Minimum radius works out to 10 1/2 inches. I'm sure this will cause the purists to have a collective conniption fit, but due to space limitations plus the fact I'm modeling a secondary line on the Frisco, this will do. 4-axle diesels were the rule on these lines, and stack cars and TOFC was nowhere to be seen.
Track is Atlas code 55 flex and turnouts, with code 80 used on the track and passing siding in the semi-hidden staging area. Micro Engineering code 40 is being used in the spurs, the passing siding at the front, and the interchange spur at the bottom right. Track is ballasted, but in some places a little ground foam has been sprinkled on the tracks to simulate the weediness inherent of Frisco secondary and branch lines. We're not modeling the TGV routes here, folks..... ;)
Obviously, Frisco is the modeled road, but for interchange as well as personal interest Missouri Pacific will be represented on the interchange track, thanks to the purchase of an Atlas GP38 painted for MP circa 1970s. Two major shippers will be modeled; a poultry feed mill on the left, and a paper mill on the right. Both industries are common in this area, as well as on the former Ardmore & Arkinda Sub of the Frisco (the ALT Sub's inspiration). Thanks to the fine kits by Walthers, both shippers will be well represented.
The back tracks, as mentioned before, are semi-hidden (or will be once the scenery is in place) and serves as a good place to store the daily local and roadswitcher. The operating plan is simple- the train enters from one side, peforms its switching and interchange work, and leaves the other side. Meanwhile, the mill switcher swaps out cars at the mill, leaves cars for the next day's local, and then ties up. This looks like a good place for either that second-hand ex-BN goat or the VO1000 (in Frisco colors) I picked up cheap from an online hobby shop.
To control all those trains, I'm staying with conventional methods- two power packs and block wiring. Yes, I know it's the 21st century and I should be running DCC, but I'm not, so sue me (lol). However, the locos I have now are fairly new, and have space for decoders should I decide to go that route- all I have to do is learn how to install decoders. But until then, I'm running it old-school.
I AM going with MT (and equivalent) couplers and low-profile wheels. The Atlas code 55 makes for rough running for Micro Trains deep-flange (pizza-cutter) wheels, so any MT wheels I have are being removed. No Rapidos will be used if I can help it. There are debate raging on model railroad forums concerning body-mounting couplers on the rolling stock, but for now I'm not going there- I'll stick with truck-mounted couplers at this point.
As I progress, I'll post updates here and at Trainboard.com.
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