Atlantic crossovers
You would think the signature scene from my prototype would also be my favorite scene, but not so, in this case. I can't even fully explain why I like the Atlantic scene so much, but there's just something about the way the track flows that I've always found very pleasing and interesting. I even like the fact that yard tracks 2, 3, and 4 are limited to MOW use, as the fact that crews have to make do with a simpler track schematic makes operations more challenging and therefore fun.
Here's a Dan Munson photo looking east:
...and the layout view:
From left to right is the 4-track yard, siding, main, and south siding, and in the lower right corner you can see the old wye track diverging from the south siding just before it joins the main. Plans are now getting underway for the depot model.
The prototype yard is down to just two tracks now, and the wye track is gone, but this scene still has the same appeal to me. If I ever have to downsize, a switching layout based on Atlantic and the Atlantic Spur, about a half-mile behind the photographer in this view, would be at the top of my list. Most of the customers are on the Spur, but transload operations take place in the yard. Even present-day operations here are interesting, and a new ethanol plant is about to come on-line on the Spur, meaning even more action.
But I model May 2005, so the 2009 prototype pic above is pretty close to what I'm aiming for. The grade crossings were reconditioned and the pink ballast added after my era, so I won't be modeling those changes, but these pics brought up a couple of corrections I'm now considering:
- Adding the Locust St. bridge over the ditch on the south (right) side of the track. Missing this was a bonehead move on my part, so I'm pretty certain I'll be moving ahead with this.
- I put the curve in the South Siding too far beyond the Locust St. crossing. Pretty minor point, but it's eating at me now that I've noticed it. My initial thought was to ignore it, but if I'm working on the area to add the bridge above, I might as well correct this at the same time. Hopefully it'll be a minor adjustment.
This is where the real fun of prototype modeling lies for me, working from a prototype photo and doing my best to replicate what I see there. In the recent thread about "Who are you trying to impress/satisfy", an overwhelming number of responses said "Myself". This kind of work, and the accurate operations that can take place as a result, is easily the most satisfying part of the hobby for me.
