PRR/Conrail Juniata Division Engineering Report

[Dave V]

Brakie and Dave, I appreciate the support, but I agree with Ian.  That code 80 has bothered me almost since I laid it in 2006.  I was not yet a RW a$$hat then and had only limited exposure to feedback from the first batches of Atlas c55, and much if what I heard was negative.  I set out to build as close to flawless trackwork as I could since I show my layout at shows.  I've since learned through my own experience that Atlas c55 is reliable and sturdy.  The more I compare the two track types on my layout the more annoyed I am by the c80.  Ian's right; once I started shooting track level photos the rail height and unrealistic rail profile became like a sore thumb.  This is not to say c80 is bad for everyone; it just no longer suits my needs.

[AlkemScaleModels]

Howdy Dave, Welcome to Florida. The land of the Newlyweds and Nearly Deads!

And cue tips. (I just learned that term this weekend)

[davefoxx]

And cue tips. (I just learned that term this weekend)

Everytime I think of Florida, I remember the bit on Late Night with Conan O'Brien when they reviewed State Quarter mottos that didn't make the cut.  My favorite was "Florida: Life's End Zone."

DFF

[davefoxx]

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.

DKS,

I found that Railwire topic with the picture of the "lightweight" bridge that you were looking for:

http://therailwire.net/forum/index.php/topic,20685.0.html

Hope this helps,
Dave Foxx

[DKS]

DKS,

I found that Railwire topic with the picture of the "lightweight" bridge that you were looking for:

http://therailwire.net/forum/index.php/topic,20685.0.html

Hope this helps,
Dave Foxx

Excellent. Thank you!

[mcjaco]

Really like David's swaping ends plan.  It brings so much more potential to the layout.  I've always enjoyed the Juniata Division, but never much cared for the Enola yard portion....or at least the lack of a way to get in and out of it. 

This is such a simple way of adding multiple way in and out, and a way to turn locos.  I like the mine in the new location, but that grade.     Lee's idea might work, or perhaps just moving the turnout a few more inshes down the line (Hello Atlas curved turnouts), to gain space to lower the grade???

[DKS]

I like the mine in the new location, but that grade.     Lee's idea might work, or perhaps just moving the turnout a few more inshes down the line (Hello Atlas curved turnouts), to gain space to lower the grade???

Moving the switch probably wouldn't work as the river and bridge are there. Lee's switchback might be doable, but it would impinge on the river scene, and require quite a bit of re-engineering.

If the grade is too much for the original proposal, this is a viable solution that also provides the benefit of a new industry (or two) to switch--

[davefoxx]

Daves,

Looking great.  Can you relocate the mainline crossover in Lewisport(town) to in front of the station, so that a westbound (inner loop running clockwise) can crossover and take the yard lead without having to take another lap?

Another Dave

[DKS]

Daves,

Looking great.  Can you relocate the mainline crossover in Lewisport(town) to in front of the station, so that a westbound (inner loop running clockwise) can crossover and take the yard lead without having to take another lap?

Another Dave

I'm sure if Dave V replaces the C80 track, that would be an option. It's certainly one I'd recommend, too.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Here's another thought too. If you do something like that (and there are some minor aspects I'd argue with, like the coal mine visible from Enola), you can add a return loop at the end of enola and have a dog bone, instead of an oval.

[DKS]

there are some minor aspects I'd argue with, like the coal mine visible from Enola

Better that, IMO, than having the coal mine practically in downtown Lewisportvillewhatever. I think the scenery could be adjusted to create a bit more separation between the mine and Enola.

[Bob Bufkin]

I don't really like a coal mine being that close myself.  Think it would be better if it were a coal power plant.  Same footprint, same type of cars, just incoming loads instead of outgoing.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I like Bob's thinking there.

David, I disagree.

The further west you go in PA, the more likely one of those things will spring up within view of a town.

Enola is still pretty far east, and is actually, in my opinion, the most realistic and recognizable portion of Dave's layout. I feel like it'd be a step backwards to change that.

[mcjaco]

What if you flipped the coal mine, and made the hill taller on the Enola side, making it a scenic break and hiding the mine, and making the mine a scene kind of by itself?  

[DKS]

David, I disagree.

The further west you go in PA, the more likely one of those things will spring up within view of a town.

Enola is still pretty far east, and is actually, in my opinion, the most realistic and recognizable portion of Dave's layout. I feel like it'd be a step backwards to change that.

But doesn't the whole idea of bolting Enola onto a more westerly town defy enough logic already? If you're stretching things that much, then the coal mine is kind of a moot point. Anyway, as I said, the scenery could be done in a way to block direct view of the mine from the direction of Enola--a nice sharp ridge (just like the one behind the mine now) should fix that.

Or, do what Bob suggested. No biggie. If the mine is being torn out, then most anything can go back in; I was just looking for a way to recycle as much of the original material as possible to reduce the time investment and maximize bang for the buck.

What if you flipped the coal mine, and made the hill taller on the Enola side, making it a scenic break and hiding the mine, and making the mine a scene kind of by itself? 

That's what I was driving at. I was also writing the above while you posted!