Name: Delaware Avenue Branch
Track plan designer: Bille Neale
Scale: HO (1:87.1)
Size: 9 x 12 feet
Prototype: Pennsylvania RR, Delaware Avenue Branch
Locale: Philadelphia, Pa.
Era: 1920 to 1960
Style: sectional
Mainline run: 72 feet
Minimum radius: 24″
Minimum turnout: no. 5
Maximum grade: 2.2 percent
Train length: 5 feet
Height: 0″ to 3.5″
Benchwork: lightweight, 2 x 6-foot sections
This track plan originally appeared in Model Railroad Planning 2017. The online version has been revised to show the arrival/departure tracks at Monroe Yard in their proper configuration.
Patrick: Sorry I did not see this until today. I was able to maintain the 2% grade throughout that turn and keep 3″ of space between the track and the bridge. No High box cars on the lower section. Still trying to work out how I going to do the steel viaduct and mount the cross over switches, I’m using two crossovers on the viaduct.
I really don’t think this can be built to the size drawn. I’m using it more as a guide and I’m changing the Delaware Ave area tracks to get rid of all the cross overs. No one in their right mind would lay the tracks as designed.
I am trying to build this to the size indicated in the drawing. I have a question/concern about the roadway at the end of the second of the 2 6’ modules, where the line from the Delaware team tracks descends down to 17th street. It looks as if the roadway starts from the inside of the “L” at about 2” (based on it looks as if the track on the 2.1% grade is at roadway level), but then has to climb to about 3” to allow for the double track to pass under it (as indicated by the broken lines), but then must drop to 0” immediately to clear the viaduct and get to the water street elevation…basically from 3” to 0” in about 4 “ length.
I’m surprised that no one has commented on this track plan yet. I had a print shop print the drawing out to scale size and after looking it over decided to give it a shot. Or at least as a starting point. I have built the two legs of the “L” on rolling tables, each about 9′ long and 31″ wide. I will also add 5’6″ extensions to Madison and Delaware Ave yards attached to the end of the “L” with a support leg on the ends. The final size of the “L” will be about 12′ X 16′. This will allow more separation and larger buildings. I will also double track most of the line to better match the real line.
Reviewing the plan to scale I noticed that the grades were very tight with the bridge height, the additional length will help keep the grades at 2%.