A change of name and a change of direction.

For some time I have been trying to squeeze the Yacolt branch into my 20' x 10' Layout space. No mater how I did it, there was to many compromises. I just couldn't fit the two components I wanted into my space.

With the way the exchange rate is currently locomotive power for the branch was quickly adding up to the price of a small car.

There are a number of people blogging working on either freelanced or proto freelanced layouts that I follow intently. One thing that has stuck me is i find them enjoyable and they are still able to achieve small operating sessions.

The decision has been made to start a fictitious line and utilize parts of my previous plan. The Owen Pass Lumber Company operates a short branch line through to the town of Owen Pass and then heads off into the woods with various logging operation.

Minimum radius 24" on main and 20" on the upper "Y".
All turnouts No.6 Hand Laid
Max Grade 2%

The upper deck plan is very similar to my yacolt plan.
Town of Owen Pass consists of a Depot, Team Track, Car Repair Shop, Boiler / Welding shop, Furniture manufacture. The Mill area consists of a Mill, Log Dump and car storage tracks. There is a 3 track travereser above the helix to stage log trains on.

 

The lower deck has changed completely and is reached heading clockwise down the helix for 3 turns. There is scope to reduce this to 2 turns and continue the grade all the way through to Owen Pass. The point to the logging staging will need to be altered though. 

Coming out of the helix you enter the main town on what could be called the Middle Deck. Unnamed as yet this will include the lumber companies loco service shop and equipment sidings as well as some small industry.

A long run along a narrow shelf that sites 200mm above the lower deck through to a small town consisting of a run around  and 2 sidings. Possibly an oil dealer and team siding. 

From here you enter a dramatic scene with the main crossing itself and a gorge below then through a single turn helix and running parallel to the river gorge. A total of 200mm fall down to the lower deck. A short tunnel for a view break between the two.

Another large trestle to cross before the interlocked crossing of the NP main and into the interchange yard at the lowest point. This Yard will be built as a Freemo TOMA Module that can be removed.

I think this plan will offer me more variety then the single track mainline of the Yacolt branch.

Minimum 2 train lengths between towns has been achieved. Reduce hidden track from my original plans.