Lets see, can I fit something

Lets see, can I fit something in that space between to two opposite ends of the layout, and outboard of that ramp of track? First off I needed a long track parallel to the ramp track that could allow for staging some of those tank cars that would be coming and going from the refinery. Perhaps I should have two such 'staging tracks' for the variety of tank cars involved, plus even some coal loaded cars might pay a visit.

By happenstance I placed some turnouts and spur tracks at angles off of one of those staging tracks. Here is what that looked like.

I randomly placed those spurs in 'pairs' thinking each pair could service a small plant each. And the spurs are long enough to accommodate two of those cryogenic cars. The small plants would be located in between those spurs, and might consist of spherical stowage tanks (have two already), short squat condensing towers, taller towers, etc.
 

Nothing set in stone,..just brainstorming.

I'm open to ideas,..suggestions?

N scale kit

Saw this interesting kit in N-scale, imported from Japan

That car in your initial

That car in your initial photo is one tasty car.  I can understand why you like them.  Tons of character.

Deane

Did you see some of those

Did you see some of those others on that link I sited?

https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/scratched-from-the-trucks-upsix-axle-tank-carpainted-12209668

Also just google "cryogenic tank cars"

Larger Spherical Tanks

Just thinking out loud,...I need to kitbash a couple of larger spherical tanks like those shown in the TomyTec kit,...rather than those Kibri ones. One of those Kibri tanks would barely fill up one car,...maybe.

Lets see I need to keep a lookout for a larger spherical ball of some sort....?

I did see the one you

I did see the one you pictured in the link.  I was totally amazed at the quality of the detail and the exceptional workmanship.  Those cars have so much character, I can hardly believe it.

Large Spheres

Craft stores often have large balls of styrofoam in various sizes.

https://www.michaels.com/floracraft-styrofoam-ball-4in/10103221.html

Not sure what you would coat it with to make it smooth.

christmas tree balls

christmas tree balls or plastic-acrylic balls. do a search

Not at the top of my 'to do

Not at the top of my 'to do list', but I did a quick look yesterday, and it does appear as though there are lots of plastic ball possibilities,...then perhaps pvc pipe for supports?

I'm not so sure the Christmas tree balls would be big enough. I figure rough estimate I need about 5" diameter. The Kribi tanks are about 3.25" dia.

I saw where another poster had asked (on another subject thread) what businesses might be recipients of these cryogenic gases. I believe one might get an idea from the variety of the model cars that have been produced,...a variety of businesses. And since I have a variety of these cars I am not going to worry about (nor have room for) these recipients on my layout.

Google View of plant in Ky

But I like those toilet bowl floats....ha...ha

That plant is rather big and spread out !

Ramp down that side, ideas?

I'm trying to figure out what might be done to 'disguise' that ramp of track running down that side behind the cryogenic plants. The ramp can be seen rather clearly here, https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/cryogenic-plant-helium-plant-12213985

I did NOT want to make it some sort of man-made steel structure, but rather an 'earthly' structure. But it is pretty tightly sandwiched in between that mainline track running along the wall, and the siding/staging tracks for the refinery et al. That would make the sides of that ramp-roadbed/mound pretty steep?

Any ideas?

perhaps rocky base?

Terre Armee

That looks like a great setup there, with plenty of viewing angles.

If you plan on modelling a modern site google "terre armee", which is precast concrete system of reinforced earth, the concrete blocks on both sides of the raised embankment are joined with a steel strip. You could just print something like that, lasercut it or have a sheet 3D printed. Those terre armee walls go straight up, leaving the most room at ground level.

May have to consider

May have to consider something like that 'terre armee'.

I was asked on another forum,..

I'm NOT looking to hide the track, just didn't want to use an urban style retaining wall.

I'm imaging that nether the refinery, nor those gas plants are located in a city area,...they are in the country. So I guess you might say I'm looking for a country style retaining wall,...what ever that is?

random pics

Maybe something like these rather steep roadbeds

?

There was a very specific reason I did NOT want any type of arched structure up here,...because I already have a extensive stone arch bridge on the deck just below,....

Hopefully additional info/photos coming

Retaining wall

I think I would just use a retaining wall. Rock , masonry , or concrete ,see if this does anything for you http://sterlingmodels.com/rock-molds/ . Most of the time for slope earth you want to stay around 1:1 or 45 deg slope.

Retaining Structures

I rediscovered some plaster castings I had acquire some time ago,  and had taken then under consideration. They were cast in one piece that needed to be cut apart into its various 'levels'.

The problem is they are a bit too thick for much of my ramp, and I don't think any portion of a mainline would consider such a construction, nor a ramp carrying heavy coal cars from that coal mine up there??
 

They are pretty neat though.

Link to Doug's photos of air plants

https://groups.io/g/STEEL/album?id=265383

...steps in the process

spherical tanks

I like the looks of those spherical storage tanks of the Japanese kit much better than the tall cylindrical tanks.

With my smaller available footprint area I may have to be satisfied with several of those smaller Kibri ones?

cryogenic plants

Rather surprised that very few modelers have done some sort of 'source plant' for their cryogenic tank cars.

I'm still working on the lower level of my new layout, so even I have not taken time to expand on my ideas,...but some sales on these cars prompted me to think about the possibilities some more,....maybe more of those cars for me.

prototype example - Praxair facility in greater Tacoma, WA

Brian,

Here are a couple views of the praxair facility in Fife, WA.  They might give you some inspiration for your layout.  You may need to select "aerial view"

Google maps

Praxair Inc - Google Maps

Bing maps 

Praxair inc - bing maps

Thanks for references

Bing maps      Praxair inc - bing maps

That Praxair plant looks like it could have been the model for that Japanese kit,.....particularly those large cooling towers,......and except for the spherical tanks

Here's a prototypical version

Here's a prototypical version of your grade. Embankment above retaining walls on both sides. Steep grade with sharp vertical curves, too.

South View

Looking down tracks

North view

Large Christmas Tree balls

Brian,

Look a little harder for Christmas tree balls, as you should be able to find some that are in the range of 5-inch diameter. They are for outdoor use. Home Depot would be a place to start when they put out the Christmas decorations.

Joe W.