sections, and they are getting close to allowing me to start laying out some track designs and maybe some building mock ups.

Each section will be 8' in length, and about 20" in width.  I say "about" since the front edge of the layout will have about a 2" variation from end to middle, which can be seen on my track plan that I posted a few months ago.  In the photo below, some of the plywood overhang will get trimmed to the final dimension with a jigsaw.  The remaining overhang will create a recessed area below track level and on the fascia, which will accommodate my planned manual switch levers.  As of now, I plan to use slide switches mounted directly below each track turnout, with a length of piano wire extending vertically through the plywood base, and some type of horizontal connecting rod that will extend forward through the front edge/fascia, with a handle at the very end for manual control.  The slide switch is needed to route power to the frogs.  I used Caboose Industry ground throws on my very first N scale layout, and while they are fun to throw, they are over-sized. I wanted to keep the Council Bluffs Sub truer to scale, so decided against CI.

The backdrop pieces are cut and ready to install, however, I might leave them off until I get further in construction with the layout.  Being able to work from the front or the back of each table section is appealing.  I have caster wheels for each leg, and will be installing those soon too.

Unfortunately, I don't have a nice studio with sky blue walls like Model Railroader does to stage their project photos, so instead I get the wall of my garage.  At least I had some natural light when I shot these.

I hope to post a revised track plan soon as well, as I have a few minor edits to make.  I'm getting excited to begin laying out the design on my tables.

Mar/Apr 2013 N Scale Railroading

Part 9 of my Marias Pass project was just printed in the latest issue of N Scale Railroading.  A shorter article this time, illustrating how I created the station at West Glacier.  Next article will show the snow shed in detail, and is one of my favorites in the series.

Great Train Expo 2013 - Council Bluffs, IA

It's been over a month since I have posted here, but it hasn't been due to a lack of any railroading.  I have some projects underway that I will share when the time is right.  On a separate note, it's that time of year again, when the GTE comes to Omaha/Council Bluffs, and typically in the past I have taken a layout if I was finished with the project.  This year I am actually going to be able to take the Marias Pass to its 2nd train show.  I offered the layout for sale several months ago, and while it has been spoken for, I have the benefit of holding it while arrangements are made to move it to it's new home in the future.

The GTE is this coming weekend at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, so early Saturday morning I'll be driving the Marias Pass across the river to set it up.  Last year I transported it in the minivan, and while it may seem impossible when looking at the layout and then looking inside the van, I will just say that I have seen 15 clowns get out of a small car before.  Same concept.

This year I plan to use a new aluminum stock trailer from the family farm, which will protect it well during the 20 mile trip.  Although it fit in the van fairly well, it stuck out the back about two feet.  I had a protective cardboard box that I built to protect it from wind and road grime.

Anyway, I thought I would share some photos from last year, as I prepare the layout for this year's show.  Not much has changed other than it is a year older, and I have some different rollingstock to operate this time around.

Please stop by and say hi if you attend the show.  This will be the first year that the layouts and vendors will be set up in the arena rather than the two exhibition halls.

Track Plan Progress for the UP Council Bluffs Sub

I continue to make progress on my UP Council Bluffs Sub track plan.  Much of what you see below is my initial ideas that have been somewhat refined from the original pencil and paper scribbles.  I think I have a good mix of industries that will allow for a good mix of rollingstock.  The I-80 bridge that you see on both sections is intended to help hide the seam between benchwork sections, and create a natural divide to give the layout the illusion of greater space and size.  I decided to set it at an angle to break up the straight lines of the 16' table length.  I have drawn in a second highway overpass on the far right of the track plan which represents HWY 92.  I don't know if I will keep this.  My reasoning for this bridge is to help "hide" the end of the layout, but allowing for future layout expansion if desired.

The yard area is still developing, but I intend to add a handful of tracks in a ladder configuration, plus a fueling track and maintenance shed if I have room.  Although the yard design is being inspired by the IAIS yard, it will likely be a Union Pacific yard, with the IAIS having intermodal business only.  This will still allow me to have some IAIS diesel power in the yard if I desire.

The left 8' section is also continuing to develop.  I still have some space towards the front of the table that is unaccounted for.  Some current ideas include a scrap yard, tank farm w/ loading platform, or perhaps swapping the concrete plant with a warehouse for the collection of boxcars that I currently have, which would put the concrete plant on the left front.  The lumber yard space has been reserved but lacks any building detail at this time.

The plan is subject to change, but I am liking what I have so far.  The various sidings seem to flow well, and allow for adequate space for a pair of locomotives and at least a couple of cars.  I placed a run-around track in the middle of the plan for optimal operability.  As part of a larger operation or a continuous loop, the mainline would handle run-through traffic.

Please let me know what you think.

UP Council Bluffs Sub - Track Plan draft v.1

Apparently the end of the world came and went, so I decided to post an initial draft of my new track plan.  There are several details missing still, but the general layout of some track is present, and a few of the major industries.  I am behind the times when it comes to using technology for designing track plans.  To date, everything that I have created has been with pencil and paper.  This time around, instead of trying to learn a new software, I decided to try MS Excel.  Not only was it quick to create a first version, it is cleaner than using pencil and paper.  The curved lines are a bit tricky, but everything else is fairly straight forward.  It's not going to render a 3D view or anything fancy like that, but for my use, it works just fine.

Here is my first version (with some things still missing) of the two 8' sections.  Please let me know what you think.

The N Scale U.P. Council Bluffs Sub is Born!

Benchwork construction has begun on my newest layout.  This time I am designing a shelf/switching layout, inspired by various railroad and industrial activities close to home.  While I don't yet have an official name for the layout, I am calling it the UP Council Bluffs Subdivision, since that is were I am doing a lot of my research and train watching for model railroad ideas.  Who knows, it might just stick.

The layout will be 16' in length, using a twin pair of 8' tables that are 18" wide.  I am using a very similar design to the Marias Pass benchwork, with plywood for the frame and folding legs that collapse into the recess of the benchwork.  The track plan is not yet finished, but wanted to get started with construction anyway.  I'll continue to share more as I make progress.  Here is a short video of the new layout:

The Time Has Come - A New Layout in the Making

It has been well over a year since I called the Marias Pass "done", put the finishing touches on my article series photos and content, and mailed it off to Seattle.  I have had lots of ideas floating in my head since then about what the next layout project would look like.  A trip this summer inspired me to consider a midwest theme somewhere in central and western Nebraska.  Then, while doing some train chasing this year, I actually found a lot of potential right in my backyard.  I have wanted to build a small diorama of a lumber facility to feature my lumber loads and centerbeams, and while pursuing that interest, discovered multiple lumber yards in and around Omaha that receive material by centerbeam flatcar.  That pursuit eventually led to more discoveries of local industries, and an idea to build a switching layout.

A switching layout?  That's right.  My previous layouts have all been primarily focused on scenery and replicating the flavor of a specific region.  Focusing further on specific industrial areas is something that I have not yet tried.  Staying true to my desire to capture at least a flavor of an actual location, I survey the area using Google maps, and then make personal appearances at locations to capture my own photos.

So how far am I right now?  A recent trip to Lowes for a home project offered the opportunity to add two sheets of plywood to the load.  So I have my benchwork material, and am getting an itch to start soon.  As far as the track design, I have good ideas of what I want, and am working on determining my industries and the general footprint for each.  I still have a lot of planning work to do, but am motivated to keep making progress.

Below is a set of photos that tells at least a portion of the story of my new layout design and concept.  The name, location, and individual industries will be loosely based on those found in and around the Omaha, Fremont, and Council Bluffs areas.  The layout will feature Union Pacific, but will have a lot of Iowa Interstate influence.  Council Bluffs sees a lot of other railroad traffic, which provides some interesting possibilities: KCS, CN, BNSF, NS, CSX, etc.  More photos to come as I capture more of the locations that will potentially make a place on the new layout.

I have driven past this plastic manufacturing building for years, taking grain to the elevator, and decided that a plastic pellet receiving track and tank storage would make a nice model.  A pikestuff building and some PVC tanks should make for a fairly simple project.

This is a cement batch facility in Fremont.  Again, a fairly simple industry to model in N scale.  A pikestuff building or corrugated styrene, some holding tanks, conveyer, and cement trucks would complete the scene.

A tank loading/unloading facility will probably be on the short list for the new switching layout.  It could either be a solvent distributor, or something larger for petroleum products.

Grain elevators are plentiful in this area, and I plan to model at least 1, maybe two if I have space.  Here is ADM in Fremont.  They process soybeans, so this would offer a space for covered hoppers as well as tank cars hauling away the soybean oil.

Both UP and BNSF have autorack unloading ramps in Omaha.  I have a nice collection of Red Caboose autoracks and would like to make use of them.  

A place to feature my lumber loads is at the top of the list.  I plan to have ample space for centerbeam flatcars, and lots of wrapped lumber bundles.  

A small engine facility next to a small yard will likely find a spot on the layout.  I am thinking about a building such as this one in the UP yard at Council Bluffs.

 Here is a nice view of the UP yard, with the Omaha skyline on the horizon.  Making my own backdrop using photos is something I want to try with this layout.

 Here is another shot of the Omaha skyline, looking west over the UP yard.

Now we are getting to some good stuff.  The Iowa Interstate railroad has a yard and intermodal facility in Council Bluffs.  N scale offers so many great models of well cars, containers, and handling equipment, and I wanted a small intermodal yard to feature the piggy packers that I recently purchased  from Wheels of Time. This yard is a smaller operation, making it an ideal prototype.  A grain elevator or two will also look right at home next to this facility.

 

Here is the entrance to the intermodal yard.

This facility uses quite a variety of container cranes.  They have this piggy packer, and a few large forklift style machines.  

Here's yet another style of container handler, with a telescoping arm.  Oh the possibilities.

The IAIS has a small engine facility, which is about the right size for a switching layout.

 Here is one last photo of the IAIS yard.