One of the projects is on the lower level, on the smaller peninsula. This is where the A.P.R.R. has the Richmond Hill Engine Terminal. The name for this area goes back to growing up on Long Island and the L.I..R.R. When I worked in Richmond Hill in the 70's, I used to go visit the Morris Park Engine facility. There was a great viewing area on the south side of the terminal. The roundhouse and engines were in clear view, and I always thought about having an engine terminal on my railroad. Here is an image of the area. This is the view I always had....
I was using some parts from an old Walthers Engine Shop, a few years old. This kit has the 'grooves in it for the rail. Three tracks in the building. I will add a track on each side of the building. One track will be on the east side which will hold PS-2 covered hoppers which will have sand loaded from the N.Y.C.T.L. during our virtual operating sessions. Here's some of the progress....
I have a Preiser set of welder's on order and they should arrive next week. Still need to add more details. Suggestions are welcome...
This is the footprint of where it will be located on the lower level. The base is one from another kit, which will be going south later this year. The rail that I will use for the terminal is code 83, which will line up with the turntable. For the two tracks on each side, those will be code 100 and I use a Walthers Code 83 to 100 conversion piece off the turntable.
I was told by my friend NJ John to have track come out the back of the engine terminal for 'damaged or triage' engines that don't run. I will add 9" of track like you see below which will be an extension of the Code 83 Flex track that I will use. I'll cut all of the ties out of the track that will sit inside the building. Plenty of track in the front for another engine on each track. Capacity will be 9 engines, probably put the ones I rarely use out the back. I do know once this facility is finished it may change the way I operate some gatherings. More than likely a 'special' gathering will happen with my NJ friends John and Norman. I know John is looking forward to seeing it up and running. The wiring for this will be fairly easy, and the tracks will either be on toggle switches or a rotary switch as there's a lot of motive power that can be stored down there. Last count is close to 30 locos, which is a rough guess.
The engine shop looks great!!! I don't think the Richmond Hill Roundhouse was ever this clean! With the interior details the building shouts for interior lighting so they can be seen clearly. Some fuel or oil tanks outside the shop might add some visual interest to the overall scene without taking up too much space. This could be one of your many 'signature scenes' and draw many a camera lens, especially during the big invasion.
ReplyDeleteReally sharp looking Engine facility, Neal! That will give the APRR a great spot to showcase its collection.I agree Sir John, lots of photo and eye candy.
ReplyDeleteI've done the same thing with scrap or dead engines on tracks coming out of the back of the shop.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful project. You can can do a lot of operations within the engine facility in itself. Looking great !!!
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