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| Last updated on January 19, 2021
Download this track plan from Model Railroader
Name: Roanoke & Southern
Layout owner: Jeff Kraker
Scale: HO (1:87.1)
Size: 9′-31/2″ x 22′-6″
Theme: freelanced Eastern coal hauler
Locale: southwest Virginia
Era: 1953-1960
Style: walk-in
Mainline run: 78 feet
Minimum radius: 22″
Minimum turnout: no. 5
Maximum grade: 4 percent
Originally appeared in the May 2010 issue of Model Railroader.
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I'm a tad cocnerned about the 4% grade, which would require a helper district. The minimum radius would dictate short steam locomotives to look good, although I'm aware that many newer plastic steam locos are engineered to handle it. I fortunately have another 2' in width to widen the curves a bit.
This Plan is very adaptable to any room size and seems to have a good varity. I am also age 71 and have been working on my existing walk around plan with a center cut out for controling. It's like a big C configuration.
I have diddly for an imagination, so finding Jeff's (et al) plan(s) was a great way to get me moving. I will use Jeff's layout in an abstract way to satisfy my desires, as well as others' layouts. Wonderful hobby we have here! Thasnks Jeff.
I'm, considering, building this plan in a space oj 22.4 X 14. This is because I need a fully walk-in plan, that can be maintained at age 71. The L&N, Southern & N&W will Interchange with Norton, VA (my focus). Mine runs from IRR will interchange coal loads & interchanged merchdise tracfic to the L&N, Southern, CRR & N&W. I find this plan to fully meet my needs & I thank Jeff to get me on track.