HO BN Switching Layout


I

Itsed65

Member
I've been working most of the summer on a track plan for my available space of 9 feet by 18 inches along the wall of my home office. I want to be able to solo operate for around 30 to 45 minutes per session. I have gone through dozens of plans and iterations and have mostly settled on the below plan. It is a modified version of a published plan from Rob Chant's site. I'm going to model a fictional end of branch somewhere on the GN right at the time of the BN merger in 1970. I've got the lumber down in the garage and am getting ready to start cutting! I wouldn't mind some feedback on the plan for operation and make sure I am not missing anything. I have plenty of time. I'm retired and the winters are long here in Maine!

Cheers!


Oct GN.jpg
 
Itsed65 said:
I've been working most of the summer on a track plan for my available space of 9 feet by 18 inches along the wall of my home office. I want to be able to solo operate for around 30 to 45 minutes per session. I have gone through dozens of plans and iterations and have mostly settled on the below plan. It is a modified version of a published plan from Rob Chant's site. I'm going to model a fictional end of branch somewhere on the GN right at the time of the BN merger in 1970. I've got the lumber down in the garage and am getting ready to start cutting! I wouldn't mind some feedback on the plan for operation and make sure I am not missing anything. I have plenty of time. I'm retired and the winters are long here in Maine!

Cheers!


View attachment 201540
Click to expand...
I think the plan looks pretty good myself! Is that locomotive track meant for one owned by the grain coop?

Looking forward to the build!
 
Nothing wrong with that plan. It is VERY similar to a 3-rail O-gauge switching layout (2' x 16') that I have, and mine's good for about 30~45 minutes per session. Incidentally, mine is also a fictional, end-of-branch layout, but rather the Rock Island set in the 50's/60's era.
And if you have a good sound-equipped loco like I do, yours should be even more fun to operate too! :)👍
 
Looks good. Rico's comment about lengthening the passing siding might be something to consider. Since you are modelling a GN area right after the merger, you might leave the GN paint scheme on your locomotive, except for BN lettering. At least you'd avoid that awful BN green and black paint job. It took a while for all the rolling stock and motive power to get repainted. Indeed, an occasional C.B&Q. Geep even showed up in the original "black bird" paint! But it is your railroad. Best wishes!
 
Thanks for all the replies! I could easily extend the siding a bit, I'm waiting to get the two modules together and physically put the track down to see what works where, for switch motors and such. I have an Athern GN GP-7 and the new Rapid 44 Tonner in NP Eventually I will get a CB&Q switcher or maybe even a U-boat to throw in, but I also do like the BN Green! Construction is starting today actually with some mild demo in my office. I may start a build thread in the Layout Design and Construction thread, if I can discipline myself to take photos along the way!

Thanks again!
 
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