The new
layout project for the hobby room is taking shape. One of the main goal is
learning to master operation tools (switch lists and car routing via JMRI
OperationPro) and fine tune locomotive decoders. The goal is to start small to
get a better understanding of basics, then move on accordingly.
The layout
plan is based on the work of a British modeller knowns as Mog on YouTube and
RMweb who dabbles in North American modelling. His simple track plan is
versatile yet extremely mundane and typical of North American small town
railroading. Better, it is car spot sensitive, meaning each move makes sense in
the grand scheme. Dedicated sidings serve a team track, a logistics warehouse
and a feed mill and a runaround track provide some variation. Train length is about 5 cars plus a caboose if required. Operation represents a switcher
turn from a staged railroad yard to an industrial district.
While
small, this layout allows exploring specific operation patterns, including car
spots, schedules, off spot storage and other interesting concepts. In my mind,
it is primordial this project can be built and put into operation quickly.
Better, I like the fact this layout can then be realistically scenicked then be
expanded later on. I’m not looking to replicate a particular prototype, but
rather a vibe and something that can be used both as a test bed for ideas and plain
enjoyment.
Having collected
over the years a lot of unused freight cars fitting this project scope and era, I know
it won’t be boring. I also want to take this opportunity to better understand
the electronics, mechanics and programming behind locomotives. This is also the
kind of project that would lend itself well to experiment later with
ProtoThrottle.
While some could
see this project as a washed up version of anything I had in mind, I must admit
I’m tired of planning elaborate projects and not enjoying my trains.
Streamlining the design allow me to reach interesting steps quicker and it
certainly doesn’t mean I’ll water down the level of craftsmanship, not at all.
Basically, this is what Quebec South Shore Railway has always been about.
Hedley-Junction is already a formidable tool of prototype-based modelling. No
need to pursue two hares at a time.
About the
setting and locale, I’m seriously thinking about a fictional town located on
Quebec/New England border. For the sake of variety and modelling interest, I’m
thinking about rotating the railway identity from time to time, including
Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, Central Vermont, Maine Central and Vermont
Railway. I already own several locomotives in these paint schemes that doesn’t
fit Hedley-Junction and which I have no interest in reselling. Most of them are
first generation ALCO/MLW and EMD locomotives. In particular, Central Vermont
is interesting because by the late 1970s, new and old paint schemes could be
seen and “foreign” power from sister companies such as CN and DW&P were
common.
