GuilfordRailman
Well-Known Member
As model railroaders, we can't help but start planning new layouts while we're currently working on the present layout. For years, I have dreamt of having a layout focused around my favorite railroad and locomotive from my childhood. I found this locomotive online the other day, purchased it, and decided it was time to build my dream layout, (sort of). What I mean by "sort of" is that I would need A LOT of space to accurately represent the railroad, which I do not have. Therefore, I am making a condensed version of my dream railroad, utilizing a standard 4 ft x 8 ft sheet of plywood. This project will be focused on the Green Mountain Railroad and the historic GMRC Alco RS-1 #405
I like the challenge of fitting track plans into small spaces, hence my 2 x 3 ft micro-layout from a couple years ago and the present 1 ft x 6.5 ft shelf switching layout. Below is my first "trial" configuration for the build:
The design incorporates some of the key elements found along the scenic ride from Bellows Falls, VT to Chester, VT. This design also incorporates two industries found along the line as well to add operational interest. The scenic ride begins at Bellows Falls Station where #405 and its train will back out of the station siding onto the main line before proceeding across the Connecticut River and along the river bank. As it proceeds, it also passes Riverside Reload Center. The train continues along the mainline past the historic Bartonsville Covered Bridge. After a couple loops around the layout, the train climbs the grade before arriving into the town of Chester, VT. At this point, passengers are allowed off the train while #405 uncouples and runs around the train. After the train couples back together, passengers re-board the train and head back to Bellows Falls, repeating the same cycle of a few loops around the layout. Once in Bellows Falls, the train utilizes the runaround in the yard to get oriented so that #405 enters the station siding first. This completes the scenic ride
For industry operations, #405 or other GMRC/Vermont Rail locos can help to switch out Riverside Reload or Erskines Grain and Garden, utilizing a variety of rolling stock such as boxcars, covered hoppers, tank cars, and more. These cars are switched out, being brought back and forth to the yard at Bellows Falls.
Below are some pictures I found on google to use as reference photos for the build, enjoy
It will be a few months before this build will begin but I wanted to take my time and make sure I designed the layout exactly to my liking, and make it suitable for what I'm hoping to model. As mentioned previously, this is not the final design but a starting point. Any feedback is greatly appreciated
I like the challenge of fitting track plans into small spaces, hence my 2 x 3 ft micro-layout from a couple years ago and the present 1 ft x 6.5 ft shelf switching layout. Below is my first "trial" configuration for the build:
The design incorporates some of the key elements found along the scenic ride from Bellows Falls, VT to Chester, VT. This design also incorporates two industries found along the line as well to add operational interest. The scenic ride begins at Bellows Falls Station where #405 and its train will back out of the station siding onto the main line before proceeding across the Connecticut River and along the river bank. As it proceeds, it also passes Riverside Reload Center. The train continues along the mainline past the historic Bartonsville Covered Bridge. After a couple loops around the layout, the train climbs the grade before arriving into the town of Chester, VT. At this point, passengers are allowed off the train while #405 uncouples and runs around the train. After the train couples back together, passengers re-board the train and head back to Bellows Falls, repeating the same cycle of a few loops around the layout. Once in Bellows Falls, the train utilizes the runaround in the yard to get oriented so that #405 enters the station siding first. This completes the scenic ride
For industry operations, #405 or other GMRC/Vermont Rail locos can help to switch out Riverside Reload or Erskines Grain and Garden, utilizing a variety of rolling stock such as boxcars, covered hoppers, tank cars, and more. These cars are switched out, being brought back and forth to the yard at Bellows Falls.
Below are some pictures I found on google to use as reference photos for the build, enjoy
It will be a few months before this build will begin but I wanted to take my time and make sure I designed the layout exactly to my liking, and make it suitable for what I'm hoping to model. As mentioned previously, this is not the final design but a starting point. Any feedback is greatly appreciated
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