Reading two books about New York carfloating, I started fantasizing about a module with a carfloat. Are there any N-scale layouts or modules with this theme? I can't find them on the internet, and I can't find models to use as a carfloat.
I'm sure that I have seen an N scale layout based on a New York car float operation and very good it was too. I just wish I could remember where I saw it. I think it was in a Model Railroad Planning Annual by Kalmbach. I will try and find it tomorrow and come back to you, unless someone else beats me to it. Regards, Dave
I remember seeing an article about that very thing in Model Railroad Craftsman from about two years ago. Sorry I can't remember exactly which issue. Steve
I don't remember seeing an N scale layout with carfloats but there is an HO scale one, based on the LIRR: http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirrmb/lirrmb.htm Here is a great site on prototype carfloats in the NY area: http://www.carfloats.org/ I live in the heart of NYC carfloat country so if there are any specific questions that I can help you with, feel free to ask. Happy railroading! Russ
I have found two articles on layout planning for just such a layout. They are both in Kalmbach's Model Railroad Planning annuals. 2002 issue has an HO and N scale design for a car float served switching layout. I loved it and, had I not already started my current layout, may have had a go at it. The 2003 issue also has a layout based on the Bush Terminal set up. I have an area that I intend as a dock and require a car float for that. I think Sylvan do one in their range. They do have a web site but I don't have the address handy. Hope this helps. Regards, Dave
I know about the LIRR site, but the other site is new to me. Thanks! In MR Planning were a few articles: Bush Terminal and carfloat in Norfolk. And a HO layout of the Ann Arbor in MR Great Model RR 2005. Our N-trak/Onetrak club is dreaming about a small module with a carfloat. It ads interesting switching to the layout!
Have you checked out NYC Car Floats yet? There isn't a lot of specific data, but there is a wide range of photos and info on shortlines and Class I roads which operated in and around NYC.
Yes, I know that site. Do you know this picture: Comes from the site http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2876 I have printed these pictures at the local photo shop, just for inspiration.
Thieu, Regarding your request for N-scale car float models, marine fittings and ship models, here's a few links to online sources to help you in your search: http://www.isp.on.ca/sylvan/n-scaleproducts.htm http://www.seaportmodelworks.com/Products_new.php?fittings http://www.searails.com/pages/948173/index.htm http://www.the-n-arch.com/mastercraftsman.htm Post some pics if you end up using any of these vendors (standard disclaimer applies - not associated with any of the above vendors
Thank you Paul. I did not know that there was a N scale model of a carfloat! The only problem is: how to buy it? They accept only a purchase at a hobby shop.
A few newer members in this post. I just wanted to welcome you guys aboard. Plemeljr, what part of NYC do you hail from? Russ
Here are two photos that I snapped at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in early 2003 of a sunken floatbridge: Russ
Russ, nice pic. um, wouln't that be a: sunken _not_ floating bridge? thanks for the pics, I can see doing a waterfront modual.
Don't know if you are testing or really asking for info but here goes. I grew up in NYC and the picture is around 70th St. or so on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The elevated "bridge" is the West Side highway that runs along the Hudson River. Those buildings in the background are Trump Place, Trump Tower, etc. Yes, built by the man himself. Where they stand now used to be the start of the west side rail yard (huge!).
I purchased the Sylvan car float and RR Tug kits from Tex'N'Rails many years ago. I have not seen the kits offered in a while, but there should still be some around. The quailty of the castings varies. The tug seems pretty nice, but the carfloat is a little crude, and the deck casting is wavy on mine. The instructions say to clamp the deck between two flat surfaces to straighten it, so there may have been production problems with a piece of "polyurethane" (that's what the sheet calls it) that big. The tug box says "trucks and couplers not included", and I always thought that was funny.... The carfloat is a very simple model, with a waterline hull, a one-piece deck, 20 cleats, and a couple of bumpers for the deck. There are no rails provided. You supply your own, and glue them to the "chairs" cast as part of the deck. The kit builds a single-ended carfloat, with rails that extend flush with the end where the cars are loaded and unloaded. The rails would be 16" long, if that helps anyone plan for use of this model. I never built the "Gotham" layout I had designed, so I never built the tug nor the carfloat. They have been sitting on a shelf in storage since 1998, I think. The Tug was $17.85 back then, and there is no price on the bag containing the float kit. There was probably a cardboard peg-hanger stapled to the open end of the bag. I recall it costing $10-$12.
I saw a price of $ 33,95. That is a lot more than $ 12,00. Maybe a new (and better) production? Anyway, thanks for all the new information. That carfloat module has to become reality soon. But sooner than 2006 will be impossible, so I have plenty of time to make plans and find the model.
