The New Northern Central

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Where does the grade start at the bottom of the hill?  Can you mark it on the plan for me?

On the last revision it's right past the switch heading out of New Freedom. Coming the other way it's where the curve starts at the end of the Street Running.

[Point353]

I have ONE strict rule in the Kapuscinski house.

(Attachment Link)

A little known fact is that the Centipedes were reassigned to the Northern Central after they were bumped from helper duty on Horseshoe Curve.

[SAH]

On the last revision it's right past the switch heading out of New Freedom. Coming the other way it's where the curve starts at the end of the Street Running.

So all you've done is move the bottom of the hill further down the line.  The hill is still a straight shot from bottom to top without a passing siding along the way to stage meets.  Parkton is located where New Freedom was correct?  Sure, you get to model Parkton but . . . . .  Unless I'm missing something, which is possible.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

So all you've done is move the bottom of the hill further down the line.  The hill is still a straight shot from bottom to top without a passing siding along the way to stage meets.  Parkton is located where New Freedom was correct?  Sure, you get to model Parkton but . . . . .  Unless I'm missing something, which is possible.

Oh, no, sorry. I was referring to a mix of the two plans.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ok, thanks to Steve and Lee, here's another pass on the lower level. Some of the deck separation gets a bit tight where it turns back on itself, but I think I can figure out a way to deal with that.

What's cool about this is that now, not only do I have a mid-point, and much more mainline run, but I also get to include Parkton. Parkton is the northern terminus of Baltimore commuter service. The tracks here are setup to acomodate a pair of RDCs laying over and a few cars of a locomotive hauled train. Eventually maybe with a sexy MDOT F unit, but now I have a place to use those MTL PC commuter cars! This should make the DS's job even more interesting because even though the commuter trains just run right into staging, they WILL have schedules to keep and you won't want to hold them up for a coal train cutting its helpers off.



And here's the latest upper deck plan. I recently changed the way the MMID staging works so I have fewer holes to cut in walls.

[SAH]

Good.  I Understand.

The deck separation will be tight but with single track in most places you'll be able to manage.  The watch out is at New Freedom.  It looks like 8" rail-to-rail. When you figure in the upper deck support and lights - That doesn't leave much room for human hands.  You might consider pulling New Freedom out from under the upper deck slightly, at the expense of diminished lighting of course.  You could pull the lighting fascia out to light both levels and beat that drawback.

Constructability issues might pop up where the upper track before street running crosses over the climbing track beneath it.  There are three levels at that point.  If you can pull the top and bottom levels up (toward the top of the page) slightly to clear the climbing level, construction will be much easier to execute.  No hidden track also.  Unless the hidden track serves as a scenic divide.  If so, go for it.

Nice plan.  You've got a tiger by the tail in case that hasn't occurred to you yet. 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Thanks!

It's funny, after posting that I recessed hangover junction a bit further back for that very reason. I also figured out how to change things up and get another inch of separation there.

Thank you for spurring me on!

[C855B]

... And here's the latest upper deck plan. I recently changed the way the MMID staging works so I have fewer holes to cut in walls.

Maybe I'm a little late to this part of the discussion, but the staging loop has been eating at me for a couple of days. Is the inner loop really only 12" radius? That's mighty tight by modern standards. I'm sure you could work restrictions into operating rules, etc., but I see somebody getting into trouble with, say, Tangent hoppers or other similar new designs that are questionable for <18".

[SAH]

Thanks!

It's funny, after posting that I recessed hangover junction a bit further back for that very reason. I also figured out how to change things up and get another inch of separation there.

Thank you for spurring me on!

Regarding lighting for tight level clearances.  LED strips can help.  The one layout in Northern Ohio I've been able to operate on uses these:

https://www.birddogdistributing.com/120-volt-led-strip-lights/?_bc_fsnf=1&Color=Cool+White&Item+Length=148+Feet&Size=5050

They do a great job.  I plan to use them to light the next level down, should I somehow manage to get that far.

[mu26aeh]

Look at you with your layout design skills.

Hey Ed, ya got a minute ?

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Look at you with your layout design skills.

Hey Ed, ya got a minute ?

Yeah... Actually, I'll be happy to help.

[mu26aeh]

Sweet !  We'll need to summon the  for a planning meeting.

Back to your planning thread

[wm3798]

Complex track plans?  Tight clearances?


Yeah, let us know when you come up with that...

[Cajonpassfan]

Complex track plans?  Tight clearances?


Yeah, let us know when you come up with that...

Geez, I can see now how this might drive one to a “retro hollow core door” layout😜
Simplicity can be beautiful...
Otto K.

[Philip H]

Sweet !  We'll need to summon the  for a planning meeting.

Back to your planning thread

You need a web cam so we can ALL "chime in" and offer "Helpful advice."