PRR/Conrail Juniata Division Engineering Report

[davefoxx]

Damn, David!  I like that coal branch suggestion!  But what about the grade to clear the main?

[DKS]

Damn, David!  I like that coal branch suggestion!  But what about the grade to clear the main?

Probably steep. But I think it's do-able with a short, shallow through bridge at the lowest possible clearance over the main. That's got to be a good 3.5-4' run from the switch to the bridge. 4% maybe? Less?

[Dave V]

You're having way too much fun with this now!

That is a very hawt suggestion, but I'm also concerned with coal mine grade.  I don't think I can get enough run to clear Conrail hi-cubes on the main.

[wcfn100]

You could add a curved turnout to the upper left of the layout on the main.  You'd have all the access to the unused corner you would need.

Give that junction something to do at the same time.



Jason

[DKS]

That is a very hawt suggestion, but I'm also concerned with coal mine grade.  I don't think I can get enough run to clear Conrail hi-cubes on the main.

I just spent the last half-hour trying to search for an old RW topic, but came up empty-handed. It was a photo of a bridge somewhere in Mass. that looked like it was almost literally paper-thin, and would collapse under the weight of a loaded freight car. But there was a locomotive on the bridge, as proof the thing was freaky sturdy. Anyway, I still think it's a workable option. Best thing might be to just go out to the layout, put a hi-cube where the bridge would be, measure the length of the siding, and do a little math.

And if that doesn't work... you can just "go flat" and have space for a new industry to boot.

[Ian MacMillan]

One thought to deal with some of the "nothingness" of the corner, as well as perhaps add a bit more spice to the plan, is to move the coal mine there, and raise the siding to it up over the main, something like this--



Then more "townish" stuff could go in place of the mine.

I like this one even better. To me that coal mine never really fit downtown.

[wm3798]

If only we could get DKS to come up with a program app that transfers these ideas directly to the layout!

I like the extended branch, although I agree that the grade might cost you some plausibility.  Maybe a switchback?



That would be a quick way to add another 1/2" or so to the climb...

Lee

[MichaelWinicki]

I like David's suggestion at "going flat" off the main and adding another siding downtown.   

I also like the switchback idea Lee.  Very slick. 

[Dave V]

All awesome thoughts...  Maybe the Juniata Division will survive after all!

[wm3798]

Have you written your article for Pam yet?

[Dave V]

Have you written your article for Pam yet?

Um...

No.

[DKS]

As if to foot stomp the "keep it" chorus, I just got some more fan mail from the website.  I get a few a week.  It's humbling, considering how flawed it really is when you think about it (roundy-round, code 80, oversized signals, etc.).  But I guess people like it because it's so small and compact.

I don't think people are looking at it and saying, Eeewww, Code 80 rail... what really shines through on your layout is the authentic feeling it evokes. One glance, and you're immediately taken to a specific time and place; not may layouts do that, which is made even more impressive by its compactness. Lee's layout is the same way--it captures the look and feel of the setting. Lee will readily cite the flaws of his work as well, but they don't matter; the layout's authenticity transcends any shortcomings in technical execution.

[Ian MacMillan]

I don't think people are looking at it and saying, Eeewww, Code 80 rail...

Ok, this is gonna hurt....I do some times. I love the layout but sometimes C80 just ruins a good scene. I do the same thing for C100 in HO.

[Brakie]

Ok, this is gonna hurt....I do some times. I love the layout but sometimes C80 just ruins a good scene. I do the same thing for C100 in HO.

Ian,I fully believe its the layout its self and if the modeler painted the rails or left them shiny.

You see shiny rail has a nasty habit of calling attention to its self unlike subdued painted rail.

I never paid that much attention to Dave's track size as I was to busy taking in the scenery and details.

[Ian MacMillan]

Ian,I fully believe its the layout its self and if the modeler painted the rails or left them shiny.

You see shiny rail has a nasty habit of calling attention to its self unlike subdued painted rail.

I never paid that much attention to Dave's track size as I was to busy taking in the scenery and details.

Thats going to be a personal belief though. For me, it doesnt matter if its painted rail, the height sticks right out to me, and its the first thing I notice on any layout. There are several other layouts that I really enjoy that have C80, and its always one of the things "I" would have changed on the layout. Just my thought that if you want to keep and improve a layout thats one of the things that should be done...Especially if you end up adding trackage for sidings and new lines....if your doing some, why not do it all.  Unpainted rail is a whole other thing.