Anyone else want to chime in on the process of coming up with a layout concept based on their personal operational preferences? Mine are passenger train switching, helper operation and local freight switching. I’m trying to come up with a satisfying theme that will be fun to build and operate and will sustain interest over time. Any layout concept I could come up with that would interest me would essentially be a variation on one of the following 3 themes even if it were a branch line operation. I’m also trying to keep it simple (relatively) and create a concept for a layout that can be operated solo if necessary. A branch line is an obvious candidate for solo operation. However, I’m trying to come up with a concept for a main line based layout that is capable of being operated solo in a pinch.
This essentially is a process of thinking out loud and hoping someone might chime in with a good idea or two. All the below are based on the Southern Pacific in California. In truth, any of these themes could be used by any of a number of prototypes in different locations (or even a free-lanced pike). Instead of Salinas and perishables, it could be some town in Kansas and wheat. Instead of San Luis Obispo to Santa Margarita, it could be the Maine Central from Barrett, NH to Crawford Notch, NH. Instead of San Jose, CA, it could be New Haven, CT or Worcester, MA.
Salinas, CA, in 1952 – Operational emphasis on handling the lettuce crop. Lots of switching at packing houses. Requires large number of refrigerator cars. Through freights and passenger trains act as a foil for the main show, which is getting empty reefers in and iced and loaded reefers out. While there was no engine terminal at Salinas, there was a small turntable. Engines come down from Watsonville Jct. (staging) to pick up originating trains for outbound movement.
Very easy to build as Salinas Valley is FLAT. Would probably be best built as a simple oval with staging on one side representing Watsonville Jct/San Lu
You might want to join the Layout Design Special Interest Group (LDSIG) group on Yahoo!. Their whole reason for existence is layout design, and developing a concept around which to design a layout is right up their alley.
Thanks. I’ve been aware of the LDSIG for some time, but it never occurred for me to join it. Why, I don’t know. Obviously it’s a “club” for geeks like me who get a great deal of enjoyment brainstorming layout concepts so perhaps I will.
Actually, there is a cost to join ($15), but it is nominal.
Since any one of the scenarios are viable on at least some of your goals, the choice then becomes your own personal preference. YOU have to make that choice.
Andre, that’s an interesting list of desires, especially the passenger switching. Helpers and local switching are much easier to combine. You may be tying your hands a little too tightly by trying to find a prototype to incorporate all of those elements. Maybe throwing a couple of “what ifs” into a prototype situation, you could find the balance that you want.
If I remember correctly, you are trying to plan for a fairly large space. Sometimes it is easier to look at your benchwork options. That’s kind of what I did to come up with my plan. I knew that I wanted a long mainline, with switching, and interchange posibilities.
I filled the space (on paper first) with a comfortable amount of benchwork, then drew in my long main. Not all of the details are set in concrete, some are set in clay. As the construction progersses along the mainline, a clearer picture will emerge.
My layout is prototype based, and modern, which makes research a piece of cake. For you this element may be more difficult, though it sounds like you have some pretty clear ideas of how things were on the prototypes that interest you.
Just remember, whenever you think you are in trouble, reach for that modeler’s license!!! That’s what it is there for.[swg]
Actually, I’m not trying to have all three elements in a single layout. Two out of three I figure is as good as it’s going to get and one out of three is OK if there’s even a small modicum of one of the other “Druthers” (e.g. adding express reefers to the “Coast Mail” at Salinas). Any of the 3 layout concepts I mentioned in my original post would be OK with me. From a construction/operational standpoint the Salinas concept seems to me to be the most practical. It’s also appealing. But then, so is the idea of doing a passenger oriented pike based on San Jose. Actually, I think San Jose in the 50’s would make a good subject for a club layout if enough SP