New poster here - been reading and learning for many weeks as I return to model railroading after a 25 years absence. Thank you to all for all your information and insight! (As a fellow Minnesotan - Art Hill - as I view your layout and read your suggestions - you are my hero!) I have completed basic benchwork (open grid) and now laying mainline roadbed and track. Prototype of open pit taconite mining operations of Minnesota Iron Range and ore boat loading in Duluth.
I am very interested in mechanical Humpyard switches. Sounds like they not a easy “plug and play” solution, but require some patience and “tinkering”. Overall, are they worth the extra time and effort?
Thanks!
Hi WM, welcome to the forum. Are you a member of NMRA Twin City Division? Great way to meet people. We are having a layout tour next week ( three different type of layouts).
Humpyards are wonderful, more plug and play than Tortoise. About the same as Caboose unless you are after really remote locations. I am a great fan. I have a couple in places I could not use much else.
Sounds like you are working on a great layout. My first layout was the Crosby mine. Waiting to see some pics.
Thank you for perspective on Humpyard switches. I will order a few and try them out.
I will keep the model railroad club in mind - right now with two teenagers - both in sports - and a first grader, my free time is limited - but it would be a great way to get new ideas and tips.
My struggle for the layout is trying to depict the immensity of a open pit mind on a small layout. Right now I just have a big opening in my benchwork, My layout is not that large (Ho scale - 10’x14’) so guessing I might only depict an edge of the mine. I was even toying with the idea of installing N scale in the pit itself in an effort to give the impression of depth and size - I am doubtful it would look right though.
Trust that your technique of tree construction will be used extensively as I model the run along the Sawtooth mountains to Duluth. The benchwork is designed for a hillside city that runs down to a large pier for ore boating loading.
I note there is a store devoted to model railroading in New Brighton, so I intend to get over that way some day and visit.
Now that spring has come to Minnesota - I will probably slow down on layout construction and turn my attention to the real landscape as I have extensive gardens to maintain. No interest in a garden railroad though.
Thank you again.
I live across the street from Becker’s and that is a GREAT store. Bill is not a pushy person, but very helpful. You will love the store, but bring lots of money. His discounts will intice you into saving lots of money.
I have done just enough with N scale for forced perspective to know it will work. Your artistry might make it work even better. Maybe we can meet sometime and swap good intentions.
I dont need alot of encouragement to spend money!
Here are some layout photos that have inspired me - railroad club in Michigan
www.rmrrc.org go to Gallery and view Marquette photos to see large ore boat and loading pier. Wow.
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