Part 2: The Model Railroad Plan
I am most excited about this plan because this is the first time I got everything I wanted into the layout - this space is finally close to perfect.
This layout emphasizes continual operation and thus employs circular operational methods. In this setting, the amount of time the train is moving is more crucial to the passage of distance then the scene within which the train may appear in. Each route within the scene represents a different place, and thus the two areas may in theory by miles apart.
I have always desired a double track mainline for passenger operations along with the appeal of single-track local railroads. I determined on the Upstairs Layout that the easiest way to free up space is to put the dual track on a level above the local interface. This leaves more space for open scenery even though bridges become a paramount theme. But then again, Arizona modeling is not complete without a liberal dose of engineered crossings!
(Click image go to Photobucket and view the full-sized image)
I was looking at pieces of my old upstairs layout and realized that that I simply could not see anything on the ground of the upper level; the trains are slightly above eye level. I solved the problem by reducing the track work intricacy on this level to just the interfacing switch, a crossover, and a siding. Trains on this level will make prominent appearances on the trestles and low points in the scenery and then disappear behind view blocks of either ridges or trees.
The single yard is indeed split down the middle on two separate routes, thus facilitating two separate yards with a much larger single appearance. The first yard serves Congress, and is little more then a mainline with a passing siding and a stub spur. This area contains a busy freight depot, a produce warehouse, and a local gas station on the intersection of two major state route highways. These buildings are small, with the outdoor element playing a larger role. The freight depot has a long loading dock, while the produce warehouse has a long spur alongside an uninhabited spur track. Most produce would be loaded directly from truck to reefer by hand and immediately moved upon loading. This spur would likewise see only seasonal use six to nine months out of the year, making the spur available for further freight house uses. I might very well switch the freight house and the warehouse since the two currently foul each other’s space.
Heading southeast out of the Congress yard leads to the Icehouse where reefers may be iced up before heading to the second yard. In this second yard, per chance Phoenix, the cars are combined with other regional produce hauls and sent out through the bottom of the yard. Other trains near Phoenix include outbound runs to the fuel depot and cottonseed press. The Cattle pen on the outer loop can be either a country side pen or it could be a pen for refreshing livestock – although in this case it would need to be a mixed train with only one car of stock.
Trains then exits to the southeast and eventually meet with a grade. This grade elevates the train up from the desert and into more rugged country between Arizona and the East. The dual track mainline at this point represents both SP and SF operations. I may install a passenger depot for appearance on the passing siding and a water tower in the wooded corner, but otherwise I am sticking to simple operations on this level at this point.
The engine Facilities are connected in such a way that engines leaving or entering the facilities may be from either Congress or Phoenix or headed outbound for the upper level mainline, albeit a full circle must be made to facilitate such a move. In short, this layout provides room to exercise both engines and rolling stock alike.
I am very happy at this point, as this layout does not rely on any hidden staging at this time. I might find a way to put some in, but it seems more trouble then it is worth and would cut into my workbench level in a way I disagree with at this time. As mentioned, the storage room is roughly 15x10, though in reality the door takes up 1 foot on the 15’ length and the wall studs and the bench work supports takes up about 6” from the 10-foot span. At this moment my plan is perfect for a 10x14, so I will clearly be reworking this plan one more time to accommodate that squeeze of 8”. Luckily, my curves are currently between 30” and 36”, so I might find room to play with. As a compromise, I could leave off the connecting grade while the layout is in the current location, leaving it for a future layout when I get a new space altogether.
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Benny's Index or Somewhere Chasing Rabbits
