Name: Carol Valley RR
Scale: HO (1:87.1)
Size: 12′-9″ x 18′-6″
Prototype: freelanced subsidiary of Baltimore & Ohio
Locale: West Virginia
Era: early 1950s
Style: around the walls with dropdown
Mainline run: 70 feet point-to-point, 98 feet with continuous run
Minimum radius: 20″
Minimum turnout: no. 4
Maximum grade: 2 percent
Benchwork: open grid, L-girder, cookie cutter
Height: 43″ to 49″
Roadbed: Homasote and cork on plywood
Track: Atlas code 83 flextrack, code 100 flextrack in hidden areas
Scenery: extruded-foam insulation board, cardboard strips with plaster cloth
Backdrop: tempered hardboard painted blue with clouds painted on
Control: Lenz DCC
The track plan initially appeared in the July 2015 issue of Model Railroader. Click on the link to download a PDF copy of this track plan.
I'm curious to see what yard operations in detail.
Turning a passenger train at Equinox with an express car to Adams Express and picking up an express car from Adams Express looks like a challenge. Even more so if there are other cars that are to be left where they are.
I'm also curious about where to stash the extra loco at Jackman. Also how to switch Jackman with a road loco and on switcher.
It looks like a pair of wonderful puzzles that are just barely solvable with moderate traffic, but really hard and time consuming with heavy traffic.
To William O'Toole, I also have two "y" switches and two double crossovers. The first are in Equinox and the last are in Jackman.
The track plan, the structures chosen, and your craftsmanship make this a layout that definitely appeals to me. Thank you for sharing.
Really liked. The plan, since it fits my room, I have one question, concerning switches. It list them as #4 min. What others do you use and where? Thanks for sharing
In answer to your question, Vance Carolin, I have been told I should extend the wye to make operations easier. And that is why I won't add to it. As it is now it makes you plan ahead for each move. A longer track would make it too easy.
In answer to your question, Jerold Vonderheid, The service track to the turntable is on connected to the lead track for the yard. I have two double crossover turnouts as you leave the main.
Wayne Strickland, I am glad you like it.
Thanks everyone.
Interesting ideas…A hinged fold-down tail on the Wye track on this layout would be useful…. ( One that almost touches the floor when not in use )
I really enjoyed this article because it is more in line with my own and offers a new view of things that can actually be achieved by me.
Generally a good plan. Question: How is entry gained to turntable/yard as the way this plan is drawn out…..no entry/exit?