So I am not one to try layouts that are "fantasy" because I'm somewhat of a perfectionist and rather have a prototype to base things on but since I have struggled to commit to a layout and start/finish one I am starting a loosely based fantasy layout. In the plan the majority of the layout consists in Springfield and Holyoke, Ma. The majority of industries include a fantasy Duff Brewery, Cement plant (somewhat off a prototype in Springfield, Ma) and Sullivan Scrap. Then I had long planned a Portsmouth/Dover, NH layout so I am having a expansion for Portsmouth that will include the lumber yard who get boxcars and center-beams and High Liner Foods who receive reefer boxcars. Below is my loose plan and I am just wondering if it is too cluttered, I took some inspiration of the layout from a plan I found overseas called North Haston. My benchwork is made of Masterpiece Modules and include a triple wide 36x13 module on the right side of the layout, a inside corner 22x22, and a single wide 12x13 for my Portsmouth expansion. Ultimately I think the layout gives me a nice switching layout while offering a wide range of cars seen on the layout and a wide range of engines that could be seen on the line. Any feedback is welcomed, thanks.
Looks interesting to me. What type of method will you be using to move rolling stock on and off the layout?
I like it. I don't think it's too cluttered at all. I wouldn't add much if anything, but I think it's OK as is. I have not analyzed the track layout for operational function, though... Don't think of it as "fantasy" think of it as "impressionistic" ... you're capturing the feel and the flavor of a real railroad and locale, even if you aren't making it photo-realistic.
Definitely check out the thread here by an Australian modeler, Michael Cawdrey http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/winter-in-new-england.69920/ He has also posted on the Model Railroader forum and has a blog on the Model Railroad Hobbyist site.
My layout is also a New England-based freelanced railroad loosely based on the real-life Cheshire Railroad, which once served parts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. I've assumed that the Cheshire Railroad survived in southwest New Hampshire into the mid-1970's. I guess that qualifies as a "fantasy," but it has a basis in reality. - Jeff
