I'm adding a fuel distibutor to the layout, coming off a track that is centered 4" from the back edge. I'll be using manually opperated Peco C55 #6LH, and about 24" for the siding. Here's my question: Should I build the industry like a flat against the backdrop Or should I put a few tanks between the tracks to try to give the scene a little more depth and interest? I want it to be functional as well as visually interesting. Would I loose much room using #4s and make it double ended?
John- Seems to me that between the tracks would be more visually interesting. If between the tracks, would they block the view for any switching move? Block access for recovering a possible derailed car? Interfere with any possibly needed maintenance? Boxcab E50
Although I'm not a fan of "true" flats, with no depth; having at least an inch or so of depth on a flat gives it more visual integrity to my way of thinking. However with the roundness of those tanks, we expect "roundness" visually. I think partial blocking the view of the other track makes the area more interesting. In real life, we often don't get to see the "whole" train and reflecting that in a layout, I think makes the area truer to our visual construct of reality.
True, however the RR would (most likely) have been there first, and would not have put a siding AROUND tanks (the siding would be put in place in front of them - less actual trackage equals lower cost). Any extension of the industry would not have room since the tracks would be closer. If the industry was there first, there would be no space provisioned for tracks inside of tanks (although it may be enough at times). This is just my view on the matter. Of course there are operational things to consider (like derailments and such). Also, could you expand the industry across the main? That would make it interesting and does frequently happen. Double-ending the siding is only necessary if it needs to be worked from both directions. Otherwise, leave it single ended and save the carlength.
I decided to combine the two and go with an angle. I'll get more cars on a straight track, it won't be parallel with the back drop, and I'll beable to give it better depth with stuff on both sides of the track. Army corp of engineers showed up with a few of their friends to help.
I'm curious what you are using for the mock-up of the tanks there. I have a layout with only track laid and am having a hard time seeing the industries and have been wondering jus how to go about mocking them until I have a.) the money and time to put together a model and b.) the skill to do a nice model and not the cheapy 5 dolar colorful bachman models. Thanks.
My fuel tanks are plastic centers from stickers we use at work. They are 2 1/2" and 3 1/4" by 1" diameter. FREEBIE!! I will make them into the actual fuel tanks. 1' pcv would work just as well.
