davefromacrossthepond

Conundrum. Over the weekend I began cutting out the various pieces of plywood and hardwood that I need to construct two baseboards. So be sure that everything would be of the correct size, I went back to my Anyrail plan posted above (yeah, I know, big mistake). While I am happy with the plan, I started to feel that I needed to have some more opportunities for "run throughs" and passenger operations. In playing with the plan I think I can put in a small station in the upper left side and have a double track mainline along the entire length of the plan. However, in order to get everything to fit, I would need to stretch the plan to seven or eight feet long. While I know this is longer than the competition rules allow for, I think I want to forge ahead. One, I think the layout as modified would provide a bit more operational possibilities. Also, I do like the concept of the "cameo layout" idea and want to stick with some of the overall themes, even if a bit "longer." What do you guys think?

Don't Change - INXS

It's the End of the World - R.E.M.

So Happy Together - The Turtles

Bill, Perhaps you can "play" the plan. Draw out the plan and using bits of card to represent rolling stock (all to scale) go through some "operating sessions." If you are still playing an hour or so later you'll have your answer.

Okay, I found the file of what I think will be close to the final plan. Along the back I've just inserted some of the Walthers structures that are in the Anyrail database. I'm still not sure how I'm going to "frame" the two sides and how the main will get to the cassette fiddle yards. Currently I'm working with a full size print out (a great feature that Anyrail has) to see how the various track pieces will fit. I"m also working on assembling various structure kits to see what will fit where and what modifications might need to be made (especially for the low relief structures along the back). I'm also experimenting with some different ideas for benchwork (baseboard) construction and haven't yet decided on turnout (point) control.

I often do think that sometimes that a consistently high level of service is worth a bit of a higher price.

Alan, Thanks for asking - I didn't think anyone was following. lol As usual, Anyrail has totally distracted me - there are times when I think that Anyrail is a hobby by itself. Here's one of my early thoughts: As I wasn't all that keen on having a sector plate (upper left corner) I modified the plan to have a double track mainline run through. I also added a long siding along the back for additional switching (shunting). I've pretty much decided on this for my plan. Some tweaking will be needed, but I like the general idea.

And . . ..in a challenge, arguably everyone wins!

Soul Man - Sam & Dave and many others (including the Blues Brothers )

Ian, Just a word of warning for you. Anyrail can be totally addicting. There are times I want to just test out an idea. Four hours later I'm still sitting there . . "I wonder what would happen if I move this section of track over here . . . " Dave

I'm more than willing to put up with a less than "user friendly" website if it means dealing with an above board entity. I'm sure that the problems with the website are just as frustrating to the Rails folks as it is to us. I'm happy to let them continue to work on it . . I'm sure it will get fixed.

Island Girl - Sir Elton John

Message in a Bottle - The Police

But they all arrived next day right?

Dancing With Myself - Billy Idol

Brick House - Commodores

While My Guitar Gently Weeps - The Beatles

I Feel Love - Donna Summer

Hey, I resemble that remark!

Walkin' on the Sun - Smash Mouth

Calling Doctor Love- Kiss

As an aside, I find it so fascinating that so many place names here in the states are those of UK. Yes, the reason makes sense, but I still think it is so cool. Because of that, I obtain PO wagons that are from places I grew up near - Monmouth, Marlboro, Shrewsbury etc. or near where I live now - Newport, Exeter (amazing that the town herald of Exeter RI is nearly identical to the Exeter in Devon), Warwick, Worcester etc. Yeah, the result is that I end up with a collection of wagons that make no logical sense, but they do make me smile quite a lot which is, after all, the goal.

Not sure how GSP works for buyers not in the US, but here, when I look at an ebay listing, the shipping price is usually listed (along with a notation that the seller is using GSP). If there is no shipping price listed, I either ask the seller for an estimate or I pass. I take that cost into account when determining the total price. Yes, I think GSP's price is way high, but it is what the seller has chosen to use and since it is disclosed up front, I don't find it a scam or anything other than what it is, a price I can decide to accept or decline.