Module planning help!

jbaakko

I've recently thought up plans to model the Houghton MI Copper Range Railroad yard, as it was in the late 60's early 70's (COPR close its doors in 1972). Initial plans call for Free-mo modules to be used. I was thinking somewhere in the range of 3 or 4. I want the track plan to be decently accurate in length. My largest issue as of now seems to be the track set-up at the ends of the yard. The West end of the yard has three tracks (on the blueprint), though only one is a main, the other two being storage/passing sidings. The East end is more complex. There's a short (~100') siding to the South and a wye to the North leading to a lift bridge, just beyond the siding to the south is a longer siding, that was used as an interchange with the Soo Line (DSS&A in earlier times). I could extend the modeled portion out farther, but then that make the modules longer, or adds another module, problem there would be the East end's double track interchange. I doubt a double track module end wouldn't be viable as it would bottleneck into a single within the confines of the yard. Question #1, should I just extend the West end? The West end on the prototype leads into a ~2.5% grade, before the single track. The East end, cut it just after the short siding, before the interchange, and cut off the bridge lead? Question #2, If I remember correct, the whole yard encompasses around 1/2 mile. That's just about 30' at HO scale, if modeled nearly perfect, and it leaves out compensating for the West end. Question #3, anyone want to tackle it in XtrkCad, and provide me with the cad file so I can print it 1:1? Basic info I was provided this blueprint scan about 3 years ago by the late Kevin Musser (great Copper Range historian). Attached is a 1024px wide version, linked is the full sized version. http://www.majhost.com/gallery/jbaakko/ProjectResearch/hotonyard_interchange.jpg (Joe, the 1mb file size stiffed me, the yard file is 1.25mb!) Modules are in the early early planning stages, not sure if I can fit them in my apartment, but early planning is always good! These will be HO scale (already have two of the three Copper Range diesels in HO), Free-mo modules, then end most ends must fit Free-mo standards (intermediate ends can be wider/offset). Turntable will be a 65' version, from Diamond Scale, and will be mated with 90% scratch built buildings, to exclude the coal silos to the West which will be kitbashed from 2 Walther's kits. The coal dock to the North of the roundhouse/turntable will be around 5-6 scale feet off the water (as will be the yard), and use two modified Walthers cranes. I'd like to model the yard up to the point of the waterline, and slightly beyond (few inches of water modeled) but that's not important to the track plan, I'll figure it out later. Any other questions, please let me know. I surely hope someone can develop a better track plan then I have (I'll post it later).

Josh

http://rr.blockchoice.com

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