At one time I had a Kalmbach book of HO layouts, whose exact title I have forgotten. One of the layouts was a small shelf type layout (probably in the order of 2’x8’) The layout included a small port and a double switchback. The theme as I recall was something like “why not eliminate the mainline entirely”. I am looking to rekindle my ModelRailroad-itis disease with a shelf layout and I recall liking this one very much. If one of the readers recognizes my ramblings I would be happy to pay for copying and mailing said layout article. Thanks loads.
I think the book you’re thinking of is Track Planning Ideas from Model Railroader. There is an article with two track plans, with a line “with an argument for eliminating some mainlines entirely.” It features a 2’x7’ layout, and another based on a port facility.
The article was original publication information:
E.S. Seeley, Jr., “Designing Portable Layouts”, Model Railroader, Vol. 34, No. 7, July 1967, pp. 32-33
I think you are looking for Bob Smaus’ Port of Los Angeles project. It was a 2.5’ x 6’ portable module you could wheel around. It had a container yard with crane, a banana warehouse, and an oil well. And a runaround track made for a small diesel. This is one of my favorite series (I can’t believe I never built one), and it appears in the Kalmbach book “6 HO Railroads You Can Build.” ( Handbook #38) The book also contains Jim Kelly’s Seaboard Central, Malcolm Furlow’s Carbondale Central, and Andy Sperandeo’s Washita and Sante Fe. ( Actually, I was reading the Port of Los Angeles article this evening in the…er, my library, if you know what I mean.) I don’t think Kalmbach still offers this book, but you should be able to find it somewhere. The publishing date is 1993, so if you search MR’s back issues, you’ll know where to start.
Thanks for trying, but this wasn’t it. The next post, AltonFan has it I think: it was in . Track Planning Ideas from Model Railroader. It was 2 by 7 and had switch backs. My recollection is that there was a wharf on the base level and then 2 switch backs up a hill.
It’ sprobably track plan #3 " Iron Mountain Line" in 101 More Track Plans for Model Railroaders compiled by Jeff Wilson Kalmbach Books 2010 The plan originally appeared in the July 1967 Model Railroader
It sounds like track polan #3 " Iron Mountain Line" in 101 More Track Plans for Model Railroaders compiled by Jeff Wilson Kalmbach Books 2010 The plan originally appeared in the July 1967 Model Railroader
The Iron Mountain Line is also the name of the switchback plan in Track Planning Ideas from Model Railroader 58 track plans from past issues selected by Bob Hayden (probably same plan). The article name is “Designing Portable Layouts” sub titled “With an argument for eliminating main lines entirely”. There is no wharf/dock but the lower level is called Edison’s Cove and has a detachable car float sticking out to the side of the layout.
Looks like you could easily convert the approach tracks to the car float to be a wharf.
I think this is the layout I remembered. I remembered the car-float and considered it a “dock area.” I have ordered the July 1967 issue form ebay. I at one time had a copy of “Track Planning Ideas from Model Railroader 58 track plans from past issues selected by Bob Hayden” but it must have been tossed out in a fit of cleaning and organizing frenzy. Isn’t that what always happens. Once you decide to toss something then you need it the next week. The corollary, is if something is lost then buy a new one–the lost item will then reappear. [;)]
Hello. I’m Lou and new to this forum. I’m starting again railroad modeling and, having done the Gum Stump 15 years ago will try my hand at the Iron Mountain Line this time. I have the Track Planning Ideas book and also found the plan on line at :
