After thinking i had a layout basically planned, or at least most of the way there. See prior post. I started having reservations about how unprototypical to the ACY stage 1 is. My thinking has been that if i’m going to try to be as prototypical as possible that section of the plan should at least be a little closer to the real thing. I’ve also been playing with the idea of focusing entirely on the akron metro area.
My reservations and the recent posts about shortlines got me thinking about and researching shortlines. Now i’m intrigued by the Newburgh & South Shore, historically double track shortline in cleveland, i don’t believe it’s still double track. I think it would make a really interesting layout.
Well, I don’t think your losing your mind. Your going through Model Railroaditis, Had to re-thinks many times over the last 35 years of modeling. It all depends on how far toward absolute realism you want to go. The shortline discussions were terrific , but it made everyone think about what they are doing IMHO.
sorry, I haven’t any info on NSS . I just wanted to say how impressed I am with your plans. I’ve had layouts in the past that focused on the long haul, with lots of horses, thru open countryside. Lately I’ve been leaning toward shorter distance moves with insane switching. Mr. Hitchcock’s Argentine Switching District featured lately has sealed the deal. Your modeling the NSS would be great in your space available. After viewing your link to archived photos, I see a few diamonds / interchanges that I may incorporate myself someday. Even if it’s a fake connection with a competitor, you can’t deny the interesting trackwork.
And no, you’re not crazy. Your’s is a model designed to relax and please you. You’ll see thousands of major & minor improvements as each day progresses. Looking forward to watching your dream come together. Does the little woman share your vision ?
Sorry, not really losing my mind, just venting frustration over a possible change of it, and it’s not even frustration really, heh. Actually it’s my evolution from a guy who plays with models and trains to a railfan. Of course I’m railfaning trains that haven’t run for over 50 years, modern stuff just doesn’t do it for me lack mystique and that sence of style…
GAPPLEG I’m a big picture kinda guy, so i’m not trying to represent every nuance in my space. That’s why i like the phrase “my interpretation of the AC&Y.” I’m trying to figure out at what point do my alterations make the scenes i’m trying to depict become unrecognizable, and can i live with my decision so far.
canoncityxp Thank you for the compliments. I 'm definatley more intrigued by the locals over the long haul. The nice thing is a local can have some running time too… and no matter which way you cut it I really only have 2 miles of mainline. heh.
Here’s a more detailed map of the N&SS i’ve found. Wow, thats a lot of track in a small space, i can only believe this was one busy shortline. It looks as though it were designed by a model railroader. Guess it is time for a pros/cons list for both prototypes, either way i win…
Oh, and as for the little woman (she’d slap me for saying that, heh) sharing my vision. I wouldn’t say share… encourage and inspire are more like it, for now…
I don’t have much on the N&SS, but I do have nine builder’s photos of their freight cars from the 1920s-1940s, as well as their 1930 ORER listing. Give me your email address and I’ll send them your way.
I live in Erie, PA. Drive through Cleveland alot. I never knew that road existed. There really seems to be alot of interesting modeling possibilties there. As noted on the map there is a lot of trackage associated with it.
I’m more of a western modeler with the wide open spaces, so I don’t get all that close packed industrial base that you can have with that road. Yours would be a switching layout from heck.Lots to do from what I see on the map.
I feel the same way. I grew up in Davis/Sacramento CA and watched the SP in the 70’s and early 80’s while it was still a respectable RR. On some trips, especially in the 1983-85 time frame I drove between northern CA and Denver CO and really loved the Rockies. I got some glimpses of the Rio Grande from my car but did not real railfanning per se. As life turned out I ended up in NY York state and have been largely stranded here for the last 15 years about. Eastern railroading has never really done much for me so I’ve nursed the hobby with books etc and kept it alive by collecting Rio Grande and some SP models. I have built a couple of sizable layouts that didn’t get finished and look forward to the day I can do that again and run my trains!
heh, heh, heh. You’re right , the N&SS DOES look like something a modeler would design.
As a matter of fact, I would spend hours in my teens drawing outlandish trackplans that would require a redefinement of the phrase " spagetti bowl ". I pull that tube of paper out occasionally to reminise. I was once told by a wise man ( during my engagement era ) : How do you cure a woman who suddenly shows an interest in your hobby ? - - - - Marry her !
Now where did I put that old drafting equipment…?..
Well, I wrote up a pros/cons list and have decided to stay with my original intentions, the AC&Y. While I still think the N&SS would make a great model, it’s a little more than I want to take on right now, maybe as the ultimate retirement project, heh. That, and right now i feel my meager 3-5 man operating crew could never keep a road like that busy, and i really don’t want a larger operating scheme at this time. Plus as much as i want to bash a model of their 0-10-0, i’m really more of an early diesel fan, and the lack of an Alco HH1000, S-1, S-2, T-6, or an SW1001 in nscale puts a damper on things. Not that the ACY roster is much better S-2, FM 20-44, but at least i can build some kind of roster with just a little paint, 15/16-44’s and an RS-1.
I figure i have 'bout 5 or 6 more revisions while i’m completing my benchwork.
I’ve studied the plans for the ACY on your other thread quite a few times and it sure looks like a keeper to me. Sure, you’ll tweak it as you build, but that’s the best part. Here’s to your first length of rail on the ACY (I’m raising a cup of tea, too early for spirits) and a speedy pound on the golden spike ! Looking forward to photos someday.
I’ve gathered my drafting equipment and warned the queen of the realm that “I’m back” (wish me luck). I’m planning to repossess “my” space with a “quick & dirty” rural loop of track to get those wheels turning again then create my version of an urban shortline on a second level (w/ helix). I’ll be borrowing heavily on your link to the N&SS archived photos and another thread’s links to abandoned trackage photos. Just not sure which setting for waist level and which one for eye level.
Thanks for jump starting this old f…! <<<<<< easy, Bergie , that’s short for “fool”