Scenic Ridge Conversion to a Clinchfield Model

[cmcgloughlin]

Hi everyone.
I started a thread on my new HO layout in this same section but I am also thinking about future projects. I was inspired by Gordon Odegard's N scale Clinchfield layout from 1978 and would love to model this fascinating railroad in N guage someday. To my eye, I already have a N gauge layout that recalls the rolling hills and nestled tracks of the Clinchfield, that could be easily adapted to this theme. Problem is its all mainline - not really a functional railroad at all, mainly display.

My question is ... how would you start thinking about expanding or altering this layout to include key functional elements of the clinchfield. I know this is a big, open question but as stated before this is a big, future project and Im giving myself some time to think about. I'd love some starter suggestions!

Track Plan

Woodland Scenics Scenic Ridge as advertised:

Pics of my layout as it stands

Thoughts?

Thanks
charlie

 

[Jeremiaha Austin]

N Scale Clinchfield

I would find a copy of Modeling the Clinchfield and study what GO did. An around the wall or doughnut layout will be more scenically pleasing than an island layout.

JA

 

[RW&C]

Looks like your layout pics aren't showing up.

You have a lot of opportunities here for operations. I know nothing about the Clinchfield, but just looking at the track plan, you have a few good places for expansion. The bit at the bottom could easily be an interchange, and you could put a modest yard just across the main line from it. Add a switch to the track going under the bridge, and you could have a spur or two in the upper left part of the 8. You could probably get a spur or two in the lower portion as well. IMO this setup is a bit small for passenger service (especially with all the scenery on it), but you might be able to fit something in down by the yard if that's what you're into.

A coal mine or something would go rather nicely in the upper part of the 8, possibly with local deliveries in the lower part.

 

[Beachbum]

I would find a copy of Modeling the Clinchfield and study what GO did. An around the wall or doughnut layout will be more scenically pleasing than an island layout.

I agree with JA.