All about compromise..

If there is anything I have learned so far about this hobby, it is that compromise can be the biggest challenge to overcome, especially when trying to model a real location...

I think, however, that I have overcome months of trial and error with the Chalk River yard. Before the rails were lifted, there was basically the main and two sidings, with a lead to the wye Off the second siding track.

On my layout, there are two alternate reality elements:
1. An engine shop
2. A team track for CNL/AECL and other local business

While these were not terribly difficult to find a place for, a functional and reasonably lengthy run-around is necessary for how the layout will operate.

So, after many months of moving track around, here is the latest and I like it! Still need a few turnouts, but this may just work...

The team track is the spur to the right, which more or less would have been the location of the original CP station.

I can run around 6 * 40-footers, or 5 * 50-footers with ease, so I happy with that!

A little layout tour

I thought this might be the quickest way to bring this blog up to speed on the current status of the "Mattawa & Chalk River" construction...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pneiut7Dr6I

To summarize, I have track in place from Mattawa all the way to Chalk River. I still need some materials to finish building up the Chalk River yard, but I've been playing around with what I have to mock it up.

Chalk River will have some fictional elements, most notably the big blue engine shop. I'm also looking at a secured "Team Track" for AECL/CNL tonnage, this may come right off the main, to the right, where the station would have existed back in the 80s.

I've yet to revise the "Story" of the this layout, the story is changing. I'll run the CP power that I have, but I'm going to work towards getting some true Ottawa Valley Railway power in the current G&W Orange, and perhaps even RLK 4096 in RailAmerica colours! You'll still see RLK 4096 on the real North Bay sub.

In the mean time, my focus is on completing Chalk River yard and getting to the point where I can run a train each way with a functional run-around.

January 2017 - cold winter months

So I was down in the train room today.... Been a while, even longer since I posted here.

Track is laid to West Chalk River yard switch. Now I need to order some turnouts to finish the yard and run around.

I will post more later, but the Chalk River shop is mostly built!