New SHLR Railroad

[AL1]

After far too long from the world of model railroading, I have decided to make a comeback in the form of a new freelance railroad. It will be called the Sand Hills Railroad (SHLR), a shortline with scenery based on the South Carolina Sand Hills (go figure) and the Wiregrass Region of Southwest Georgia/Southeast Alabama.

My intentions are to make an "L" shaped layout, with a deformed end for a small interchange. The focus of the railroad is a rural interchange, and the shortline connects to a mid-sized town that features a couple of industries. I hope to include at least three industries, one of them will be in the "rural" area between the interchange and the town. Motive power will be custom built GP10's based on the ex-IC rebuilds that were on just about every shortline during the 1990's.

At this point in time I am trying to find some layout design software (preferably freeware..) so I can at least get some idea of what I'll be doing.

Oh and.. HO Scale is my choice here...despite the space limitations I have, N Scale is too small for custom locomotives (in my opinion).

 

[UP2CSX]

There are two commonly used freeware layout planning packges. The first is XTrkCad, available at http://www.sillub.com/. The second is Atlas Right Track 8.0, available at http://www.atlasrr.com/righttrack.htm. Both have their strong and weak points although there's no doubt that XtrkCad is both mmore difficult to learn but also has more options. I'd download a copy of each and try them out. You'll soon find which fits your needs the best.

 

[AL1]

I tried out the Atlas software, and while I like that it was easy to use, I found it difficult to navigate and to get pieces to fit right. The XTrkCad was easy to learn, and I came up with my first design:

The pieces don't fit 100%, but I wanted to get the general shape and dimensions. Also, the interchange isn't included because I haven't decided how I want it done.

I will use Code 70 rail for the mainline, Code 83 on the curves and easements, Code 55 on the siding in town, and Code 40 on the 3 industrial spurs. I won't go up to 100 for this layout, as it is much too large for a branchline.

 

[macjet]

In case you didn't know, the only commercially available GP10 is from Kaslo. I have one of their kits and am saving for a second. They run $100 for the shell. You'll need a Proto 2000 GP9 frame for the drive.

I look forward to your GP10 build. I have a Farmrail GP10 waiting for a hundred other projects to get done first.

Welcome aboard!

 

[AL1]

In case you didn't know, the only commercially available GP10 is from Kaslo. I have one of their kits and am saving for a second. They run $100 for the shell. You'll need a Proto 2000 GP9 frame for the drive.

I look forward to your GP10 build. I have a Farmrail GP10 waiting for a hundred other projects to get done first.

Welcome aboard!

Thanks! I went to their website, and it looks like the perfect model, being a Paducah Shops Rebuilt GP10. I am also considering that Paducah GP8.. I wanted a third locomotive to be in "storage" on my layout, a GP8 sounds like a perfect contender!

As for the Proto 2000 GP9 frame.. What kind of price range are we looking at?

 

[riverotter]

I will use Code 70 rail for the mainline, Code 83 on the curves and easements, Code 55 on the siding in town, and Code 40 on the 3 industrial spurs. I won't go up to 100 for this layout, as it is much too large for a branchline.

How will you transition from the code 70 to code 83 track? From your description it sounds like they'll both be used on the mainline.

 

[AL1]

How will you transition from the code 70 to code 83 track? From your description it sounds like they'll both be used on the mainline.

I will either use the transition rails, or just bring the rails to even height and solder. Using the Code 83 on curves matches the prototype, plus it holds shape better (in case anyone was wondering).