| Last updated on January 18, 2021
Download this track plan from Model Railroader
Name: Progressive Rail
Layout designer: Jim Hediger
Scale: HO (1:87.1)
Size: 3 x 16 feet
Prototype: Airlake Industrial Park
Locale: Minnesota
Era: 1970s
Style: Island
Minimum turnout: no. 5
Originally appeared in the June 2002 Model Railroader. Click on the link to download the PDF of this track plan.
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This is the one drawback for using LDE's. There is scope for applying modelers licence to either change the direction of the approach track and include a staging yard with run around track as was suggested by Paul or add a curved point on the approach to Highbury Ave, Drop out one of the tracks next to the transfer shed or reduce the depth of the rear industry. The second points would fit between the Rexam Plastics points and the facing points to the diamond crossing. You could apply a limit (eg no access to the "Main" which is just past the curved points) that would restrict the run around to a Loco and maybe one car to make you work harder and smarter.
If I was to build this layout I'd include both as it would enhance the on layout action and provide an of layout connection to the rest of the World.
Note to the Editor: I am not sure what you want from the Model railroader? If you like to switch cars than use a road switcher and is a good place for use with good working K-dee couplers.
@James Ross
The prototype railroad plan on top does indeed show a runaround on the main. But, the lower plan, the model track plan doesn't go that far. I think the only way to runaround is to use the too short (in my opinion) track just below the diamond.
I like the design. However, I would change it to a "L" shaped operation and have the mainline/interchange along the left with an optional fiddle track.
It is an interesting design, one that will make you take your time to think out your moves. But for a shelf layout there needs to be a run around track in the design, not just out on the mainline. A yard on the left with 3 or 4 tracks to bring cars from would enhance this layout.
Personally I always loved the layout called the Kingsbury Branch about an N scale layout
in the Chicago downtown based on the real trackage. Wish MR would put that in their layouts to download; I'd be building one in a minute!!
I retired way back in May of 2014. I knew I'd be able to spend more time modeling my railroad and getting into the articles, such as this. I saw the very interesting track plan and took a good look. How sad I have lost two years of my life. I see the "Progressive Rail" track plan is copyright 2016. My how time flies faster than the Daylight..
Thanks for sharing this!!! Another great idea for a shelf layout in N scale flavor.
John if you look out on the main there is a runaround . A little more work to switch , but then again that's the fun in the hobby .
@John Buckley…. Best guess is that you'd need two locomotives working the cars from either end of the cut – one good reason for using DCC on such a small layout, even though we could probably do it in DC too, though with a ton more wiring!
The prototype operates using 2 switchers, one for facing point and one for trailing point. The original article in 2002 goes into greater detail.
Theres no runaround. How do you place cars in the facing point turnouts. No possible way to do that the way its designed.