GG1 4877 posted:When I ever get started on my 2 rail layout it will represent about 20 miles of the NY&LB that I grew up on circa 1953-1956 when my grandfather commuted on it. I have most of the trains that are era appropriate with a few notable gaps to be filled. Essentially CNJ and PRR in mostly commuter operations with short freight that served the few businesses on the line.
It will required a LOT of compromise and selective compression, but my idea is to make it modular in nature so I can build it up over time. On the south end I will plan on having the Bayhead loop where all the morning's commuter trains were prepared for the daily commute to NYC. It will terminate on the north end at Rahway, NJ where it connects to the PRR mainline. I am thinking a hidden loop there just to turn trains and only modeling what is a 6 track mainline at that point for no more than 5-10 feet.
GG1, Your reminiscences and dilemma are both familiar to me. I explored the area you are modeling, back in the early '70s, when GG1s still held sway and ex-PRR Es vied with CNJ power at the the Amboys to haul the cars south.
After years of dreaming, I finally settled on modeling the Chicago Great Western from Chicago to St. Paul - all in a room 12x40. I wanted a terminal-to-terminal operation but 400 miles equates to 44,000 linear feet of O Gauge/Scale railroad, so, "compromise and selective compression" became very much the order of the day. In order to accomplish any of my goals, I had to have my two terminals become one terminal with a split personality: Chicago/St. Paul. With a run-through "Central Station" located between the two terminal yards, the plan will give me the flexibility to operate freight and passenger trains terminal-to-terminal, enjoy "looping" or both.
Your central point of interest is South Amboy, where all roads and power met and where most activity took place. Therefore, perhaps a "dog bone" design comprised of the PRR, perhaps combined with the CNJ, forming the "northern loop" and the Bay Head balloon track forming the "southern loop", South Amboy would be the centerpiece. Branches could be shoehorned into this scheme as space and inclination permit. The Raritan Bay Bridge could be an interesting feature, too, and electrification could be done in stages, just as on the prototype.
Like you, I waited for decades before accepting my limitations, finalizing a track plan and beginning construction. Having built the first module and made switching moves, I can't wait to build more and be able to run through trains, too. I hope that you can begin to your realize your dream, you've chosen a fascinating subject. Go for it!
