New MoPac layout -shelf layout end to end

Colonel Jul 31, 2012

  1. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    8,721
    1,110
    119
    Paulus, i see your point it certainly needs the ability to run around a few cars
     
  2. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    8,721
    1,110
    119
    I like parts of this layout once again by Dave Barrows

    [​IMG]

    Maybe the top section and the peninsula
     
  3. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

    5,677
    580
    82
    It's a nice design overall. I would be tempted to make the mainline so it sort of snakes to the front of the layout in some places and works behind things in others.

    The switch backs on the industrial spurs seem like a hassle when switching.

    David barrows designs are always so blocky. They look good on paper, but there is a lot to be said for design and build to see how things look in real life when building a real layout.

    If you want to squeeze more layout in, you might be able to put a balloon on the end of the peninsula and have a double sides section there. It would create an extra 7 feet of layout run.

    Or...

    The part where the BN goes under an overpass could just be extended down to the peninsula and run behind a divider. This would allow you to have an actual BN yard for someone to switch cars in and run trains to the MOPAC area.

    I think it was one of the great model railroads issues where a guy created a version of Kansas cities railyards on a point to point layout. It was a very heavy yard switching and transfer run oriented layout I suppose it was in a bigger space, but once you start doing actual switching even small trains are a lot of work. You might search for that. I wish I could remember what issue it was in but my ex wife threw it away one day in a fit of anger. Wish I still had it. I think it would have been 2000 or 2001.

    I suppose my biggest question with switching layouts is how do you stand it? I always need to figure out how to get a continuos run in somehow. he he he
     
  4. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    8,721
    1,110
    119
    Geeky after having a layout des need around continuos running I soon realised it got boring and I was always looking for switching options. I guess if I had space I would have the option of a return loop but I don't think I will.
     
  5. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

    5,677
    580
    82
    Yeah, I am in the process of adding spurs on my running layout so I can do some switching. But every once in a while I like to sort of daydream while watching em run too, which is why I asked.

    i went and reread the original post. in that you said a 18' x18' layout in an L. Does this mean a plan like that one just above would get unfolded to make an L?
     
  6. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    8,721
    1,110
    119
    It has changed slightly the wall space is 18 feet x 11 feet with an extension across a door to another ten feet section. Yes will unwind the design to a along the wall design
     
  7. glakedylan

    glakedylan TrainBoard Member

    402
    4
    13
    greetings Paul

    i have really enjoyed the photos of your last model railroad. it was certainly a fine build with lots of wonderful track work, scenary, and operation.

    by chance, do you have an image of the track plan you used? i would be very interested in seeing it.

    thanks for anything you might provide. it will be greatly appreciated!

    and best wishes with your new layout...

    sincerely
    Gary L Lake Dillensnyder
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 4, 2013
  8. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

    5,677
    580
    82
    Paul, your layout planning has really gotten into my head. i have to say every time I look at that David Barrow plan I see lots of possibility. I have spent several days trying to find more plans for you.

    I did stumble across the Ottumwa central layout, that I recall was posted in a discussion here, although the TB search function had an error when I tried to use it. All i could find was this link to a backward copy of it.
    [​IMG]

    But it has some nice features in it and could possibly be mashed together with the other plans you have.
     
  9. Kenneth L. Anthony

    Kenneth L. Anthony TrainBoard Member

    2,749
    524
    52
    Quote from traingeekboy: "I think it was one of the great model railroads issues where a guy created a version of Kansas cities railyards on a point to point layout. It was a very heavy yard switching and transfer run oriented layout I suppose it was in a bigger space, but once you start doing actual switching even small trains are a lot of work. You might search for that. I wish I could remember what issue it was in ..."

    Argentine Industrial District Ry of Chuck Hitchcock (replacing "Argentine Division" trackplan, prototypes Model RR Planning 2002 p.69
    5th St yard Warbonnet 1st Quarter 2004 p.40
    Kansas City Structural Steel scene, Model Railroader Jul04 p.112
    GATC tank repair facility scene Model Railroader Feb 2005 p.112
    Chuck Hitchcock Argentine Industrial District- switching Elevator A
    Model Railroad Planning 2006 p.?
     
  10. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    67,560
    22,734
    653
    What was the date on this layout? Must have been one of his earliest versions?
     
  11. bremner

    bremner Staff Member

    6,266
    6,246
    106
    I want to say before 2000, it is from MRP, when Tony K asked for a bunch of guys to design layouts using the same bedroom.
     
  12. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    8,721
    1,110
    119
    Geeky love the layout design I am working with Mc on the design will hope to post a draft in a few weeks
     
  13. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    8,721
    1,110
    119
    Thanks Gary for your compliments I don't have a track plan but I do have a schematic I will post it tonight
     
  14. Smithsr

    Smithsr TrainBoard Member

    155
    2
    10
    Very much looking forward to your schematic!
     
  15. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    8,721
    1,110
    119
    Here is the current layout as requested

    [​IMG]
     
  16. glakedylan

    glakedylan TrainBoard Member

    402
    4
    13
    thanks so much, Paul. it is very helpful and inspiring.
    i am hoping to include some things from the plan into
    the model railroad i am planning.
    very appreciated!
    respectfully
    Gary L Lake Dillensnyder
     
  17. Colonel

    Colonel Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

    8,721
    1,110
    119
    thanks Gary would love to see your layout plan and if i can be of any help feel free to contact me
     
  18. glakedylan

    glakedylan TrainBoard Member

    402
    4
    13
    Paul
    that is really very appreciated. since a recent move made my trackplan a do-over, and then finding our new basement to be problematic with moisture, my trackplan is in need of starting a new version that will fit in a spare bedroom that is also my professional library, office, and storage space. it will need to be a shelf design and working on making closet space available for helix to fit in all the industry and passenger station space needed. hopefully will have something on paper once again come spring.
    thanks again, your schematic is helpful in creativity.
    respectfully
    Gary L Lake Dillensnyder
     
  19. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

    5,677
    580
    82
    This is someones idea for a layout. Make it like a puzzle that can re-arranged.

    [​IMG]
     
  20. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

    5,677
    580
    82
    Just to give you an idea what 10 feet can do in HO scale.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 8, 2013

Share This Page