[FONT=Monotype Corsiva, cursive]The JAC Line[/FONT] Railroad & Navigation Company “ 'cause you'll wish you had one!” [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Note: A jackline, for those who don't know, is used on a sailboat to ensure you don't fall overboard. It is also my childrens' initials in this case. (Joey, Alex, and Carley)The little phrase is from the company men who joke about needing a jackline on some of the tight curves and passes the RR right of way takes. Thought it fitting in more ways than one...[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]The purpose of this (HO) Standard Gauge RR is to get goods and passengers from the port, over the mountains, and to the rest of civilization beyond. Currently the towns on the other side of the range pay to ship across vast expanses of territory without many redeeming qualities. No one has built a line through the range because of the considerable expense and terrain; similar to that conquered by the Gorre And Daphidid RR. Lots of bridges, tunnels and cuts.[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]After sending survey teams into the mountains it has been determined that with a limit of 40ft cars or smaller, and small engines, this pass could be completed. What wasn't disclosed publicly-until land is bought- was the discovery of mineral and other natural resources deep in the mountain range. Oil has been found in various locations along the planned route, which has led to the decision to use oil burning locos and steam ships. Its easier to pump oil than shovel coal![/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]This seems to be the perfect location for a narrow gauge line, which was initially considered. It has been determined that with most mainlines going to longer, heavier equipment a surplus would be available for purchase, lowering the overall cost of the RR.[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive](i.e. - there's a lot more HO for cheap than On30 for a better price!)[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]The planned equipment roster is as follows:[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]2-6-0 IHC – most likely for passenger service[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]2-8-0 IHC – heavier freight mainline use[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]2-6-0 camel back – can be acquired second hand and converted to oil cheaper than other locos-and they look neat[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]2-6-6-2T – bought from a lumber company, great freight loco[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]2-6-0-0-6-2 Americanized Garret – Still in negotiations with current owner(i.e. I need to build it!)[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]4-6-0, 0-4-0, and 0-6-0's as needed[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Box cab or old climax for work train duties[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Possible RS1 or 2 diesel – eventually - our calender is flexible![/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Whatever other short wheelbase locos peak the managements interest![/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Passenger consists will be 34' Overton style cars. 2 complete trains of 4 cars each.[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]A morning special and afternoon special-one east to west and one vice-versa.[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]A powered rail car could be used as needed – kit bashed combine style[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Freight :[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]36' Wooden outside braced ore/coal cars[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]“Beer Can” tank cars to ease the axle loading (and cause them look cool) for oil shipments[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]A few short cattle cars for the ranchers “over the hill”[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]36' Box cars( or there about)[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Remember everything is second hand and therefore can be from different eras to suit management requirements.[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Basically anything under the 40 ft range. That length is to be the ruling size for multiple reasons. Turn radius, passing sidings, the rail barge interchange, etc.[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]The JAC line has a formula for making up trains. An engine can pull as many cars as it has axles, plus a caboose. A 2-6-0 can pull 4 cars plus caboose. 2-8-0 can pull 5 plus caboose. As you can see, the Tank and garret will be some workhorses! A 2-6-0 can take 4 passenger cars because there is no caboose. A helper engine can only add ½ the number of cars. A 2-8-0 with a 2-6-0 can take 7 cars up the hill. Empty trains of cars can take one above their normal loading. Make sense? It does to the management and engineers, and that's what matters![/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Currently equipment is being acquired as well as trackage rights. For now it may be a 2 sided or L layout-small port and passenger station on one side, some mountain railroading with a mine, oil well, and interchange on the other. Id like a continuous run and the plan will show it. Don't have a trackplan yet but I'm looking for ideas. I can “see” the RR but need to get it down on paper. I'm fully willing to go down to a 18in mainline and 15in branch radius. I know I know-its fine! I like how it looks. [/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Any ideas are welcome! I'll post updates as things move along.[/FONT] [FONT=Comic Sans MS, cursive]Thanks for your opinions and comments![/FONT] Brian
