10-21-2010, 04:26 PM
I hate to post unless I have something constructive to share, but it doesn't seem like a very 'scene-scere' plan. That is, unless there's some sort of vertical or other visual separation (like a scenic element), the branch line industries could just as easily be served by a siding off the main line. The branch sort of clutters up the layout in that case and relies on alot of imagination to be a really separate entity from the main line.
If it were me, I'd let the branchline climb after it leaves the yard, even a tiny amount, before reaching the passing track and sidings next to the town opposite the yard. Put in a creek or some sort of scenic element between the branch/town and the yard. The visual separation plus the scenic element will serve to create a sense of distance between the two areas. PLUS, the town buildings will hide the main line sneaking away behind them.
Then let the branch climb a stiff grade out of town. If the main were to drop down as the branch climbs, you could have some fun by snaking the branch back toward the main, and bringing the main away from the wall so that they cross each other twice. Add a river or rock formation to suggest a reason for this diversion. This way your trains on the red line won't be hidden for as long and will occasionally appear through the scene.
Finally, I'd send the main and passing track into a deep cut alongside the furniture factory and maybe a tunnel taking it toward the back drop. Instead of running the line to the distillery off the main, have the branch line continue from the furniture factory across the main (which is in a tunnel or deep cut at this point, remember). In fact, you wouldn't even need a tunnel if the main sneaks off toward the backdrop through the cut and behind some trees. Now your branchline really has some serious traffic flow.
Galen
If it were me, I'd let the branchline climb after it leaves the yard, even a tiny amount, before reaching the passing track and sidings next to the town opposite the yard. Put in a creek or some sort of scenic element between the branch/town and the yard. The visual separation plus the scenic element will serve to create a sense of distance between the two areas. PLUS, the town buildings will hide the main line sneaking away behind them.
Then let the branch climb a stiff grade out of town. If the main were to drop down as the branch climbs, you could have some fun by snaking the branch back toward the main, and bringing the main away from the wall so that they cross each other twice. Add a river or rock formation to suggest a reason for this diversion. This way your trains on the red line won't be hidden for as long and will occasionally appear through the scene.
Finally, I'd send the main and passing track into a deep cut alongside the furniture factory and maybe a tunnel taking it toward the back drop. Instead of running the line to the distillery off the main, have the branch line continue from the furniture factory across the main (which is in a tunnel or deep cut at this point, remember). In fact, you wouldn't even need a tunnel if the main sneaks off toward the backdrop through the cut and behind some trees. Now your branchline really has some serious traffic flow.
Galen
I may not be a rivet counter, but I sure do like rivets!