The layout is still not ready for prime time. Fortunately the software I use lets me "run" trains on the track plan. I can check the operations in digital form before I commit to the actual rebuilding. Previously I had used the program to rough in the layout, I simply ran tracks together or across each other to give the impression of turnouts and crossings. This time I went back over the plan placing switches, creating elevations and adding structures. The result was a virtual layout I could operate for trial runs...
 |
| Average Eastern: February 15th, 2014 |
The effort has already paid off. I've been able to see what grades will be needed to provide clearance for the mainline trains. The software also tells me how steep they are. I was also able to see flaws and correct them. The long drill track at Average was a direct result of trying to make up a train in the yard. The only other alternative was to foul the four track main...
 |
| Average: Drill Track, Crossings |
At the other end of the yard are engine and icing facilities. Reefers outbound from AE customers get their ice loaded here. They also get topped off before shipping. The Average Easterns 2-8-0's are stored and repaired in a two stall engine house. I'm thinking of putting in a bigger roundhouse hoping to create the impression of a prosperous railroad that has lost income. The coal and water facilities are a bit large for two locomotives but allow both engines to be serviced at the same time. Water comes from a metal tank served by water columns at trackside. I also included ash pits and a track for coal loads and a gondola for ashes. It also serves as a storage track for the lines two cabooses. A short section at the end of a yard track adjacent to the water tank serves as storage for the work train. A combination storage and/or RIP track runs along the left side of the yard...
 |
| Average: Facilities |
The locomotive shown is too long for the turntable. The actual turntable is sized for the Bachmann Consolidations.
There are two interchange tracks. To the left of the mainline is one for eastbound traffic. On the opposite side of the four track is the westbound interchange track and depot. The spur off the interchange track is for LCL freight and mail. The interchange track on this side may have to be lengthened...
 |
| Average: Interchange |
Heading "east" from the interchange I had located several industries. I deleted these, reasoning that the interchange tracks provided quite enough revenue. There's already too much cluttering on this side of the layout. I need a place to put the town.
With the help from a visual aid and You Tube we can take a look at a typical morning on the Average Eastern.
Operations start at the Average engine house. One of the two "connies" heads out to the turntable and spins around to take on water, coal and sand. Last nights ashes, now cool, are being shoveled into a gondola. The 2-8-0 moves down into the yard and backs up to pick up a caboose. Dropping the caboose out on a yard track the locomotive starts switching. The first job today is picking up a brace of reefers at the ice house. They are to be set on the eastbound interchange track.
There is a boxcar blocking the reefers. The engine couples to the boxcar and uses it to pick up the refrigerator cars. The loco backs up far enough to drop the reefers without fouling the turnout and then switches the boxcar onto an adjacent track. The Consolidation retrieves the reefers and heads for the interchange.
As the train approaches the interchange track a long freight comes rumbling eastward on the mainline. It becomes painfully obvious that there is absolutely no way to set out the reefers without fouling all four mainline tracks. Oops. Looks like we need a revision!...
Regards,
Frank Musick
Building a dream layout on a nightmare budget
|
|
The Average Eastern Railroad
|
No comments:
Post a Comment