Catweasel Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 I rather fancy building an American short line, but have no idea where to start.The baseboards available are approx 10 feet x 2 feet,which should be enough. I would want to use DCC with sound as well. Where would I go for loco's and stock for example. I'm based in the UK. A switching layout would be ideal, something along the lines of an inglenook. Would this work? Thank you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 Chris Ellis has very recently published "Modelling American Shortlines and Industry" £7.50 post free from Kristall Publications, 4 Surbiton Hall Close, KINGSTON, Surrey KT1 2JX. Also suggest a look for trackplans and ideas at http://www.carendt.com/ , http://home.online.no/~steinjr/trains/modelling/ , http://www.cke1st.com/m_train2.htm , http://smallmr.com/wordpress/ , https://huntervalleylines.wordpress.com/2015/09/13/site-seeing-september-13/ , http://somewhere-southwest.de/ , and if nothing takes your fancy you are very hard to please, and in answer to your question - Yes an Inglenook is worth doing , but only if you like "puzzle layouts" and certainly good as a starter. for locos and stock ebay or specialist suppliers (*% of mine has come from ebay. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alastairq Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 Is it just me, or do I have a mental image of certain 'signature' features that ought to be present on a US shortline layout? Like...a diamond crossing? A grain elevator? A team track? I always liked the idea of an interchange [rather than simple spurs].......since the US one's seemed to me to be more distinctive in layout to UK equivalents. Maybe because there's less in the way of scenery to get involved in? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 Following Alastairs suggestion can I offer you one of my track plans, Ness Street Yard http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/55422-new-switching-layout/page-2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alastairq Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 The interchange concept appeals to me because of the combination of traffic 'flows'.....and variety that results...especially with motive power? A short line [or, class 2 RR?] crosses the class 1 on the flat [diamond]....So, short line trains come & go from two directions. As do class 1 trains? [That's at least 4 exits!!!] The interchange can be loops, or spurs.....essentially a curved 'link' twixt shortline & class1? Then the odd spur to a nearby customer for added interest? Trains come, they go, if wished...or activity takes place? I admit to being a fan of not having separate board space for hidden spurs [rest of the world]...seems to me to be such a waste of precious house room? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweasel Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 Following Alastairs suggestion can I offer you one of my track plans, Ness Street Yard http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/55422-new-switching-layout/page-2 Thanks Jack. I've used one of your plans for a British OO scale shunting layout and it works very well. As the space I have is "L" shaped , your plan will fit very well. Just a couple of tweaks to revers it, job done. Many thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 No problem, and nice to know that my plans do work - If you wanted what is effectively an Inglenook, but with extra sidings and a main line single track, try http://mrhpub.com/2015-10-oct/port/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alfsboy Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 Model Junction ,Slough are good place to buy . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 If you would like to see what your shortline could eventually become - I say "EVENTUALLY!" - take a look at this one https://www.youtube.com/user/KU4PC/videos, and work your way through them Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alastairq Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 he image you have is of modelling cliches, but we are free to ignore them and go for something simpler. One can have a lot of fun with a few turnouts, concentrating on reproducing prototypical operations, such as pausing to line up the couplers, testing the brakes, etc. Cliches, perhaps, but when one isn't able to take a poke at the real thing, one is left with sources like the model press, etc [not forgetting the NMRA?]....and therein lies the tendency to cliche? Probably in the same vein as the 1960's small layout cliche, of the GWR branch terminus? Which isn't to say I don't actually like either..I do, very much so. But,pre-tinternet, essentially 'word-of-mouth', visually or orally, so to speak, is all many of us have had... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 If you want a simple switcher in a small space, (there is no diamond but it could be easily modified to fit one in) I offer you one that has all the other clichés, almost an absolute minimum of buildings (5 including the depot, [though one of those rickety old wind-pumps would be nice]), and you could be up and running very quickly - and then detail away to your hearts content. It was in a way-back RMC and is called "Iota, the end of a very short line" by Richard Francaviglia, and there is a version of it at the bottom of this page http://carendt.com/scrapbook/page70/index.html. One loco, a passenger/drover caboose and half a dozen wagons - for a minimum start-up to dip a toe in the water - a flyspeck in a vast open space! If anyone knows how to make HO scale tumbleweeds please let me know. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweasel Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 What is it that appeals? Big, powerful diesels, often on knackered, or poor track, rocking and rolling along at slow speed. The size of the animal as well, which is a bit odd as I prefer tiny loco's on this side of the pond. I like the underdog feel to a lot of them. And the horns of course. I had a set on a truck once, scared the bejeesus out of folk in the next county! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweasel Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 Is there a supplier of card download kits similar to Scalescenes for American buildings? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweasel Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 Many thanks for info Simon. Looks like I'll be up half the night reading! 'preciated. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 Simon has pretty much said it all Worth noting that my Portway Center *mentioned in Dispatches* is Inglenook in design, but has never been operated using artificial switching puzzles. Follow the advice of Lance Mindheim about prototype ops and you just don't need switching puzzles (I have not gone to the lengths of turning dummy brake wheels on the fascia though!!) Another piece of wisdom Lance has written concerning layout size & design is "how much Railroad do you actually need?" I've not seen that question asked anywhere else in any book or article about layout planning (Mike Coughill has alluded to it I think) and it's a very thought-provoking question, because real Short Lines (and even the Class 1's) ask exactly the same question!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glorious NSE Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 There is no compulsion to have these features: it partly depends on era and location, but a team track is quite likely for a common carrier line, but may well be out of use. You wouldn't find a grain elevator at a New England paper mill, and a diamond crossing would only be used if there was no choice.The image you have is of modelling cliches... Cliche? Not a problem if you're just following the prototype.Through a big swathe of the US a diamond crossing was/is the most likely way two railroads crossed - and in the same part of the country the grain elevator was likely the biggest railroad customer in the town...this kind of thing: http://binged.it/1WVzGn7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DelawareAndHudson Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 You might want to take a look at Mike Tylick's Pioneer Valley. It's an O scale layout but it works great in HO too! I built a temporary HO version using off the shelf Atlas components to try it out a few years back. Was really enjoyable to operate. http://www.trainweb.org/tylick/modelopvintro.htm http://www.trainweb.org/tylick/opvplan.htm Mike's layout is 2x12 in O scale. In HO, all you need is 1 or 1.5x8 to do everything Mike did. This plan also lends itself to a Fremo module(s) if you ever have any thoughts of going that direction. Jason Cook Indiana Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 Jack (Shortliner) has also been inspired by Jack Hill: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/100202-new-castle-florida-initial-pictures/. Can we have an update, Jack? It went to 'Arry's exhibition in Hopeman in July, and after a day of operating it really didn't fulfil my desires - now dismantled and thinking about other things - sitting behind me on bare boards is an HO version of Jordans Portway Terminal which is more fun Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zomboid Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 If you want a simple switcher in a small space, (there is no diamond but it could be easily modified to fit one in) I offer you one that has all the other clichés, almost an absolute minimum of buildings (5 including the depot, [though one of those rickety old wind-pumps would be nice]), and you could be up and running very quickly - and then detail away to your hearts content. It was in a way-back RMC and is called "Iota, the end of a very short line" by Richard Francaviglia, and there is a version of it at the bottom of this page http://carendt.com/scrapbook/page70/index.html. One loco, a passenger/drover caboose and half a dozen wagons - for a minimum start-up to dip a toe in the water - a flyspeck in a vast open space! If anyone knows how to make HO scale tumbleweeds please let me know.Don't know about the OP, but I for one found that particularly inspiring.Going to have to order that RS3 with a steam heat boiler now... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 Is there a supplier of card download kits similar to Scalescenes for American buildings? The quick answer is yes - and in UK, I actually came across these a few days ago http://modelrailwaylayoutsplans.com/and click on scenery - the site is in process of being transferred and there is an address link to the original site , which is here http://modelrailroadlayoutsandscenery.com/print_out_scenery.html - these are pay-for These are free - the first link below should take you to an index of posts about TOMKATS postings http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?search/65827/&q=tomkat&o=relevance Also worth a look if you want scenic flats is http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/paper-and-card-structures.53929/ Signs? http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/signs-for-your-layout-tomkat.44888/and http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/more-signs-for-your-layout.45212/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 Posted Today, 09:26 by Zomboid shortliner, on 11 Oct 2015 - 17:22, said: If you want a simple switcher in a small space, (there is no diamond but it could be easily modified to fit one in) I offer you one that has all the other clichés, almost an absolute minimum of buildings (5 including the depot, [though one of those rickety old wind-pumps would be nice]), and you could be up and running very quickly - and then detail away to your hearts content. It was in a way-back RMC and is called "Iota, the end of a very short line" by Richard Francaviglia, and there is a version of it at the bottom of this page http://carendt.com/s...ge70/index.html. One loco, a passenger/drover caboose and half a dozen wagons - for a minimum start-up to dip a toe in the water - a flyspeck in a vast open space! If anyone knows how to make HO scale tumbleweeds please let me know. {unquote] Don't know about the OP, but I for one found that particularly inspiring.Going to have to order that RS3 with a steam heat boiler now...All Glory to the Hypnotoad. ...Checking for white spots [unquote] ......Thanks for that - and why it hasn't occurred to me previously I don't know , but the ideal passenger transport for this little "end of the line" dust-speck would be a single RDC, instead of running mixed trains - add a twin track fiddle-stick on the right, and use one track for freight and one for passenger off-scene Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
trisonic Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 You can’t go wrong with Jack’s plans! Shortlines near me (in New Jersey) are still very active and quite successful. What is interesting about them is that they often use old motive power of varying vintage. Funnily enough I can’t remember any of them having “crossings”! The latest Model Railroader (November 2015) has a very interesting plan based on the CSX Southside Spur in St. Petersberg, FLA. It also includes an article tips on modeling the famous fall colors by RMWeb member Marty McQuirk. Some Jersey Shortlines: SMS Rail Lines http://www.smsrail.com Morristown & Erie RR http://www.merail.com Good luck! Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zomboid Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 The RDC for sure, but I like the idea of an RS3 or similar with one passenger car arriving periodically, with the requirement to run round and head back to wherever, making a bigger headache for the local switching ops... Of course, 2 locos on that scene at once is ridiculous, but that fits with normal branch line modelling... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewC Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 shortliner, on 12 Oct 2015 - 10:41, said: Posted Today, 09:26 by Zomboid shortliner, on 11 Oct 2015 - 17:22, said: If you want a simple switcher in a small space, (there is no diamond but it could be easily modified to fit one in) I offer you one that has all the other clichés, almost an absolute minimum of buildings (5 including the depot, [though one of those rickety old wind-pumps would be nice]), and you could be up and running very quickly - and then detail away to your hearts content. It was in a way-back RMC and is called "Iota, the end of a very short line" by Richard Francaviglia, and there is a version of it at the bottom of this page http://carendt.com/s...ge70/index.html. One loco, a passenger/drover caboose and half a dozen wagons - for a minimum start-up to dip a toe in the water - a flyspeck in a vast open space! If anyone knows how to make HO scale tumbleweeds please let me know. {unquote] Don't know about the OP, but I for one found that particularly inspiring. Going to have to order that RS3 with a steam heat boiler now... All Glory to the Hypnotoad. ...Checking for white spots [unquote] ......Thanks for that - and why it hasn't occurred to me previously I don't know , but the ideal passenger transport for this little "end of the line" dust-speck would be a single RDC, instead of running mixed trains - add a twin track fiddle-stick on the right, and use one track for freight and one for passenger off-scene Then again there seem to be a growing number of these little short lines that have a couple of old coaches and run excursions to supplement their income. With a lot of these little revived stubs the reason they were abandoned in the first place is due to the seasonal nature of their customers. This is especially true of lines that rely on agriculture. Spring and early summer passenger runs help to balance the books. The Central Western comes to mind. Although now it is strictly passenger since their grain traffic dried up as the elevators slowly closed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortliner Posted October 12, 2015 Share Posted October 12, 2015 BTW - if anyone wants a copy of the original IOTA article, a PM with an email addy will get a scan of the two pages Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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