Anyone here ever built an Inglenook switching layout? Having hit a brick wall over what exactly I want to fill a spare bedroom with, I decided to build a 10"x42" Inglenook and have been really enjoying the whole process. I found a great site that explains the rules for using these and I was really surprised at what a time eater they can be. Very happy so far. http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/BAR/NMS-Index.html I extended the tail track a bit and put friction springs in the trucks of my cars to cut down on excess car movement. The trick with these guys is to have really clean track and power drops on all the sidings. One change I made was to use the upper track as the industry line with a number of businesses located there. Not only do you need to pull cars in order, but they must be placed against the proper industry. Adds another level to what's being done. My MTL SW 1500 is set up with DCC and has been a great slow speed performer.
Next step is the "Switchman's nightmare": http://www.carendt.com/small-layout-scrapbook/page-103-november-2010/
Here's mine. Inglenook Grain CO-OP It is a classic 5-3-3 Inglenook set up for 50 foot cars and Atlas GP locomotives. Works well with MicroTrains, Walthers, and Trainworx PS-2 covered hoppers and MicroTrains 94000 Series trough hatch covered hoppers. This module set (with scenery) was part of the Worlds Largest T-Trak layout in San Antonio at the Worlds Greatest Hobby On Tour Show in San Antonio TX earlier this year. Track plan with power drop locations. Testing to make sure everything was working properly before starting scenery construction.
I've heard the term Inglenook, but never knew there were rules that accompanied these switching puzzles until reading this web page http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/Inglenook/inglenook-rules.html Very interesting. Also a side note, the above web site has a lot of great info on Inglenooks and small layouts.
You could also disguise it as an interchange. You are blocked on the 3+1 and 5 car ends by the main line, which your switcher does not have clearance to be on. I guess you could call it an Inglechange. Depending on which way the train arrives, it may require a runaround, which adds a bit to the layout. You could stretch the 3+1 track to 3+1+Caboose, which would add even more. The track plan in this month's Model Railroader is an Inglenook, although the author does not refer to it as such, and simply refers to it as a Layout Design Element. I was a little disappointed that he didn't just call it what it is.
I agree. The first thing I thought of, when I saw the track plan for the "Harbor" layout was, that is a Inglenook. You would think the folks at Model Railroader Magazine would be familiar with Inglenook's?
