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Scotts-dale Division Site
Scotts-dale Division Layout Version 1 - test track
Theme: Norfolk Southern in West Virginia.
Goal: Small layout to practice track laying skills and DCC
The first version of the Scotts-dale Division was a test layout built on four (4) standard modules (2 by 4 feet) that were clamped together. The layout had two purposes, first it was a track laying test; I didn't want to repeat the mistakes of the Carolina Central. And it was a continuation of DCC testing, including the signaling system.
There were several iterations of the design, some just on paper; but some were mocked up with real track pieces. I got in the habit of using double-sided poster tape to hold the trackwork in place. My focus on understanding the DCC system, overwhelmed my interest in practicing track-laying and soon the layout degraded to being only a DCC test layout.
The other testing that emerged from the layout was operations testing. I experimented with different types of operations such as locals, mine turns, etc. Also, I experimented with different types of paperwork such as car cards and waybills, switch list, etc. Through these experiments I gain understanding of how I wanted to operate my future layouts.
Below is the second revision for the track plan.
The track plan provides for seven industries: A building supply co., a furniture maker, a coal dealer, a power plant, and three coal mines. The branch line that serves three different coal mines, a small truck loader, a small tipple, and a large prep plant. The power plant is served by a dedicated spur and is loosely based on the John Amos Plant near Charleston, WV. Also, to passing sidings have been added to the track plan.
Off stage, each end of the layout is served by a single, double-ended staging yard. In addition, the yard is provided with a yard lead, and run-around so that I can try the basics of yard operations.
There are two key flaws in the design which kept it from being operationally successful. First, there is only one yard. This was used as a classification yard, but then there was no staging yard which meant that there was no "world beyond the basement" and greatly curtailed operational interest. Second, in order to fit the curves on the 24 x 48 inch modules, the turns were 11 inch radii. These were too tight for all my six axle locomotives and any of the longer cars. The Kato Superliners could make the turn, but they looked horrible.
Thus, the branch line was never finished and the power plant spur was greatly simplified. I operated the layout enough to understand DCC and then moved on.
SDD Layout version 1 - Photos
Below are some of pictures of my layout. The first picture shows an overview of the layout. There are three key areas to the model, the power plant, town, and the yard. The second picture shows the future site of the Amos Power Plant. In the lower row, the first picture shows the tracks through town, On the left is the passenger shelter. On the right is the Furniture company. The second picture shows the yard.
The first picture shows the two completed modules. The second picture shows how I use square and clamps to ensure that the corners of the module remain square.
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| Overview of the layout. This was prior to the addition of a mine in the foreground on the left. | West end of the layout. This was to be the location of the power plant, a simplified version of which was built. | |
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| Layout Yard. Ground throws were used for yard turnouts, mainline turnouts were controlled by DCC. | Close-up of town and industries. |