City Point Model Railroad Planning
This is my first shot at a plan for
building a true HO scale City Point model railroad. Basically
since I don't have the space, the idea would be to build it in modules
that could be fitted together when I have the space, or perhaps even at
shows. The white lines delineate each module. I figure
that if the first couple modules were of the
warehouse on the right, they might even be made compatible with
standard HO modules, with the use of some adapter modules. This
version assumes that the backdrop would be on the bluffs, with the
operator standing in the river.
Many major and minor things need to be worked out - here are just a few thoughts.
- Which
side gets the backdrop and which side becomes the operating side.
- This first shot assumes that the land is the backdrop. If I made the land
side the backdrop, I could incorporate in views of the fortifications, and
the activities in the area
- Making
the river the backdrop opens up some equally interesting possibilities.
The
operator gets the view that so many people at the time had from the
bluffs above the river. Operation would be easier because
the tracks would be closer to the front of the layout. If I make
the river the backdrop, then I
probably would adjust the layout so that the layout edge is at the base
of the bluffs, not at the top of them.
- How to incorporate an operating transfer dock, this becomes especially problematic if I make the river the backdrop side.
- How can I build such large modules light enough to be portable.
Second
proposal - Below is a version with the river on the backdrop. The
front of the layout starts at the base of the bluffs, with the operator
standing on the bluffs.
Here
is a refined version of the river on backdrop version with each module
outlined in green. This image has areas not modeled
cropped out. I managed
to reclaim some of more the bluffs, including Grant's HQ on the west
end. The barracks on the hill are removed to provide better
access to the yard and trackage on the wharfs. There are no
switches on joints between modules and as much as possible, the joints
run vertically up and down slopes, rather than across them at an angle.
Joints between modules are straight, with no curved junctions
between modules. There are a few joints with odd angles, but I
figure that it would be easier to do this than having a joint running
through a important piece of scenery. A total of 10 modules,
all fitting within a 4'x8' form factor
would be required. I think 1 additional module would be required
to
feed the yard for proper operation.
More
refinements - most significant is the track plan. I've modified
Merricks map with photoshop to reflect the trackage as seen in many of
the photos available from the Library of Congress. Take special
note of the tracks leading to the engine house. Two extra tracks
and crossover switch servicing main warehouse are also removed.
Also gone is the warehouse added in March. Some small
buildings that appear in photos of the yard have been added.
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