Green Mountain Railroad Layout Build

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GuilfordRailman said:
I received the Rivarossi coaches. One was missing a small part on the trucks, and had a bit of damage but nothing too bad. These weren't shown in the photos unfortunately but I'm not too worried.

On a different note, James Hilton has finished the the layout plan and provided me with some sketches to go along with it!

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Having never hired anybody to help with any aspect of layout building, I was initially unsure of whether it would be the right move to hire somebody to help design my next build. James Hilton is a name often heard in the model RR community and he's known for his fantastic modeling work. It was a no brainer hiring him to design this layout. As the process unfolded and the results began to appear, it was clear I had made the right choice. I wanted the GMRC build to be the layout I'd have forever. I was sick and tired of building a layout, only to tear it down because I was unhappy. James asked me many questions about what is was I wanted and why I wanted it. These photos capture the scenes most important to me. Others were left out not only because of space constraints but because those scenes didn't provide me with the same emotions these do.

It was well worth it to work with James Hilton and it is definitely worth the price! He provides you with insight, advice, tips, and more. You receive a document with history on the railroad you're modeling or want to model, recommended benchwork techniques, a detailed list of parts needed to complete the track plan, and more.

I'm excited to get started on this build:)
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The sketches really bring out the essence of the layout which is not apparent when looking at the track plan
alone. Looking forward to seeing the progress.
 
Marlin39 said:
Exactly what I have done in the past. 6 one-car industries on one spur or cramming another siding into a space, just because there is space, looks great, but ain't prototypical.

I've learned less is more. A few, large, multi-car industries provides much more prototypical operation.

I like what you're doing.
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It is definitely hard not to want to cram a lot into a small space but it’s also important to allow your trains to simply travel from A to B:)

Thanks!
 


I’ve taken some time this afternoon to begin planning the benchwork. As mentioned previously, I’m thinking L-girder is the way to go but still considering other types as well. The diagram below is a quick sketch showing the underlying “sub-deck” of the L-girder system.

IMG_8381.jpeg


3 of the 4 sides will have a 1 ft wide sub-deck. The 4th side will be 16 inches. Having drawn this out and considering the module joints , it is clear I will need to shift both the lower end of the track coming out of the 90 degree crossing, as well as the placement of the bridges connecting North Walpole and Bellows Falls. It won’t be too difficult as it only needs to be shifted 1 or 2 inches to the left.

(Sorry for the pink drawing lol, ran out of colored ink in the printer.)
 
The purchases continue!

Over the last week or so I’ve secured a few purchases, two of which arrived today:)

Thanks to my wonderful fiancée, I was able to secure another GMRC loco, Alco RS-1 #400 w/ DCC and sound. This was an early Christmas gift.

IMG_8409.jpeg


My plan is to swap this dcc chassis with the one from #405. I will then convert #400 to dcc/sound at a later date.

I also have a Vermont Railway GP40 #301 on the way as well!

The other item I received today is a kit I’ve had my eyes on for a couple months. I found this one online for $15 and knew I had to have it.

IMG_8410.jpeg


I really like the look of this station and plan to use it for Chester Depot on my layout. Seems fitting, given it’s described as a Vermont passenger station lol.
 
I think that's New Haven, actually. Either way, it's really cool! :)

------------------

Ole' 804 came rolling by the office the other day lashed up to a couple GP38's. The best quick shot I could get with my cell phone:
54213577616_21367d2e42_b.jpg


Sorry, I promise I won't fill up your thread with pics. If one of their dinner trains comes through with a GMRC car, though...
 


GuilfordRailman said:
What is New Haven?

Feel free to share pictures of any GMRC trains! I won’t say no to those:)
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New Haven, VT Train Station:

136997892_4336632563030460_7349240003149098883_n.jpg


They actually moved the whole station a number of years ago in a preservation effort:
www.vermontpublic.org

In New Haven, Vt., a train station moves down the road

On a frigid January morning, train buffs and locals gathered to watch a 150-year-old train station move down Vermont Route 17. It's moving to make way for new Amtrak service slated to start later this year.
www.vermontpublic.org www.vermontpublic.org
www.wcax.com

New Haven depot arrives at new home

After days of slow-going, New Haven’s historic train depot has arrived at its final destination.
www.wcax.com www.wcax.com
 
KB02 said:
New Haven, VT Train Station:

136997892_4336632563030460_7349240003149098883_n.jpg


They actually moved the whole station a number of years ago in a preservation effort:
www.vermontpublic.org

In New Haven, Vt., a train station moves down the road

On a frigid January morning, train buffs and locals gathered to watch a 150-year-old train station move down Vermont Route 17. It's moving to make way for new Amtrak service slated to start later this year.
www.vermontpublic.org www.vermontpublic.org
www.wcax.com

New Haven depot arrives at new home

After days of slow-going, New Haven’s historic train depot has arrived at its final destination.
www.wcax.com www.wcax.com
Click to expand...
Oh Wow, that’s really cool! Thanks for sharing!
 
I received my set of four books today that I referenced in a previous post. I decided before any construction on this layout begins, I want to learn more about benchwork construction, track work, and wiring techniques, as well as bridges:)

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I’m still working on designing the benchwork but in the meantime, I’m gonna start with the benchwork book and make sure I’m on the right track, no pun intended.
 
This benchwork book has already proven to be a worthy investment! I’ve read the chapters on building materials, tools, hardware, and the L-girder construction method. I modified my plan based on some tips and construction techniques I learned. Some techniques were modified but the basic concept is definitely followed.

IMG_8420.jpeg


IMG_8421.jpeg


The primary change I made was the location of the module joint in the upper right corner. Having it designed this way makes it easier for construction. Another thought I had was to space the joists apart more to 16” rather than 1’ but I haven’t decided yet.

My only concern with this design is that the L-girders themselves will only be about a foot apart and therefore the leg supports won’t be very wide, which could result in some instability. Perhaps not though since each layout section will be bolted together and when combined together, will (hopefully) form a solid structure. I suppose I could always add a couple extra leg supports here and there if need be.
 
GuilfordRailman said:
Well I can’t promise good results because I’ve never tried it either lol but feel free to follow along:)
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I wish I would of taken more time to learn more about the differant styles of benchwork. I just went with ply-wood topped since that was always what I had done, plus it was the fastest way to throw some Unitrack down and run trains.

In hind-sight I wish I would of went more open grid, or L-girder. It would of made my grades much more natural.

I think its great your taking the time to study each approach and find what will work best for your situation. I too will be watching this with interest.
 
migalyto said:
I wish I would of taken more time to learn more about the differant styles of benchwork. I just went with ply-wood topped since that was always what I had done, plus it was the fastest way to throw some Unitrack down and run trains.

In hind-sight I wish I would of went more open grid, or L-girder. It would of made my grades much more natural.

I think its great your taking the time to study each approach and find what will work best for your situation. I too will be watching this with interest.
Click to expand...
I never really thought about different types of benchwork until this new build but I realized I hardly knew a thing about model railroading! It’s such a diverse hobby with so many elements and I knew very little about each and every element. I figured it was time to dive deep into the hobby:)
 


GuilfordRailman said:
This benchwork book has already proven to be a worthy investment! I’ve read the chapters on building materials, tools, hardware, and the L-girder construction method. I modified my plan based on some tips and construction techniques I learned. Some techniques were modified but the basic concept is definitely followed.

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View attachment 207277

The primary change I made was the location of the module joint in the upper right corner. Having it designed this way makes it easier for construction. Another thought I had was to space the joists apart more to 16” rather than 1’ but I haven’t decided yet.

My only concern with this design is that the L-girders themselves will only be about a foot apart and therefore the leg supports won’t be very wide, which could result in some instability. Perhaps not though since each layout section will be bolted together and when combined together, will (hopefully) form a solid structure. I suppose I could always add a couple extra leg supports here and there if need be.
Click to expand...
Way back when .. L-Girder benchwork design was pretty much 1/2" to 3/4" plywood on top of the joists @ 12" centers; with 1/2" Homasote on top of that. Ya, you can stand on it. From what I have been seeing now days, 1" or 2" foam is the going thing. With that 12" centers are probably needed even though the foam does not look to bend at all, although unknown what happens in a few or more years. 16" centers might be out there. For me, I am gonna do the 1" foam with 1/8" plywood on top for sub-roadbed @ 12" centers. Also to me, 12" center makes it easier for grades vs figuring the rise at 16" centers although this is not your case as you look to be flatland. Calculator is your friend, but still.

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.

Later
 
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