Green Mountain Railroad Layout Build

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ctclibby said:
Another note: You might think about adding a cross-over on the right side somewhere near the 1st from the bottom 'Leg' label. That would give you a 'run-around' track for that location. IE. If running clockwise, you have 4 facing point, and 10 trailing point switches; if I counted right: only on the 1st cuppa joe so far. In fact, if you could get those 2 top ladder tracks connected back into the main without much trouble, you would not have to back into them for storage/whatever.

Has this layout been done with any track-laying software? I don't remember seeing that - if not, you might give that a go to check the curve and switch fitting with what the illustration shows.

It is amazing what you learn about MRR when you decide 'just do it' isn't it? At least you are reading about it whereas some of the others ( me included ) just started building .. then re-building .. Ad-Yawn.
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While the prototype does have a runaround in that location, James Hilton and I decided to exclude it and simply use the Bellows Falls runaround for operations if need be. We figured a runaround on 3 of the four layout sides would look kinda funky.

In terms of the yard tracks, the prototype has 2 or 3 yard tracks in a similar configuration to how it is shown on the layout plan. The single runaround there will definitely suffice for operations:)

To answer your question regarding a software track plan, James sent that to me first before sketching the layout. I included it in an earlier post. I believe he uses Anyrail but I could be wrong.

The reading definitely helps! Up until this point, I’ve done what you’ve stated for every project; simply build and repeat. It can certainly be helpful to learn from one’s own mistakes but in model railroading, quite costly too haha. Figured I’d better shift my costs to resources for enhancing my building techniques with confirmed good results behind them haha.
 
GuilfordRailman said:
While the prototype does have a runaround in that location, James Hilton and I decided to exclude it and simply use the Bellows Falls runaround for operations if need be. We figured a runaround on 3 of the four layout sides would look kinda funky.

In terms of the yard tracks, the prototype has 2 or 3 yard tracks in a similar configuration to how it is shown on the layout plan. The single runaround there will definitely suffice for operations:)

To answer your question regarding a software track plan, James sent that to me first before sketching the layout. I included it in an earlier post. I believe he uses Anyrail but I could be wrong.

The reading definitely helps! Up until this point, I’ve done what you’ve stated for every project; simply build and repeat. It can certainly be helpful to learn from one’s own mistakes but in model railroading, quite costly too haha. Figured I’d better shift my costs to resources for enhancing my building techniques with confirmed good results behind them haha.
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Thanks - found the CAD plan; although I could not click on to make it bigger. You still planning on running long passenger cars? If so:
GuilfordCropped.jpg

That curve looks to be about 1 1/2 squares - so 18" radii? Watch your under hang on that bridge.

As to the learning part. Everybody goes through it. What the more amazing part is you can take what you have learned about [Pick your fav] Carpentry, electricity/electronics, painting and general procedures; and use it with your house, shop... etc. Learning small costs less $$$ than doing it 1:1 for house/shop... etc and you have fun doing it. I did my 1st L-Girder in the late 70's ( 10' x 14' spare bedroom ) and as I got more comfortable with tools and procedures, that expanded into remodeling bigger stuff. Although I still can not mud sheet rock good at all, so scenery on the new plan should come out pretty much natural!

Keep up the good work!

Later
 
ctclibby said:
Thanks - found the CAD plan; although I could not click on to make it bigger. You still planning on running long passenger cars? If so:
View attachment 207302
That curve looks to be about 1 1/2 squares - so 18" radii? Watch your under hang on that bridge.

As to the learning part. Everybody goes through it. What the more amazing part is you can take what you have learned about [Pick your fav] Carpentry, electricity/electronics, painting and general procedures; and use it with your house, shop... etc. Learning small costs less $$$ than doing it 1:1 for house/shop... etc and you have fun doing it. I did my 1st L-Girder in the late 70's ( 10' x 14' spare bedroom ) and as I got more comfortable with tools and procedures, that expanded into remodeling bigger stuff. Although I still can not mud sheet rock good at all, so scenery on the new plan should come out pretty much natural!

Keep up the good work!

Later
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Glad you found the plan! I was planning on running longer rolling stock but after further investigation, I don’t believe that these 85’ Budd cars will work.

It seems that the prototypes are closer to 70’ not 85’, so I may end up selling the two I purchased and look for a more appropriate size. This will also work out better on the 18” radius as you have pointed out.

You’re definitely right! These skills will be applicable to many other areas in life too, which is great:)
 


I had a few hours before heading to family for a Christmas Eve gathering to work on more of the layout design. The plan I had for the benchwork in the upper right hand corner of the schematic didn’t work for me so I had to think about a slight redesign. I decided that I needed to add a small section of L-girders perpendicular to the others to support the joists better.

IMG_8447.jpeg


IMG_8448.jpeg


This corner has been particularly tricky because of needing to split the layout adjacent to the bridges. I decided to place these two L-girders slightly offset from where the legs are going to be placed to make it easier to attach them. The positioning of the legs isn’t permanent and can be adjusted but for now this is where they are going to placed.

Here is a quick sketch I did showing the general idea of each “module” or section of the layout and how they’ll connect.

IMG_8449.jpeg


The L-girder width is definitely not to scale but you get the idea:)

Each end of the “modules” will be bolted together with carriage bolts and wing nuts. I plan to drill holes in the joists to allow the bus wires to sit directly below the plywood.

This schematic just shows the underlying structure and backdrop & fascia but my plan is to use 1/4” plywood and several inches of foam insulation board as a scenic base.
 
I received the Vermont Railway GP40 #301 in the mail the other day. Unfortunately, it was poorly packaged and as a result the plow broke off and a hand rail broke. I contacted the seller and he refunded me a small amount to cover the repairs. The locomotive definitely needs a little TLC but it is weathered and looks pretty good! The DCC system works well too!

IMG_8466.jpeg


I will need to get a sound decoder into both this locomotive and the GMRC GP40 as well.

I now have a fleet of five GMRC and VTR locomotives that I will be working on as time allows.
 


Went shopping today for some new tools to begin the GMRC build. However, I discovered I’m gonna need a new drill set or at least a set of batteries for it since these ones are dead.

IMG_8511.jpeg


Once I purchase either of these, I should have what I need to begin the build. Next step is securing the lumber.
 
GuilfordRailman said:
Went shopping today for some new tools to begin the GMRC build. However, I discovered I’m gonna need a new drill set or at least a set of batteries for it since these ones are dead.

View attachment 207863

Once I purchase either of these, I should have what I need to begin the build. Next step is securing the lumber.
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Yup, time to play! If you haven't already, one of those square's on a ruler and speed square will help. Where is the cooler for beverages? I also got a clamp set pretty much like yours figuring it would be enough. Not! Harbor Freight had them on the cheap so I now have them up to my butt.

For a drill set, I chose Craftsman 20V stuff. I am amazed how long those batteries last. Other mfg's probably the same, but the first one was on sale so I just kept with it. Maria manages to steal one every once in awhile - you can't have to many drill motors!

Later
 


ctclibby said:
Yup, time to play! If you haven't already, one of those square's on a ruler and speed square will help. Where is the cooler for beverages? I also got a clamp set pretty much like yours figuring it would be enough. Not! Harbor Freight had them on the cheap so I now have them up to my butt.

For a drill set, I chose Craftsman 20V stuff. I am amazed how long those batteries last. Other mfg's probably the same, but the first one was on sale so I just kept with it. Maria manages to steal one every once in awhile - you can't have to many drill motors!

Later
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I already have the other squares you suggested so I’m good to go:)

Didn’t think about the beverage cooler!

I had a feeling I would need more but we’ll see how far I get lol.

The set I have is from Milwaukee. It hasn’t been used in a while so I think the batteries called it quits but if I can’t get a new set of batteries for it, I’ll check out the craftsman stuff.
 
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