New MoPac layout -shelf layout end to end

Colonel Jul 31, 2012

  1. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    So far this is what i am planning the layout will be a L shaped wall layout 6 metres (18 feet) X 6 metres (18 feet) approx 600 mm (2 feet) wide. I want end to end running with a possible hidden loop at each end. I will be taking the following structures off the original layout with me for the following industries etc

    1. Engine service facility
    2. Grain terminal
    3. Lime quarry
    4. Cement works

    I am also considering a large yard at one end and a Port at the other, I do want to model more prototypical than my last layout however I still allow myself modelling licence :)

    At this stage a single line with passing opportunities but the layout is all about switching this time and not continuous running.

    I am modelling the 80's era, N scale with DCC and code 55 track.

    Any suggested areas and links to similar design layouts or prototypical plans would be greatly appreciated. I am not planning on building until we build a new home in approx 18 months so have lots of time to design.
     
  2. Ski

    Ski TrainBoard Member

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    Would love to see you design a Mopac layout based in and around St. Louis. I really have not seen any layouts based on such a great railroading area.

    Many moons ago I wanted to do such, but time, space, and money never cooperated.

    Good luck...by the way, your modeling and article in N Scale Railroading got me inspired to do the Mopac thing....
     
  3. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks for your suggestion I
    May have to do some research into the St Louis area. Of course I also have my Mopac books so I will have to drag them
    Out as well.

    Glad you were inspired to model MoPac from article, would like to see your layout
     
  4. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    This seems like a scenario which would provide a good amount of fun.

    Did the Mopac access any seacoast ports on the Gulf, via subsidiaries? I recall reading about a place where they had a cross river car barge setup. Maybe that would work?
     
  5. Ski

    Ski TrainBoard Member

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    I would like to see my layout as well! ;)

    I never got far with mine and then a move halfway across the country has me starting all over again. My youngest son and I just started building the Model Railroader Magazine Salt Lake Route Kato unitrack layout on two hollow core doors. He had so much fun putting all the track pieces together that we added yet another door to make a U shaped layout and are looking to expand the track work, but are stuck on ideas to expand the mainline with some sidings/industry. I am thinking of using the Caliente side of the layout as a stand in for downtown St. Louis (very heavy modelers license!) and making the rest of the layout the mainline west to Kirkwood, MO and Washington, MO. So far it is just the basic SLR plan and pink foam board plains for scenery.

    The unitrack is bulletproof so far, but it is quite limitating when it comes to looks and flexibility. P
     
  6. Steve Mann

    Steve Mann TrainBoard Member

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    Kind of biased from me since I'm from Kansas and I love researching the long lost MoPac lines in the state; might try looking into a Kansas branch line or something. Couple off-the-top-of-my-head suggestions to research: MoPac's line through Herington, KS (I found a FB page of old shots there). You could interchange with the Rock Island, SSW, MKT (shortly) there at the Herington Yard. To be honest I'm not too knowledgeable on that section as far as industries. I have some connections that know a LOT more on that so feel free to ask if you want more info.
    Or you could model this FUN interlocking! http://condrenrails.com/MRP/Memphis Towers & Junctions/Broadway-IC-Crossing.htm Only about 6 railroads you could interchange with ;)
    You got a lot of time to plan. I'll look forward to the new beginnings.
     
  7. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks for the link a great starting point
     
  8. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Does anyone have some online resources I can use?
     
  9. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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  10. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Here are a couple of possibilities

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    [​IMG]

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    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 9, 2012
  11. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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  12. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    So what industries were at the following?

    1. Momence
    2. South Momence
    3. Saint Anne
    4. Papineaii
    5. Grant Park
    6. Woodland
    7. Watseka
     
  13. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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  14. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    My only knowledge would be from the aspect of the MILW. They did pass through both the Momence and Danville areas, but if they served any industry, I cannot think of what.
     
  15. fireball_magee

    fireball_magee TrainBoard Member

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    I live over here. St Anne has the KB&S and a grain elevator. Momence has a few buildings But not sure whats in them. ill look when I head over to the Museum on Sat. Also Grant park has a Grain elevator and thats about it anymore. I can ask Joe Santucci, he used to run this line when he was on the MOP.
     
  16. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    thanks that would be fantastic
     
  17. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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  18. fireball_magee

    fireball_magee TrainBoard Member

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    When I went through Momence I didnt have time to stop sat as the dogs needed out. But there was the typical Midwest elevator. A ton of tracks as well. This is on the south side where highway 114 goes over. I am passing your facebook page onto Joe as well.Its cool to see someone modeling an are where you live!.
     
  19. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    thanks fireball I read Joe's article it is excellent. There looks like a lot of modelling and operational opportunities in modelling this division
     
  20. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Just about to put a deposit on a new home although we won't be moving in for another 18 months. The layout will be going in the garage so it will be approx 6 metres x 3 metres. Am still considering the possibly of reusing the engine facility and a few other sections of the existing layout
     

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