I'm starting to get back in the hobby after a couple of years out of it.I've always been in n-scale but never really got past putting a simple track plan together.For now my area is pretty small,16"x42",so I know that will limit me to SMALL switching layout.My question is this can someone please help w/some small industries that would some fairly short cars.Not much room here to squander on long cars.Would really like to modern day BNSF.Thanks for your time. halfpint
In a nearby town, there is a small grain elevator. I don't think the adjacent track would hold more than 2 - 3 short covered hoppers. The facility itself doesn't have a big foot-print on the ground. Perhaps an industry that would require some shorty "beer can" tankers? You can pack a lot of those in a sma;ll space.
Yeah I've given the beer can shorties a thought but what gets hauled in them.Also don't they haul cement in powder form in 2 bay hoppers? [ 03 May 2002, 05:03: Message edited by: halfpint ]
Hi Halfpint, welcome aboard. MR has carried good articles about small switching layouts which might give you some ideas. I'll look for them later today and post the issues.
Welcome Halfpint, there are some great of modern day BNSF switching runs on N Scale Supply's website. Something to look into may be the Beer run, which goes to the Coors factory. Also a run that carries corn syrup to the Jolly Rancher factory. Anyway take a lood for yourself... http://www.nscalesupply.com/base/base.html
I don't have a picture to show you what it looks like, but in Chicago, there is a plastics factory that is 1/2 mile from a siding. They unload plastic pellets from covered hoppers through hoses. All the siding has is a couple of PVC pipes, a container with the air compressor, and a couple of hoses. Talk about a SMALL footprint. Jeff
Halfpint, Here is a picture of my cement siding. I bought some 2 bay hoppers to service the facility.
Thanks for all the help guys.Will definantly give all these suggestions some thought.Really like the plastics one.Thanks again
Don't forget that you can use flats, and centerbeams for lumber.... Also, 50-60' cars should be your max, and use 4-axle locos, Like LL GP20's. Cement, grain, and heavy materials in dry-powder form are shipped in 2-bay hoppers. Also you can use ballast hoppers, as they are small. Intermodal can make an apprearance on your layout, like Alan's cars, the articulated spine cars. They run nice, are reliable, and short. They should handle a tight radius. A bulk liquid transloading facility * a place where tank cars unload into waiting tank trucks* can take up very little space, and can make use of many beercan tankers.The small cement/grain facility can use the 2-bay hoppers, MT's cars are nice for this, as are Atlas and Red Caboose's.
