The SBT is dead, long live the SBT. You can find my new layout here:
http://hobigblackfootrailway.blogspot.com/
Thanks for reading, we'll see you in the timber!
May 1, 2009
Apr 29, 2009
Apr 28, 2009
Simplicity
We've all heard that tis a gift to be simple. I think this layout will live up to that gift. And this more focused approach will hopefully help this layout end up closer to what I have in mind. But on the simplicity.
This railroad will have one purpose and that is to serve the sawmill. Loads in, empties out. The sawmill is much like the one I work on, a portable mill powered by portable power. Manpower is limited and our production must balance our operating costs. The product remains local after sale and it's a family run operation.
The idea of a sawmill based railroad came from a digital book I came across about how to build and operate a sawmill. I plan on perusing this book a bit more to learn how you plan to build a railroad to serve your mill and what the cost vs. benefit is.
-The railroad will be single track built on little to no ballast. This will be my first layout based around Code 83 as opposed to Code 100.
-There is no interchange with another railroad. I hope to make this railroad insular as defined by current FRA standards. The sawmill company will own all the land the railroad occupies.
-Minimum radius will be 18". I would like to go 15" but operating at those extremes limits my motive power and rolling stock options.
-Grades will minimized as much as possible to allow for ease of operation. There will be a single switchback en route to the upper camp. Lower landing will occupy this switchback.
-I want every piece of scenery, track, motive power and rolling stock to have a reason for it's inclusion on the layout.
The layout is to be L-shaped foam core on a wood grid base. Deck level will be optimized for operation and it will be conventionally powered with blocks for two locomotive operation.
This railroad will have one purpose and that is to serve the sawmill. Loads in, empties out. The sawmill is much like the one I work on, a portable mill powered by portable power. Manpower is limited and our production must balance our operating costs. The product remains local after sale and it's a family run operation.
The idea of a sawmill based railroad came from a digital book I came across about how to build and operate a sawmill. I plan on perusing this book a bit more to learn how you plan to build a railroad to serve your mill and what the cost vs. benefit is.
-The railroad will be single track built on little to no ballast. This will be my first layout based around Code 83 as opposed to Code 100.
-There is no interchange with another railroad. I hope to make this railroad insular as defined by current FRA standards. The sawmill company will own all the land the railroad occupies.
-Minimum radius will be 18". I would like to go 15" but operating at those extremes limits my motive power and rolling stock options.
-Grades will minimized as much as possible to allow for ease of operation. There will be a single switchback en route to the upper camp. Lower landing will occupy this switchback.
-I want every piece of scenery, track, motive power and rolling stock to have a reason for it's inclusion on the layout.
The layout is to be L-shaped foam core on a wood grid base. Deck level will be optimized for operation and it will be conventionally powered with blocks for two locomotive operation.
Slide Ass Jammer
We have one of these on the log train at our local historical museum. Cheap and easy to make and maintain they allowed lumberman to easily load and unload timber at the logging camp with no preparation required at the site. A wonderful fit for Salmon Bay Logging and Lumber. Here is a shot of the prototype in the far left corner.
And here are a few pictures of my attempt.
For my second scratchbuild it's not bad considering my first one was a dock. Looking at it now I can see the hundred flaws that this "resemblica" has and that annoys me slightly. But I am very proud of it and intend on pressing it into service. I think I may build another down the road closer to the real thing but for now SBL&L has a means to load the timber. All they need now is a layout.
And here are a few pictures of my attempt.
For my second scratchbuild it's not bad considering my first one was a dock. Looking at it now I can see the hundred flaws that this "resemblica" has and that annoys me slightly. But I am very proud of it and intend on pressing it into service. I think I may build another down the road closer to the real thing but for now SBL&L has a means to load the timber. All they need now is a layout.
Apr 27, 2009
Major News!
There have been some huge changes for the SBT. The layout as you've seen it is no more. Our landlord asked that it be dismantled. We have however secured a new location closer to home and will begin construction as soon as we can. This will also bring a few changes to the concept of what will continue to be, the Salmon Bay Terminal Railway.
The reality of the location is going to be changed drastically. The feel of the real Salmon Bay will be retained but the emphasis will change. Timber will once again be king and the coastal forest of Northwest Washington the setting. Mainline interchange traffic will no longer be the bread and butter and the railroad will be self contained, the mainline railroad running parallel at the end of track. The time period will still be variable depending on the mood of the operators but the transition period will be the default time setting.
So I will continue to keep you updated and keep your ears perked for the sound of whistles echoing in the deep forests and the sound of heavy logging locomotives as they go about their business.
The reality of the location is going to be changed drastically. The feel of the real Salmon Bay will be retained but the emphasis will change. Timber will once again be king and the coastal forest of Northwest Washington the setting. Mainline interchange traffic will no longer be the bread and butter and the railroad will be self contained, the mainline railroad running parallel at the end of track. The time period will still be variable depending on the mood of the operators but the transition period will be the default time setting.
So I will continue to keep you updated and keep your ears perked for the sound of whistles echoing in the deep forests and the sound of heavy logging locomotives as they go about their business.
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