Another layout - thinking process

[keeper]

This is a layout idea right now, so nothing real yet.
I'm thinking of doing a modular layout and I like the T-Trak way.

The idea is to have interesting spots, either real ones, based on real ones or completely fantasy.
The other thing is, it doesn't have something to do with just one railroad or connecting railroads, eg. scene abc is something from the east, scene def from the south and xyz from the west.
So one or more modules would be one scene. Each scene would be seperated by a divider, eg. a small T-Trak module with nothing on it.

Another idea is, that the scene might not be strictly T-Trak modules. They could have transition modules at each end.

I do like junctions. That's why I started with a first module plan and, tada, it is not T-Trak... 
The plan is based on Tesch Junction, Michigan UP, somewhere between Iron Mountain and Escanaba.
I have found the blueprint of this junction on one facebook group, it might have been the CNW historical society group.

Here's the plan:



I used Atlas code 55 track because I wanted to use available track.

This could be used as a center piece, although I'm not sure if it is possible to use all 6 ends, but it would be fun.

This is all I have right now.

If you like this idea, join in for thinking up a super T-Trak module layout.

Thomas 

[pdx1955]

Given what you have shown, a set of Free-moN  modules would fit better. Custom T-Trak  modules could work  but they would take a bit more straightening up to use in large setup unless you also had transition  modules to line up with standard  modules.

[Missaberoad]

Very interesting LDE, it could be the start of a fun layout especially if you can have both railroads active.

Can almost imagine baby trainmasters lugging ore trains, meeting big consists of F units rushing freight between Minneapolis and the Sault... 

[wcfn100]

Very interesting LDE, it could be the start of a fun layout especially if you can have both railroads active.

Can almost imagine baby trainmasters lugging ore trains, meeting big consists of F units rushing freight between Minneapolis and the Sault... 

This is how I start thinking about junction plans -

1.  What year do I want to represent.
2.  Was the interlocking tower still standing.
3.  Can I build a (reasonable) model of the tower.

If I need the tower but don't think I could build it, it's a no go for me.

Jason

[nscalbitz]

That's a heck of a centre piece to have as an attraction.
If you are good at thinking outside the box I would recommend a non-traditional 'star' shaped module of whatever form you choose.
Then have other modules just complete the legs as 'loops' until further inspiration hits.
cheers davew

[keeper]

Yes, that's a good idea. I already thought about doing a hexagon module for this junction.
Extending it as a star is something I will really think about.

Another idea I had is doing this in Z scale, but I'm not sure about it.
One reason not to do it is the lack of suitable crossings. Turnouts might not be the problem.

Thomas

[DKS]

Some food for thought--not sure where to take this, but... Overall size is 22 X 30 inches. Angled ends are 30 degrees, straight and angled ends are 8 inches each.

[keeper]

Ohhh, I really like it!
Is that Atlas track in your plan as well?

This could be a really nice center piece.

Thank you DKS.

Thomas 

[DKS]

Ohhh, I really like it!
Is that Atlas track in your plan as well?

This could be a really nice center piece.

Thank you DKS.

Thomas 

Yes, that's Atlas track, but with flex instead of sectional. It's the only way to get the crossings and switches all aligned and spaced properly.

[Chris333]

You could model it currently with 3 separate dirt trails in a field. 

[seusscaboose]

that's hawt!

[keeper]

Yes, that's Atlas track, but with flex instead of sectional. It's the only way to get the crossings and switches all aligned and spaced properly.

I used #5 turnouts in my plan. It looks like you used other ones....

[DKS]

I used #5 turnouts in my plan. It looks like you used other ones....

#7s. They work better with the crossing between them, and generally look better anyway.

[Point353]

Very interesting LDE, it could be the start of a fun layout especially if you can have both railroads active.

Can almost imagine baby trainmasters lugging ore trains, meeting big consists of F units rushing freight between Minneapolis and the Sault... 

Is that not the original tower?

[keeper]

Is that not the original tower?

Interesting!

I think that this photo is older than the first one. The signal is missing in the first one. I'm not 100% sure which line was closed first so that the signal wasn't of any use.

Do you think the tower was replaced or just rebuilt?

Thomas