That was my first thought as well. It's a gorre and Depheated without the mine branch. I think it's pretty cool. Any ideas what you would run on this layout?
I haven't seen any Gorre & Daphetid shots in years! I didn't know there was any resemblance.. Basic motive power will be BN Geep 30's, GN F7, D&RGW F7, and a mixed bag of boxcars, a couple hoppers, flats, tankers, etc. I also have a small stack train. Anything that would be appropriate to run in the Rockies would be appropriate for this layout.
Turned out that the original plan was too involved.. I simplified it with no major changes--except that a 2% grade is not sufficient to gain enough elevation to clear doublestacks on the lower level. So, a 4% grade was mocked up, clearly too steep. A 2.5% grade will likely get me where I need to go. I have only about 6 feet of run, to gain the elevation I need. I need at least 1 7/8" to clear the roadbed, rail and stack cars combined. I could work with less clearance, but I don't want to have issues with height. I could scrap stacks altogether from the layout, and run a 2% and call it good, too. I drew out the trackplan,a nd it seems this could work. I have all the turnouts I need, and am awaiting a box of goodies from Feather River to start tracklaying. Anxious!!!!!!!
Hemi have you thought of lowering your track thats on the lower level a bit to get your clearance? If you use an open grid style benchwork you could make small adjustments in the tracks and grades and get the clearances that you need. Just a thought.
I think a 2.5% will get me plenty of space for a bridge and clear stacks. Even with cork roadbed. I could go gentler, but it may pose a problem. I plan on doubleheading anyways!
Hrm... Z scale. what an empire I can make in Z. *shakes head* what am I thinking?! I'm just getting into model trains and have a 3 month collection of N scale. *slaps self in head* I'm too new to be thinking like this!
Sheldon - You are here by banned from this thread and the Z Scale forum. I have to admit when a GG1 came out in Z I _Almost_ bought one.
Update: I started the risers for plan B, the simplified version. The grade risers were cut out of 1" pink foam, and white-glued in place. The grade behins at 2% for 24", and stiffens to 2.4% *Soldier Summit, UT* for the duration of the climb. This will allow clearance of stacks, with a steel bridge above. Laying cork roadbed will begin tonight!
FF, Plan B is simply Plan A simplified. I originally had the mains cross over themselves inside the mountains. Bad idea,and the grades required would have been crazy steep. So, no crossovers. Otherwise, plan is identical.
One of these days, I'll have progress pics, but for now, a simple progress report will have to do... Grade all laid down, cork installed on entire mainline and passing sidings. The spurs and stuff are laid, awaiting dry time for cork to be installed. Basic scenic land forming has begun.
good going. Layout progress is good for the soul, no matter what is going on in the rest of your life.
Hemi The Pink foam blocks, did you sort of mimic the WS risers or are they individual blocks. Was the foam glued down before you used the rasp to form the landscape. Just wondering how you did all that, it may resolve a problem for me. Any insight you could offer, I woulkd be grateful.
Latest progress: http://www.trainboard.com/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/10/t/000300/p/4.html True! I find it relaxing, whether or not I am working up a sweat.. Owen, I used a closet door as a strightedge, and a checp steak knife I got a dollar store. Using a chunk of foam, I measured my grade at the end of a 4' run to be 1", making for a 2% grade. I used my straightedge, and cut to make a long ramp. I only used 2' fo these, so I had to cut another ramp for the rest of the climb. Since I wanted to clear MT doublestacks, I needed slighly more than 1.5",and a ramp, starting with elevation of 1/2", was cut with a final elevation of 1 3/4". Approx 2.4-2.5%, if I calculated correctly. The second ramp gained 1 1/4" rather than 1". This kept the climb reasonable. After drawing the trackplan out on a blank sheet of foam, I started laying out the ramps. Obviously, they would need to be cut, to follow the 8" rad. curves. Using the same steak knife, I cut the ramp vertically into 1" sections for the tighter parts of the curves, and 2-6" long for the straighter parts. It ended up looking like WS risers, only cheaper. The siding in the back is level, and after the curve made it around to the back, Imeasured, and cut a riser, level for the siding. I cut 2, basically about 3/4" tall. They allow a train to recharge brake pipes, cool brake shoes, and make meets. The 'bridge' is basic cork stiffened with 2 strips of .032"x.250" brass. It is a tmp. fixture, since I plan on building a woo trestle to bridge that gap. The scenic landforms are cut using a steak knife, rough-fit into place, and glued using the same contact adhesive I used for the rest of the layout--Weldwood Low VOC contact adhesive. I love this stuff! I's quicker than white glue, less noxious than other contact adhesives, and a gallon goes a LONG, LONG way. I allow them to dry overnight, then shave away with the steak knife (I'm making myself hungry just typing this!). The Surform tool does the final contouring. Now that I have lulled you to sleep, back to our regularly scheduled programming... I hope this ramble helps! [ March 29, 2006, 07:59 AM: Message edited by: HemiAdda2d ]
Track is done!!!! Pics are a couple days old--the sidings and all spurs are laid, and all feeders are soldered.
With the close ups of the engines it sure doesn't look as small as it is. Great progress, should be a fun little runner!
