Below are Bill's notes on the recent major changes. Scroll below the text where you will be able to click to view the two diagrams.
The layout has been changed to represent both the Central Vermont RR and the Boston & Maine RR using much of the same trackage. The layout depends on the paint scheme of the power and some signature scenes to identify the line that the train is being run on. There are several scenes that are ignored one railroad to the other. The prime example of this would be Belchertown on the Central Vermont…which is skipped over if you are running B&M. It falls in the middle of the Tunnel. Likewise, the East Portal scene is skipped when running CV. (See #6)
The Central Vermont is currently perceived as useful for those in the group who wish to do some local switching work. The Boston & Maine is perceived as longer run though trains with helper service being incorporated in the run from Mechanicville to East Deerfield.
While two different railroads are presented the dispatcher of that session executes train movements as if it is a single railroad. A schedule of some sort, likely sequential, will be developed. The group is currently moving towards a car forwarding system which will be applied to the railroad. The CV will likely be more single car spots while the B&M will be mostly cuts of cars. Much development lies ahead.
The Model RR magazine referencing the future of the hobby has an article on a signaling system based on cardboard stand ins. I’ll be working on incorporating that system to learn more on feasibility. I am definitely surrounded by members who know that part of the effort.
I am working to improve the quality of the trackwork and the layout in general. That said, the layout continues to be remarkably reliable on Train Night despite the myriad changes I have put it though. I will look to refine the layout versus wholesale redesign, though I admit to one more concept/thought that may come about sometime in the distant future.
Having a blast.
Bill B
CLICK EACH LINK TO OPEN DIAGRAM
Click below to view Garage side of layout:
Bill’s 2018 10 10 track diagram 1
Click below to view Window side of layout:
Bill’s 2018 10 10 track diagram 2
Model Train Operations 