Don Simon's Layout

[AARR]

Okay, some of you guys asked, I'm not very far along, but here's where I'm at.

The Layout:

The Helix:


The Cars:


The Buildings:


The Work Space (Where I build my models):


The Diagram: The lower level represents points south of Diann and north of Ann Arbor; Huber = Ann Arbor; West Pittsford = Milan (Conan Powder Co.) and Dundee (Coal Loader); Innishowen = Diann. I'm putting industries in the same locations but modeling Ann Arbor prototypical industries. For example the coal loader = Dundee Cement; Silk Mill = Fingerle Lumber; Freight House = Dundee Grain, engine facilities = freight house, interchange, and coal yard, etc. On my layout the track to Conan Powder Co. leads to Milan interchange with N&W and several Milan industries (it angles away from main board like Huber/Ann Arbor side of board):


Me and my better half, Redina, who gives me alot of help, with this hobby:



There you all go!

Big thanks to my son Andrew, who is an expert at taking pictures because I am technologically challenged when it comes to posting pictures and taking them!

edit: I'm putting this picture in here too because without me, this post would have never been possible My dad said that I had to put a picture that had my sister in it too

Don Simon

[SD80MAC]

So we get to see the layout and the infamous Don Simon! Looks great, can't wait to see some trains running on it.

[leo28150]

Hey Don, looks like you need a haircut

It ought to be fun putting track down in the helix with it built up like it is; how much seperation do you plan to have between levels??

[AARR]

Hey Don, looks like you need a haircut

It ought to be fun putting track down in the helix with it built up like it is; how much seperation do you plan to have between levels??

Right after Andrew posted this Redina was cutting my hair when Lindsey came running in that you posted I needed a haircut

3-1/2". The helix is not mounted yet so that I can raise each level like an accordian. Once the track is secured it'll get permanently mounted.

[leo28150]

It must be contagious; I'm getting Sue to buzz mine here shortly too

[Gov. Crappo]

cool Don..looks like youve been armchair modeling for a while ...keep us upto date

[DTI973]

Don,

It all looks good!

Nice clean benchwork.

It will be fun to watch it develop

[Racer]

Very nice work Don!

[PlymouthStationGuy]

Nice job on the layout Don. When its my time to build a layout and I need to put in a helix. Now I know who to call

[TrainWatcher]

Nice work Don....

[sd70accsxt700]

Don you better tell your AA crews to get some extra tough rain coats, the turds from those birds flying over head might be devastating.

[AARR]

When its my time to build a layout and I need to put in a helix. Now I know who to call

My brother in law, Dave Klem, built the helix off-site and transported it to my house. He is not a model railroader but loves carpentry. He simply wanted to take on the challenge of building the helix cause he's never done it before.

Thanks for the feedback guys. Much appreicated!

[nssd70]

Nice track plan. Lots of operation.

Doug

[Justin]

Looks really cool, can't wait for some operations.

[Garry K]

That helix looks pretty tight. 24" radius curves? But you're pulling short cars in short trains, right? My long autoracks and hi-cubes would never go around that (not to mention they probably wouldn't have vertical clearance) helix!

Garry K

[AARR]

That helix looks pretty tight. 24" radius curves? But you're pulling short cars in short trains, right?

You have a good eye, GaRRy. The outside loop is 26-1/2" and the inside is 24". There's 3-1/2" clearance between each level. The rise is under 3% (2.76 to be exact). My longest freight car is 40' and my passenger train is only three cars so I should be in good shape.

[sd70accsxt700]

Autoracks, and parts cars, should handle a 24" curve, especally in a hidden place like a helix, as long as you dont have anything longer then a 20 or 30 car train. Especally if they are weighted to specs. It would be nicer to have bigger curves, but still should work.

PS, anyone else notice a common "thing" in all the photos.

[AARR]

as long as you dont have anything longer then a 20 or 30 car train. Especally if they are weighted to specs.

I don't plan on running trains more than 15ish cars. In the 1950's, the era I model, AA ran six short trains per day, 3 in each direction. One was a hot train (mostly meat southbound and auto's northbound), one switched major interchanges (Milan, Diann, Ann Arbor, etc.), and the last one switched industries and minor interchanges.It wasn't until late 1950's/early 1960's that AA ran one big train in each direction with three locals handling local business.

I've always weighted my cars to spec. I also take great care laying track and solicit the assistance of my Uncle Francis who has a great eye for track laying. The combination has led to smooth operations.

PS, anyone else notice a common "thing" in all the photos.

Sure, they all have trains in them

[OwlCaboose2853]

Looks great job. Don

[JANGAJONGA]

looks cool!