Ingleton: A Small and Simple Shelf

 

As mentioned as a possibility in my last post, while still in design mode for the new 4th Subdivision, I have started a small "practice plank" as a first layout in the basement. In addition to engaging in active modeling, Ingleton will provide an opportunity for self analysis for the strategic planning needed for the design of the larger layout, and perhaps more importantly review and practice existing skill as well as learn new ones. This shelf is a bit less than a foot deep and six feet long, so it will definitely be small and simple. 

In mounting what Lance Mindheim calls "the board of education," I realized that a finished look with a museum or theatre approach is important to me. The use of a backdrop is also important as I clearly want to look at the layout as a 3D artwork. While Ingleton will not have coved corners, even with a "practice" layout, presentation and backdrop are critical to my enjoyment and approach to model railroading. 

With this simple shelf railroad, I wanted to be able to use it as both an Inglenook switching puzzle and at other times more prototypically with the inclusion of a background building/industry and team track. In either case I will be limited to moving rolling stock from one track to another. My plan has been to use some of the truss rod and other "too old for the 1950s" rolling stock that I have collected, here on the Ingleton shelf. Using the 0-6-0 switcher and the largest truss rod reefers I determined the length of the sidings on a quick sketch rather than drawing an accurate track plan. 

I started mocking up the Inglenook track plan on the plank after allowing room for a background structure and using the track lengths that I had calculated. My first version had a slight curve between the two turnouts creating a problematic "S" curve. After thinking about it overnight and looking through Lance Mindheim's book, How to Design a Model Railroad, I noticed his guideline of straight track between curves and turnouts of four to six inches. I then redid my full size mock- up, and by moving the location of the turnouts, I was able to use straight track between the two turnouts and leading into and out of the turnouts on the second mock-up. 

From the track taped in place, I marked centerlines with pencil dots, ends of turnouts, and head block locations. Then I connected the dots using a straightedge and a single piece of cork to pencil in smooth curves. I double checked distances and extended the head block and end of turnout lines, so that the marks could be seen after the cork was installed. 

My most recently accomplished step was to glue down the cork following the center lines of the track plan. As I didn't have any turnout pads on hand, I used a fresh blade in a utility knife and was able to fashion the turnout areas fairly smoothly. I described this process in a much earlier blog post. As mentioned in that post, even though I am not planning on using switch machines, I went ahead and drilled slots/holes for the turnout machine actuating rods in case I ever change my mind. Next steps will be prepping the two turnouts, wiring the frogs and feeders, and laying the track. 

Learning Points:

• Backdrops and presentation are important to me
• Mocking up in full size is helpful
• Operations style is important from the begining in planning
• Add minimum straight transitions between curves and turnouts

Starting Over Part Three: Rationale For a Small, Initial Layout

 

Unpacking and setting up the workbench has begun

Having started unpacking my model railroad materials and setting up my modeling work area in the basement, I am itching to build something before Version 2 of the 4th Subdivision is designed. In chatting with more experienced model railroaders and reading some of the design experts, one of the recommended first steps in planning a model railroad is to evaluate one's interests and visions by answering a number of questions. By initially building a small shelf railroad I will gain some more practice and experience which may help me answer some of those questions, build some additional skills, and get myself back into active modeling while I plan and prep for the larger model railroad. 

Likely spot in the basement for a "shelf" layout

Lance Mindheim suggests that "modelers in 'waiting mode' build a small, simple practice layout on a wood plank" in his article, "All You Need to Know, in Four Square Feet" in the August 2020 Model Railroader. He explores a similar approach to "mobilize folks to get something up on the wall" in his December 18, 2012 blog post. In the MR article he stresses skill building, calling the practice plank the "board of education." Having moved before my last railroad was completed, scenery and structure building are two skill areas that I need to experience more fully. Also, I may explore a different approach to operations by possibly incorporating an Inglenook Sidings puzzle.