CodyO`s Pennsy Modular 16'X4'

[CodyO]

Hey guys!
With the recent move and recent pay bump I find myself with Time, Money, and SPACE for a layout.
But since we are still renting and will move again at some point I want to keep it modular.

So I present plan 1.1

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A double track line with rural running along a river(Think Lehigh Valley or PRR`s Northern Branch)
And the typical small town on the other with a few switching ops.

Each one is 18" wide by 4' long and I will be using gap masters for the gaps.

All turnouts will be custom built and for trackwork I`m thinking of using central valley tie strips with ME Code 55 Rail.

Looking at this I find myself wanting a staging yard but to still keep it nice and modular. So please suggestions!

[chicken45]

Can't wait to see it unfold!

[eric220]

Can't wait to see it! Picture is a no-show.

[CodyO]

Can't wait to see it! Picture is a no-show.

Fixed it!

[Dave V]

Taking notes...   

[davefoxx]

I like it, @CodyO, but I'd suggest longer passing sidings in your town.  Trust me, passing sidings are often too short once you begin operating the layout.

DFF

[Hornwrecker]

A couple of suggestions that might be nice to have to get the flavor of the Northern Div.  Try to fit in an interchange into your town area near the crossing, with RDG, EL, CNJ or LV, depending on what area you're in.  Also, in the bottom area, throw in some dummy track  in the river valley for one previously mentioned fallen flags; either on a different grade and/or crossing above on a massive truss bridge.  It could also be of an abandoned ROW with just the grading, abutments, and abandoned tunnels, since there was a lot of change over time.

[CodyO]

A couple of suggestions that might be nice to have to get the flavor of the Northern Div.  Try to fit in an interchange into your town area near the crossing, with RDG, EL, CNJ or LV, depending on what area you're in.  Also, in the bottom area, throw in some dummy track  in the river valley for one previously mentioned fallen flags; either on a different grade and/or crossing above on a massive truss bridge.  It could also be of an abandoned ROW with just the grading, abutments, and abandoned tunnels, since there was a lot of change over time.

I was thinking of doing something like that. There was plenty of examples along the lehigh with CNJ and LV

@davefoxx I was thinking of making them a bit longer as they are rather short, just need to keep the switches off the joints

[davefoxx]

@CodyO,

If it were mine, I would extend the passing sidings out to the length of that entire tangent section through the city area.  That would also allow you to get the coal dealer's turnout off of the mainline and avoid turnouts on the section joints.

Hope this helps,
DFF

[chessie system fan]

That passenger platform looks a little awkwardly placed over that module joint, unless it's to hide the gap.  I'd also recommend smoothing out those S curves on the river side a little.  And maybe add a crossover  with a tower for interest on that side too?

You should definitely check out East Stroudsburg. 

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=36806.msg438956#msg438956

[MichaelWinicki]

I'd include an interchange track between one of your mains and one of the crossing tracks.  Even if you couldn't complete the connection due to a limited amount of space you could imply the track continues to an eventual turnout.

It would give you another place to drop off/pick up cars.

[Philip H]

Extend the team track.

[CodyO]

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Ok We are getting somewhere.

@chessie system fan
Want to keep that side "Curvy"
I did add a crossover and a small tower though!

East Stroudsburg is part of the inspiration for this along with @dougnelson `s layout.

@davefoxx
I agree the sidings now are alot longer and will allow for some custom curved turnouts to be put in place.

[wcfn100]

Want to keep that side "Curvy"

Curvy is fine. but you are going to want to eliminate the 'S' curves that have no straights between.

Jaosn

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Lose the CNJ interchange, keep that side all scenery.

On the Reading one, it doesn't have to be a crossing like that. There are lots of places where it's just a spur from one yard to another.