It's been quite a while since I have been active here due to work commitments and other hobbies (Vw's and photography) My wife and I have now decided to move house within the next 18 months so the current layout will go to the new owners or be demolished. The up side is I will be building a new end to end layout sometime after I move into our new home so I am starting a thread here firstly to post photos of the existing layout then at some stage starting to ask for opinions on my new design which will be loosely based on the cat mountain sectional layout. Ok look forward to all of you participating
Hate to see it go, but glad to see you back. On a side note, you mention a modular railroad, but no mention of prototype (assuming Mopac) nor locale. I would suggest Tennessee Pass. I know it's D&RGW, but MP and the Grande interchanged a bunch of traffic at Pueblo, and many MP units were spotted all over the Royal Gorge Route. Are you thinking of doing it in Code 55 track?
Well won't be happening for a few years but I am looking forward to planning the new layout. It will also be dcc and lots Of switching opportunities
Good luck when you start the new build. Like hemi I'll hate to see it go, I've enjoyed photos of your layout either in magazines or on TB.
I'm going to miss all that Mopac power. Good luck on the new endeavor. Point to point is a lot of fun.
The layout may survive will depend on the new owner. Will still be modeling Mopac though just need to decide on what to model
Are you even fixed on area yet? As fascinating as St Louis or North Little Rock may be, I'd humbly suggest considering Louisiana or Texas, perhaps some of the "Chemical Coast" MoP operated?
My requirement is lots of switching opportunities, one thing I learned from the existing layout is continuous running is fine for people coming to see the layout but not much fun for ongoing operations
So far this is what i am planning the layout will be a L shaped wall layout 6 metres (18 feet) X 6 metres (18 feet) approx 600 mm (2 feet) wide. I want end to end running with a possible hidden loop at each end. I will be taking the following structures off the original layout with me for the following industries etc 1. Engine service facility 2. Grain terminal 3. Lime quarry 4. Cement works I am also considering a large yard at one end and a Port at the other, I do want to model more prototypical than my last layout however I still allow myself modelling licence At this stage a single line with passing opportunities but the layout is all about switching this time and not continuous running.