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Layout Trackplan

(Note: As of 2004, this is no longer the final trackplan. I moved the yard to staging, added a continuous-running loop, and simplified the engine terminal. I'll have the new one posted shortly)

Here is the latest version of the trackplan (updated 2003-08-31). It is a simple "Out and Back" plan with a stub yard.  Unlike the previous version of the plan, I decided that I would forgo any window access to the left-side window and instead use that area for the layout.  For more information on the evolution of this plan, please see the previous version (select from the menu at the top left).  In addition, my wife confirmed with me that the closet must remain accessible and usable for storage of boxes and winter clothing.

I took some liberties with locations.  For example, Cumberland station would not normally be located at the end of the yard, instead it would be on the other side of MY Tower and Knobley tunnel.  Also, Elkins and Chaffee would not be located on the other side of Knobley tunnel.  The two locations have been pretty much swapped.

The newly-added logging operation (in green) will provide an opportunity for me to pick up one of the new Bachmann HO Climaxes when they come out.  Or, if I decide not to go that route, I may do it in narrow guage.  Either way, I get a lot more operational and modeling interest.  As the WM kept most of its own locomotives and equipment in spotless condition, a beat-up logging operation will be just the thing to balance it all out.

To see a larger version of the trackplan, click on the image above.

To download the trackplan in 3rd Plan-It format for your own personal use, click here.

To visually compare the current plan with the previous plan, click here.

Elevations and Grades

(Update 2003-09-09 : I have modified some of the elevations so that the highest track is at 64" elevation at the railhead.  That lowered the yard to 46" and lowered some of the chaffee grades.  64" is a perfect level for my line-of-sight.  I will update this page and the plan soon)

3d Views

Here are some 3d views of the layout.  They help visualize the above track plan much better.  You'll need to use your imagination when it comes to scenary and benchwork.

Here you can see the roundhouse and coal tower.  It is modeled after Maryland Junction, but is obviously heavily compressed.  I'm really looking forward to building that coal tower.  I have some great photos from the WMRHS and other sources.  It is a very large, very interesting timber frame structure.  (This is an older screenshot, but is close to the final version)

Here is another view of the coal loader, sanding tower, water towers, turntable and yard.  (This is an older screenshot, but is close to the final version, except for the missing second level with the Vindex engine house)

Here you see tracks coiled around a small mountain and leading up to two coal mines.   In the top center, you can see the first coal mine. Up and to the right, you can see the second coal mine.  Slightly to the left of center, you can see the proposed sawmill.  Keep in mind that I never modeled the mountains (or base terrain for this level), so the tracks appear to be floating in air.  It looks like a lot of spaghetti, but once it is scenicked, I think it will look pretty good, as much of the track to the rear will be in tunnels or crossed by bridges.  Off to the left, you can see the switchback that leads to the Vindex engine house where the shay is kept.

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