In this case, my client was willing to build sections in a variety of sizes as best suited the design. The only requirement was to keep benchwork angles in increments of 5 degrees and maximize the use of 45-degree and 90-degree angles where possible. I tried to keep each section in the range of 12 square feet of surface area, to make moving easier. The Tatanka/Bass Lake sections are intended to hang from a 2X4 stud or knee wall. In order to create an angle for this peninsula that best used the available space, a somewhat oddly-shaped “keystone” section is needed at the base of the peninsula. Most of the rest of the suggested sections are rectangular. As the client builds, he may opt for combining some of the smaller sections (such as the lower right corner of the track plan) into a single larger section for ease of construction -- although this may mean that the resulting larger section cannot be used as-is in a new home. Staging tracks probably will be supported along the wall on simple shelf brackets below the main layout sections. With the exception of the main staging yard, most of this staging benchwork and trackage probably will be “disposable” in the event of a move.
Figure 3
Low-key but Engaging Operations While the operating crew will not be large in number, the layout supports a variety of traffic. Passenger trains should look great on the broad curves, and there’s work for local freight jobs as well as through freight trains setting-out and picking-up cars for a possible dedicated switcher at Everett.
Page 34 • Issue 11-02 • Feb 2011 • Relaxed and Realistic GN in HO, page 4
Figure 3: Typical Upper-Midwest arrangement with multiple grain elevators along a widely spaced track (left), separate from main track and siding (center and right). This is Sisseton, South Dakota on the Milwaukee Road, photographed in 1939 by John Vachon. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA-OWI Collection, LCUSF33-T01-001660-M5 DLC. Keeping things relaxed and realistic should make for a great operating and viewing experience along the Great Northern!
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