somethink odd going on - try http://www.naisp.net/users/mfischer/m_train2.htm that's www.naisp.net/users/mfischer/m_train2.htm dont know why the link didn't show on the last posting so I've included it twice - hope it works!
Thanks Shortliner. I've seen that site before, there are some very clever compact plans there. I've been distracted this past week from my planning. I have a couple ideas, just need some time to sort them out.
Rob, I might have missed it, but what size are your grids. I am assuming not 12 by 12. Also, can you do a gentle V to the layout, even if it is only a couple of inches in the front. This might give more visual entertainment as this will provide a gentle curve so that not everything is moving left to right (or vice versa). How about the Intermodal area as some type of hidden fiddle yard. I definitely feel hampered here with not having CAD. There is an area in the Vancouver ports which would be perfect for your layout as a prototype. It is mostly granary and intermodal, with a sugar industry, and a track going to a "train barge" (BNSF). You could have a track crossing (Diamonds) to the back of the layout with the backdrop showing the structure of the Ferry apron. Although the barge couldn't be active, you could spot cars to this location, to be picked up latter. This would also move some of the visual interest from a one way (left to right or vice versa) to some diagonal action as well. Included in your backdrop would be a picture of a ship or ships (container) to give flavour and atmosphere. Pictures of this sort can be found at www.backdropwarehouse.com (I'm not sure if this is the right address, but you can find it in MR). I forget which catagory they are in, but if you search you will find a ocean port theme. I think the pictures are of some port in California. Thus in a port theme, you can run big stuff (to deliver the unit cars), small stuff to do switching, and even have a passenger train pass through, as it happens here (West Coast Express - a commuter train; CP business train with F7's and older passenger cars). [ 15 October 2001: Message edited by: rsn48 ]</p>
50mm grid. The interchange track is planned as 'visual staging' along with the main. The coolest aspect of 3rd PlanIt is that you can do some switching to see how things fit and work out. I finally figured out how to make a wye turnout with 3PI and am working on a new draft that uses a wye for the IM switch. It saves some space. I have thought about the V shape idea, but I am already pushing my 'land rights' over the bookshelves as it is
