The goal of the Element Track Plans are to create a portion of a scene (such as a small business or activity) that can be inserted into a layout to instantly expand Operating interest. Perfect for Freelancers or "Tinplaters", they use a minimal number of turnouts, and can often be populated with toy structures. The track plans and structure styles in each element differ slightly, for visual variety should multiple elements be added to your layout.
The following spur represents a large towns US Mail handling facility, where RPOs and/or sealed mail cars transload mail.
The following spur represents a waterfront warehouse on a pier, owned and operated by the Navy.
Note: The rear access to the fiddle track suggests this plan is better suited to a portable module.
These Diorama-like Track Plans can be used as-is for a static display; be incorporated as part of a larger layout; or with the addition of a Lead Track, function as an operations oriented Micro-Layout.
The Peacetime Military is surprisingly a theme rarely exploited by model railroaders. Inbound warehouse supplies would come from all over. Inbound and Outbound troop transports (most likely an assortment of leased passenger cars long out of commercial use) would shuttle to training grounds. Inbound and Outbound equipment transports would shuttle either to training grounds, or to a military port such as the Port of Beaumont [EXPLANATION].
To accommodate Operation oriented apartment dwellers, this narrow track plan packs a lot of shunting action into a small space. A (flip-down) tail track (which could double as a connection to another layout) will be required to be added. While it can obviously be adapted as a playspace for a Tinplaters toy military cars, the track plan incorporates an amalgam from real world military bases, so is a justifiable candidate for super-detailing by Hi-Railers.
Features include an isolatable long storage track, convoy assembly track that doubles as a military fuel unloading track, two circus style loading tracks (one can also be side loaded), and a box car door height food/sundries warehouse platform which allows a utility truck to back up to on one side and has a ramp for a forklift on the opposite side. Since cars are loaded (fiddleable) singly, the induced gentle S-curves are not a problem (but if in doubt, use the outermost loading track). Note that the warehouse side is intended as the isle facing side (the warehouse and gear/ammo storage buildings are assumed to exist in the isle). Just for fun, there is an action car activation magnet in front of the warehouse platform (and room on the tracks opposite side to place a Lionel Helium Car dump bin if desired).
If you can afford the space (2.5' x 9'), this larger variant (which will support contemporary cars up to 20" long) is a better choice. For extra fun you could isolate the tank car unloading area at the end of this longer Assembly Track, and using a threeway [on-off-on] toggle switch, connect one side to the track power and the other side to a small AC toy transformer (so you could power a stationary Vibro-Motor equipped car).
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