Harbor switching shelf layout

[wm3798]

I'm sure that a project like a small harbor themed switching layout would be a great opportunity to do some really fun modeling, focusing all kinds of detail in a relatively small space.  Also an awesome backdrop for photography.

As a stand-alone operating model railroad, it would drive me nuts.  Don't get me wrong, I love switching puzzles, and doing my pick ups and set outs, but without at least a yard to take the cars too...  I don't know... it's like rearranging chairs over and over.

As I recall, there was a project layout of the Boston waterfront that was designed to work as a stand alone switching layout, but it had either a lift out bridge or some other connection that allowed cars to come and go to the main layout.  There's just something intrinsically satisfying (for me at least) when the car gets pulled from the loading dock, picked up by the local, classed in the yard, then sent off to its destination... even if it is just staging track 8...

But carry on, Chris... If anyone can make this a full blown project, I know you can!

BTW, whatever became of your small Erie themed layout?

Lee

[Chris333]

The "other" layout is chillin'. It was just too large to be a shelf layout.

As for operation I am a roundy rounder. So I may not really switch this layout, just wanna built something.

Here are some crappy pics:




Here is the 0-6-0 Erie used:

and later on

[Chris333]

Here are a few places where you can still see remnatns of the bridges used to reach the carfloats. This was a Erie bridge:
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qss0rg8tzcn0&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=330072&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1
B&O converted to a boardwalk:
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qsrt4k8tzb33&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=364342&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1
3 bridges in a row:
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qswv0p8v0rw4&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=320135&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1
Guess whos? The bridges are gone, but here the cranes to move them remain:
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qsqpmp8v321g&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=18433566&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1
Another:
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qsq1568v2wzr&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=1473767&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1
BEDT bridge:
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qsm1x28v2ph2&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=18435534&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1
Bridge, grantry, and a spare bridge?
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qshth28v26nj&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=1790089&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1
Cross Harbor RR:
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qsghw68v00wp&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=1918484&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1
Bush terminal with carfloat attached:
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qs7q1q8tyccm&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=1940462&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1
This one is probably still in use:
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=qs6k1s8txk57&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=18444799&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1

[up1950s]

Never saw a wavy pier as in shot 3 before . Wonder if there is a functional reason . Is it designed to fit a hull ?

[Chris333]

Probably just someones idea of art.

[3rdrail]

The last one is the former LIRR-New Haven float bridges at Bay Ridge. Believe the NYCH or whoever is still floating across the harbor is using them. I could cry when I see how little is left if what I remember of the BEDT shops off Kent Ave. The BEDT Freight House is still there, though.

[Chris333]

I found a pic of those two LIRR boxcabs connected:
http://sbiii.com/boxpix/li403-ts.jpg
(oh and a nice side shot as well <grin>)
Total Weight per unit                                               87,000 lb.
Classification of wheels                                            B {Bo}
Weight on drivers                                                   87,000 lb.
Number of driving axles                                              2
Maximum starting tractive effort (25.8% adhesion)                   22,400 lb.
Tractive effort - continuous rating                                  3,250 lb.
Maximum safe speed                                                  30 mph.
Track gauge                                                          4  ft.,  8½ in.
Total wheel base                                                     9  ft.,  6  in.
Rigid wheel base                                                     9  ft.,  6  in.
Length overall (center line of coupler to center line of draw bar)  23  ft.,  4¼ in.
Length of cab                                                       20  ft.,  0  in.
Width of cab                                                         9  ft.,  7  in.
Height from rail to top of radiators                                14  ft., 11  in.
Diameter of drivers                                                          38  in.

[wazzou]

Interesting, in the last photo amongst the series that you posted, there are several former Northern Pacific woodchip gondolas in that yard.

[Chris333]

I'll just call this sidetrack #1, but that short boxcab is calling my name so...

The chassis will be some thing like this:

But I will try to put the motor in the center instead of the end.

Who makes "Long Island" decals?  ;D

[up1950s]

Microscale stopped making N LIRR I believe , but its Gothic font anyway .

Island Modelworks sells those I used on 1970's passenger cars .

The older LIRR that I think you want with that RR Roman or whatever the font is , is not available as far as I know .

That boxcab may be Gold lettering . I will see if I can get you info on that .

[3rdrail]

Microscale stopped making N LIRR I believe , but its Gothic font anyway .

Island Modelworks sells those I used on 1970's passenger cars .

The older LIRR that I think you want with that RR Roman or whatever the font is , is not available as far as I know .

That boxcab may be Gold lettering . I will see if I can get you info on that .

Clover House used to have LIRR steam era locomotive and passenger car dry transfers in N scale. Check out the catalog on line. And, yes, it is imitation gold, just like the PRR.

[Dump The Air]

The last one is the former LIRR-New Haven float bridges at Bay Ridge. Believe the NYCH or whoever is still floating across the harbor is using them. I could cry when I see how little is left if what I remember of the BEDT shops off Kent Ave. The BEDT Freight House is still there, though.

Those bridges are brand new and have never been used nor will they ever be, NYNJ (Cross harbors successor) floats over to Greenville Yard using a Pontoon Bridge off 1st Avenue. 65th Street yard is used by NYAR for storage and there is a brick customer in the yard.

[Chris333]

A shame to build them and not use. Originally there were 4 float bridges in a row there.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Check out what just showed up on Railpictures.net:
http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=275467

[up1950s]

Chris did you know that Mike and Ike wound up in Ohio ?