I’m designing a small layout that run down one wall of my apartment, so it will be 12 feet long and will simulate a small interchange yard for my North Shore traction line.
Here is the plan for the lower level for people’s perusal, comments and considerations. More about this project can be found here:
http://no-two-alike.blogspot.com/search/label/North%20Shore%20Line
hi Ashley,
a lovely plan, pretty complicated.
You will have access problems with the two tracks along the back, especially after the elevated is build.
The number of switchbacks could be lessened a wee bit. A spur is added just before the intrusion of your room. Flat background buildings could be used here.
My drawing was done with Atlas RTS and though i have been trying to keep the looks of your plan, slight differences crept in.
Wish you a happy New Year, a Merry Christmas and a great time building your layout.
Smile
Paul
You are right about the two back tracks, but my desire was to make sure I had enough spots for cars, and the one on the left is a staging point. However, I will give some thought to the reach problem, though it does help that the layout is portable and comes apart. Not an ideal solution during an operation session though.
Paul. Just to let you know that last night i revised the plan and have posted about it on my blog with a link back to here and your contribution. Here is what I’ve done with your suggestions.
hi Ashley,
are you building all your tracks under wire? An other question is about layout height. Since you intend to build an elevated line on top of your already complicated plan, it will be pretty hard to see your tram-train running, especially the main is hidden under a huge viaduct. It would probably be awesome to watch them at eye-level.
I quite liked the restoration of the trolley, great job.
Wish you the best
Paul
All the lower yard will be under wire, the upper elevated will be third rail. The layout is on a shelf in my living room, and is at 56 inches, so eye level. Some of this is by choice, other bits by necessity. I can live with it, because the alternative is no layout at all.
Thank you for the feedback on the CNS&M 737 series restoration. I’m quite pleased with how this has come out.
Just to wish everyone a very Merry Xmas and show off what I managed to lay yesterday.
A Happy and prosperous New Year to everyone.
Above is a picture of the progress I’ve made in building my layout over the Xmas period. More can be seen here:
http://no-two-alike.blogspot.com/search/label/Burnham%20Yard
Layout now called Burnham Yard.
All the track has been laid, though it still needs wiring up. Here is a picture of a train for size.
Hi Ashley,
you are a quick worker. I love that small electric engine on the last picture.
Are you building your tracks on the platform directly, or will you use foam or cork in between?
Happy New Year and the very best in 2012 for you, your family and friends
Paul
Beautiful work so far. Reminds me of the street running lines I saw in Brooklyn while I was a high school student (and, boy, did I just date myself!)
The only thing I noticed is two sets of switch points in the pavement. I believe that a few minor location adjustments (of the pavement, not the track) would get them out to where the track maintainers wouldn’t have to dodge traffic or place barricades before tearing up the street. Take it from an old flight line mechanic - moving parts WILL require maintenance!
Chuck Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
The board surface is foam (kappa board) and the track sits right on top of it. Most of the track is at street level, and being an interurban is at the lower end of the ballasting spectrum (based on photos I have of the North Shore around industrial areas).
Thank you for the kind comments. I shall be looking very closely at how the roads interweave their merry way around the switch-work. I’ve deliberately drawn the roads at scale width so that I can narrow them if necessary, without compromising the overall appearance as necessary.
Well, not a lot of work done on the layout, as I’m still running the track in i.e: watching where the cars derail and fixing bugs like that while I decide how I want to do the wiring harness. However I have been busy doing other modelmaking.
For instance I’ve been working on trolley poles:
This is a rebuilt PSC casting with scale thickness pole. AS I want to be able to have both poles tied down at one end in a typical North Shore manner, and as you can see commercial trolley poles foul each other when you try to do this.
Then I started on rebuilding my MTS Imports Sacramento & Northern steeple cab, seen here with her two North Shore sisters so that she will look like North Shore #457.
Here is the locomotive in bits after working on disassembling the model.
And finally, not to forget one of the signature freight locomotives of the North Shore. #459 the “Alligator”.
Hope you enjoy these and if you want to read more then please click on the link:
http://no-two-alike.blogspot.com/2012/01/cns-457-build-1.html
I’ve been wiring the layout up and now have the wiring harness done.
Here is a link for more info:
http://no-two-alike.blogspot.com/2012/01/two-wire-harness-for-dcc.html
I’ve been busy doing stuff, and for those that follow my blog, you all no doubt know what I’ve been doing. 
However, for those of you who don’t here is a taster…
The first of several weathering projects I’ve done. More on my blog:
http://no-two-alike.blogspot.co.uk/
I hope you all enjoy what you read.
Ashley
hi Ashley,
awesome cars, chapeau!
Your tracks are coming out great as well.
Paul
So you are rebuilding the SN motor into a Northshore loco? What are you going to do with the pant and the supporting structure and tanks? I have been having to scratch build all of that and was wondering if you wanted to sell them?
Ive been progressing the layout and have now sprayed the track.
Once I did this I started on laying down the first layer of ground texture.
More updates can be seen by clicking on the link to my blog, which is below my signature line.