Track plan at a glance
Name: Red Rock Northern
Scale: HO (1:87.1)
Size: 9 x 11 feet
Prototype: freelanced short line in rural America
Era: variable
Style: around-the-walls with liftout section
Mainline run: 68 feet
Minimum radius: 24″
Minimum turnout: no. 5
Maximum grade: 2 percent
Originally appeared in the June 2007 issue of Model Railroader. Also appeared in 102 Realistic Track Plans.
Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan
Name: Red Rock Northern
Scale: HO (1:87.1)
Size: 9 x 11 feet
Prototype: freelanced short line in rural America
Era: variable
Style: around-the-walls with liftout section
Mainline run: 68 feet
Minimum radius: 24″
Minimum turnout: no. 5
Maximum grade: 2 percent
Originally appeared in the June 2007 issue of Model Railroader. Also appeared in 102 Realistic Track Plans.
Click on the link to download a PDF of this track plan
does anyone have a drawing of it with underneath storage?
I built this layout. Details and photos here: https://www.operatingsessions.com/Layouts/Boche
I took 2 years but I built this layout, scenery was not a problem. I did eliminate the two staging tracks, instead I went thru wall for future expansion. I also added a few spurs and 3 tracks to the yard area. I can send pictures to anyone interested. I plan on getting this layout published in Model Railroader this year. e-mail Gdrozd@hallstar.com
I started building this and immediately ran into issues with the track-heavy nature of the plan. I like the right side of the plan with the 2 bridges, but even that was going to be so compact that it would pose challenges for believable scenery. The yard and turntable also posed various issues. I think with a wider radius and a simplified twice-around with staging, the theme would definitely have potential.
We built this layout slightly larger (10 x 13) and found it very difficult to add scenery—too much trackage. After a move to a new house I hope to rebuild it, again somewhat larger and less trackage. Unless you enjoy crawling under scenery leave some back access to the top left corner behind the turn table. Hidden derailments.
Anyone else have any experience building this one?
Bill
Richard, I just started working on the same layout and have the same question with the lower level staging. I believe I have a solution, but haven't proceeded far enough to have a definite answer yet. My concern is what happens if there is a derailment in the staging area. I'm thinking of keeping the upper level over the staging area portable in case there is an upset in the staging area.
I've been looking at this layout for a while and finally decided to give it a try.
Stay tuned
Very much interested in building this plan, but would like to know if anyone has worked out the arrangement for the lower level staging? I also plan to extend the length form 11' to 14'. Thanks for your help. Richard
Nice track plan, I'm using it in a 9'x14' area and will have a little more staging room. It will be a fictious branch of the Western Maryland Railroad.
This layout really caught my attention, too. Through trains can make a grand appearance with two laps around, and there are great opportunities for yard and local switching. Two concerns: (1) lateral space between upper and lower level tracks is tight, so natural scenery is a challenge (i.e., lots of retaining walls might be needed); and (2) the staging tracks must be under the upper elevation track for sufficient clearance, limiting the number of staging tracks and making access from underneath the layout interesting (the lower level track and scenery is in front of the staging, the upper level track is above it, and the walls/backdrop are behind it). A slightly bigger room should alleviate both potential problems, and possbly allow for continuous, multi-track staging with better access. I'd be very interested in William Wilson's (or anyone else's) experience and tips with building this layout.
I'm using this with some modifications. Great layout
Yes, those are elevations. It appears there is a ridge that runs behind the yard – pretty cool. Nice layout for an average size room. Maybe I'll add a little more switching or a small peninsula. Just starting to build this one.
What do the measurements mean in the drawing, e.g. 3.5", 1" and so on? Is this referring to the grade?
Colin from New Zealand. Great looking layout, just what If been looking for after a lot of armchair modeling and trying to find the right plan but with a few changes for room access. Would also like to see some photos of finished layout.
Does anyone know if there are photos of this layout ? am considering using it but with a few changes. Thank you
Great, Thank You
The red rock northern is a plan that fills both needs in railroading ; mainline running and switching ; plenty of operation in a small space ; well thought out .
As of 10/17/2011, using Time Warner Cable as my ISP*, I did NOT have any trouble downloading the .pdf file for the "Red Rock Northern." So I'd encourage you to keep trying, or if need be, have a friend who uses an ISP alternate from your own, to download the file for you. Good luck!
*ISP — Internet Service Provider; such as AT&T, Comcast, TWC, etc.
I also had a problem downloading it
Had a problem downloading. Cross my fingers and hope I did not do anything wrong while trying.