To be industrious, or to have an end ramp...

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello all, I have a quandary. I’m about to put in the first plaster layer for the bluff behind Castlegar, and I’m trying to figure out where to put it.

I originally intended to have the bottom track in the below diagram have an end/side ramp for unloading loads of ‘whatever’ shipped from ‘over there’ type places, but there are 2 industries just out of my layout’s reach that I might move in - a 1 door loading shed for a lumber yard, and a 1 spot propane dealer. With this monumental hill (My current profile’s height is about a foot high) behind these industries, I have room only for 2.75" from tie to hill for industries, and probably no road. The other shot is the only one I have on the computer showing the track (hah) so you can see the problem.

http://hostthenpost.com/uploads/ad3894f32e1f95fd6ff4ab562cad672e.jpg

http://hostthenpost.com/uploads/e89e645d79d0157ccf4f44b80ff0261f.jpg

Here is a photo of the prototype, which I fully intend to be a ‘Hey, I’ve been there!’ level of scenic accuracy:

https://basininstitute.org/search/details.html?id=3485

There is also the possibility of the hill being on the backdrop, but I’d like to have some depth to it. In person, it does seem to be right there, instead of the actual ~250’ away.

2

The propane dealer is a little less likely to be pushed in close to another business, but I’ve seen them close in, too.

The lumber yard would fit well with an end ramp. It’s also the case that wherever there’s an end ramp, there’s also the opportunity for unloading provided by a team track. So long as a truck can get access to the door of a baoxcar, you’re good. A lumber yard would do essentially the same thing as far as unloading, so there you go.