Okay... now to update you on the roller coaster ride that has traditionally constituted my way of doing model railroading!
First off, the above modifications (the corner mods) were a huge success and the layout and operations are so much the better for it.
Secondly, I had seriously considered using the bench work here* in this computer room to scratch my 19th century itch and went so far as to design a layout to use said bench work.
* As a matter of info, I have 24" deep bench work around the walls of this 12' 6" x 9' x 6" computer/office room within our home. It also passes through the 24" deep closet. This bench work has been in place since the very early 2000's and has been used to experiment with Sn3, 3-rail, S scale, a rather complex HO urban industrial, etc. It has served its purpose well, but never as it was originally intended (Sn3).
So, here's a look at what I came up with for a 19th century, Colorado theme, to reside in this small room upon the existing bench work that would allow for grades and helpers by using a "switch backs over the divide while the tunnel is being bored" concept. I could also use the tunnel track for continuous running when I just wanted to watch trains roll. (A desire for continuous running doesn't happen very often, but it can upon occasion.) Anyway, I present to you the plan for the "Colorado & Pacific":
However, no small amount of time has passed since the above concept. During that time, I've come to this rather sobering conclusion.
To be continued...
