Track Plan

Looking to model operations of the LAL in Avon, NY.

Track plan is 24' x 2' shelf.

Train would run from staging at the top right into the yard area near the center.  Industry at the bottom right is Kraft Food (home of Cool Whip).  Spur at center right would service Avon Feed & King Cole Bean Co.  There is a Team Track connected to the yard.  Spur at the bottom left serves the Barilla Pasta plant.  Track curving to the back is the mainline that would continue to Rochester and will be used as a lead for yard work.

I'm looking to run a single engine and 6-8 cars.  Train would mostly consist of covered hoppers and corn syrup tank cars.  Occasional box cars and other cars for the team track.

I've used the 'Run Train' feature in Xtrack Cad and it looks to operate the way I'm envisioning.

This is my first attempt at design and using Xtrack so things might be a little rough.

David

LA&L Trackplan

Hi David,

Layouts based on the proto-type are always interesting because "truth is stranger than fiction".  The only advice I would offer is...try to mimic the track spacing and the subtle curves of the prototype.

Have you looked at the historical USGS topographical maps?  The 24000 scale maps have a lot of track detail.  I like the maps circa 1950.  Go here and start at Genesee Junction and work your way South.  The name of the adjacent map is in () at the edge on each side and corner of the maps.

http://cida.usgs.gov/hqsp/apex/f?p=262:18:1289220510270439::NO:R

Chaz

I'm in WNY but don't know all the RR's in the Rochester area..

...so I was wondering does this railroad service the large Salt Plant located near Geneseo, NY next to the I-390?  And if so, do you plan on modeling it.  It would be an awesome industry to model.

Do you have the railroad track diagrams for the town you're modeling?  Just wanted to compare it to what you have actually have planned. 

Also, i'm curious why you chose this prototype to model? 

Ken L.

NY Railroads near Rochester

Ken,

The L,A & L goes no wear near the Salt mines. The railroad is the Rochester Southern and has a terminal at Brooks Ave. near the airport. It follows the old B,R, & P south to Slamanca and further. I haven't followed the line in several years so can't tell you exactly what's left of the old line. I do know they removed some of that track in the southern tier.

The L,A, & L follows the old, I believe it was the Erie into Rochester. I have a friend who is an engineer on the line and have ridden around with him doing yard switching at the Sweeteners Plus company.

I think both lines were written up by Harold Russell years ago in Model Railroader.

Hope this helped out.

Bernd

Railfan & Railroad did an article....

bring the tracks closer to the front

The only advice I would offer would be to bring the tracks closer to the front.  This will allow for easier access for switching, as well as better visibility. 2 foot wide benchwork is not terrible (I use it on my layout)  but depending on layout height, It may not be very comfortable to reach back that far very often.

I think you could narrow the shelf benchwork to 18" and allow it to curve out to 24" following the curve of the track on the very left side of layout.  Do this, and I think you'd be in good shape.

I'm in WNY but don't know all the RR's in the Rochester area..

Ken,

That mine is actually serviced by the Genesee & Wyoming.

I selected the line b/c I enjoy the slower pace of short lines and they have ALCOs!

David