I am looking for ideas of a 6’ x 6’ HO logging layout. There has been videos on you tube but no track plans.
I want to add a stand alone modular unit to the end of my layout.
Anyone have a good one with detail and pic.
Best regards
Homer
Homer,
6x6? That’s your space, but unless you plan for a central pop-up, a little too far to reach in the middle. Or you could do a L or a T to deal with that.
I’m actually working on a logging branch myself right now, so that leads to my next question. Do you already have a mill you want to supply with logs? Or do you need to include the mill in the 6x6 space? My mill is already there, but elsewhere on the layout. I’m replacing staging from the woods with track in the woods in my case.
A few ideas…In limited spaces, remember that the loco would just push cars ahead of itself to the loading deck, so you don’t need a passing siding at the end of track. You can use a double spur, where the empties are dropped on one track and loads picked up on the other, simply reversing which track is which each time.
Switchbacks are another trick used often by loggers to get in tight spots and gain elevation rapidly.
Speaking of loads and MTs, the arrangement for swapping those out in the woods and at the mill are important aspects of smooth operations.
There is always railroad #44 Rockport & South Fork Lumber Co. in 101 Track Plans For Model Railroaders.
Likewise either plan #34 or #35 could be modified for 6x6 and lumber instead of mining.