Hi All, I want to build one major industry with only a few smaller spurs so I don't overcrowd the layout. Besides beer manufacturing and meat processing what are good industries to model that use several different rail cars? I like tankers, covered hoppers, and centerbeam flats. All input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
A paper mill would use the tanks and covered hoppers, plus pulpwood cars and woodchip cars, and boxcars for outbound paper, but not the centerbeams...
And, to further the paper mill idea, check out the site below. The Bangor and Aroostook RR had some rather unusual cars, some they modified themselves, to service the paper industry. I intend, myself, to modify some older boxcars to become pulpwood cars (chips). It's an interesting site if only to look at the pictures. http://silcon.com/~lgoss/bangor.htm
Excellent ideas! I like both the paper mill and lumber mill ideas. Any clue as to where I can get info on paper mills and how tanks and covered hoppers are implemented? I think I remember seeing in one of the modeling journals an article about paper mills but don't remember which one or the time frame it was published. Any ideas? Thanks for the help!
There was an excellent article by Bernie Kempinski on doing a paper mill in N-scale in the April Model Railroader.
A plastics plant could use tanks and cylindrical or covered hoppers. Centerbeam or bulkhead flats would imply a lumber related industry.
Thanks UPGUY. I went to the local hobby shop and they had the April 2002 edition on the mag rack. You're right, the article is excellent. Great industry, it uses box, tank, hopper, gonds, bulkhead flats! This is the one!
Sorry I am a bit late in chiming in on this topic, but in the late 70's and early 80's there was an industry in the Chicagoland area called "WestSide Transfer and Cartage." They specialized in offloading rail cars and putting delivering to customers who didn't have rail access. They handled almost everything. I remember tank cars, lumber flats, box cars, even refeers. The building was simply a large rectangle, with an exterior covered dock on one side. They even had 2 tracks that went inside the building. I think that this company may still be in business, as the rails are still there. (didn't get a good look on vacation) Jeff Augsburg & Concord R.R. (a fictional shortline in Central Illinois) http://www.pegnsean.net/~revnjeff
Just finished reading an article today from the January 2002 Canadian Railway Modeller about a Railcar tranfer facility. In the article he notes that such facilities handle grains, fertilizers, polymer pellets, sand, limestone screenings and a variety of liquids at some locations. A transfer facility services customers that have a need to transfer substances from truck to train and vise versa he noted. His model which follwoed a prototype near his home utilized an elevator, small office building, tractor, fuel tank and storage container.
Great input from everybody! The article in Canadian Railway Modeller sounds very interesting. I'll have to see about getting a back issue. Thanks
Hi Grantha, I went to CRM's website to get the Jan 2002 issue. They didn't have them listed by month. Instead, here's what I found; "Train 11 Track 3 - BC Rail B36-7, Peace River Part 2, Transfer Facility, Canadianized 40' Box Car ". Is this the correct issue? Thanks for the input. Very interesting concept!
