Greenville in an Apartment Bedroom

[GrandTrunkFan]

Due to moving to Lansing and my current apartment life Ive had to cut back on model railroading quite a bit, but I have been able to start work on a 12ftx2ft along the wall layout and have based my layout on Greenville in the late 90's. Ive had to selectively compress a good chunk of the town (Man I hate those words....but its a nessicary evil of model railroading) but have got the Electrolux half of the layout plotted. Construction of the other half will begin later this fall when it gets cold again. Anyway Ive had to forego the wye in town. The farm fertilizer place AARR told me about will have cars spotted on the stub track representing the main going north. I may do a fold down addition to include the fertilizer distributer later on though. The surface is temporary cardboard. I have my styrofoam but need to cut it to shape. Heres some shots:
Overview:

The 6ft long Electrolux half:

Electrolux Yard:

Electrolux tank car unloading and the fertilizer dealer temporary location:

Unfortunately, I cannot switch the fertilizer place until I get the second half of this done. But I can switch Electrolux for now, and that can be a tedious task. Power for the line is a U23B thats being "borrowed" from the CMGN for now, but am working on getting some power that looks a little more at home on the line. The second half will include Northland, a bridge over the Flat River and hopefully the other yard in town to serve as a staging point and include the depot and engine house.

[AARR]

Nice looking switching layout and box car fleet.

When MMRR first took over they switched a french fry plant (Ore Ida maybe???) at the very end of the line (about 1 mile north of Greenville). Received cooking oil and shipped out bagged french fries IIRC. May have also shipped out some starch in covered hoppers. It would compliment the rest rest of yur layout if you can fit it in

[GrandTrunkFan]

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=r61h1f7wwxm1&lvl=17&dir=0&sty=b&form=LMLTCC

Is this the Ore Ida plant you were talking about?

[AARR]

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=r61h1f7wwxm1&lvl=17&dir=0&sty=b&form=LMLTCC

Is this the Ore Ida plant you were talking about?

I thought the Ore Ida plant was out by Peck Rd on the old CSX line 1 mile due north of Greenville. That map said Viking Rd. I could be wrong about where the plant was though. Maybe someone else can confirm its location.

[GrandTrunkFan]

Found this pic on RRPicturearchives of 5080 switching Kraft foods in Greenville. Least thats what the discription says:

[sd70accsxt700]

If that is the place, dont think they were switching out french fries, as those are regular 60' Hi-Cubs. Would french fries not need a reefer. I know McDonalds wherehouse in Toledo receves reefers full of fries.

[AARR]

If that is the place, dont think they were switching out french fries, as those are regular 60' Hi-Cubs. Would french fries not need a reefer. I know McDonalds wherehouse in Toledo receves reefers full of fries.

The box cars in that picture were either for auto parts (Federal Mogul who used rail briefly while MMRR operated the Greenville line IIRC) or appliances, not french fries.

[sd70accsxt700]

Well then Mr. Leese's photo discription is wrong, per GTW's fan take on it, or that is not Kraft foods. Based on info presented I presented my find.

[SD80MAC]

My description is probably wrong, I really don't know where that picture was taken.

[GrandTrunkFan]

My description is probably wrong, I really don't know where that picture was taken.

Was just out there last Friday taking some pictures and it looks like its taken from the Grove st. crossing from the enterance to the Federal Mogul parking lot.

[GrandTrunkFan]

Just an update. I have fitted the styrofoam and have laid the roadbed. The undecorated GP38 on the end I hope to get painted into Grand Rapids Eastern colors (Even though I know Mid Michigan is more appropriate, but 5106 did go to Greenville a few times). Also have potted out some roads and where scenery goes. The white minivan marks where Im going to put a house and driveway. Im loving the results so far and cant wait to senic the place up! Next step is going to be painting the track and nailing it down. Hopefully I can find a decent break in the rain this weekend to do it!

[GrandTrunkFan]

I thought Id post some updated pics of the layout so far, I have started ballasting the track and did a little painting that will be the layer under the ground cover. I also painted my track camoflage brown to make it look rusty and painted the cork brown to look like underlying dirt. Also experimented a bit with Woodland Senic's road making kit. Havent painted the road yet though.


Ive been experimenting with the ballast. Ive mixed cinders with medium gray and have been alternating between heavy gray and heavy cinders. I think the track looks pretty shortline looking with the mix. Any opinions?



And Im suprised I havent been asked this, but the trackplan for the complete layout, for Mr. AARR:

Like I said though, I cut a lot of useless track out but thats the deal when it comes to model railroading.

Heres a link to the diagram, since I see the site made it a tad smaller:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y116/GrandTrunkFan/greenvillemap.jpg

[AARR]

You are right, I forgot to ask for a diagram. I can see the resemblance with the prototype. If you can ever get another wall you may be able to add a staging yard for your trains to go to Lowell.

[GrandTrunkFan]

You are right, I forgot to ask for a diagram. I can see the resemblance with the prototype. If you can ever get another wall you may be able to add a staging yard for your trains to go to Lowell.

Oh but the girlfriends desk is along the wall now! I could run it over her desk...

But Id like to the whole MMRR/GRE from Lowell to Greenville and Ionia, back to GR and a little bit of CSX eventually when we get a house. I know it sounds ambitious, but I think it could be done reasonably.

[csxt4617]

You are right, I forgot to ask for a diagram. I can see the resemblance with the prototype. If you can ever get another wall you may be able to add a staging yard for your trains to go to Lowell.

Oh but the girlfriends desk is along the wall now! I could run it over her desk...

Tell her your railroad is exercising "Eminent Domain" (or should that be "Imminent Domain"...as in, it's going to happen right now! )

[GrandTrunkFan]

Just an update on my progress as of 11/3. Theyre with my cameraphone so not the best quality.

First few show my ballast work. This pic shows the yard. I didnt ballast the warehouse track because itll be enclosed.

Old Main:



And with the start of some scenery:




I should go up to Lowes in Ionia. Theyre going out of business and should get my lumber for the second part of the module.

[GP9R]

Nick, its looking good

[AARR]

I suggest placing a bumper on the spur that ends at the edge of the layout!

[GrandTrunkFan]

Nick, its looking good

Thank you sir!

I suggest placing a bumper on the spur that ends at the edge of the layout!

I agree 100%. I havent because I keep telling myself eventually Im going to expand it for 86' auto parts boxes when I have to room to do so. Itd be hard to run anything longer than 50' boxes now.

[AARR]

I havent because I keep telling myself eventually Im going to expand it for 86' auto parts boxes when I have to room to do so. Itd be hard to run anything longer than 50' boxes now.

I saw quite a few 60' hi-cubes used as well

You can use a nail for now and pull it later when you expand