12-24-2011, 12:26 PM
One final suggestion that I think you've already done to some extent.
You mentioned that you like to research things, sooooooooo.... Using Google Maps explore some of the areas that interest you (your 5 theme locations for example) and look for industrial spurs or other locations with track arrangements that look interesting to you. Don't use Bing Maps, as it will not show rail lines where Google will and not as detailed either. Examples: Google Map, Phoenix, AZ
Approximate same area in Bing Map:
Start with your home state, so if you find something of interest, perhaps you can travel to that location to photograph things and explore the area. If you see something of interest, then you can go to the aerial view in Google and Bing (each has its own features) and explore the area that way. You'll often be able to find out what industries are located on the line and also view things in street view - handy for getting a good idea of how a certain structure or the terrain looks.
Don't overlook simple looking spurs or locations and especially look for rail lines/spurs with arrangements that look like the available layout space you have.
When you find something that really interests you, then ask yourself "could I fit a representation of this in to my available space?" If the initial answer is yes, then design your own track plan. You can do like many people and actually model what is on the spur or location, or you can put your own industries that appeal to you on your layout.
As Russ suggests, since you already have the SP NW-2, then look at areas that were former SP and see what you can find. And as Russ pointed out, why toss what you already have and purchase new equipment?
Your best bet for industrial spurs would be large urban areas, but also don't overlook small towns or branch lines either. A switching layout doesn't have to be modeled as a separate spur, but could represent the track and industries in a small town along the line too. SP covered a lot of territory and when you include the SSW, you've got other locations that you might not have considered.
Main thing - you will find it much more rewarding to pick your locale and design your own layout then to copy someone's plan or go with anything we might suggest. You may well find that theme (or center piece as Larry puts it) you're looking for in the process.
You mentioned that you like to research things, sooooooooo.... Using Google Maps explore some of the areas that interest you (your 5 theme locations for example) and look for industrial spurs or other locations with track arrangements that look interesting to you. Don't use Bing Maps, as it will not show rail lines where Google will and not as detailed either. Examples: Google Map, Phoenix, AZ
Don't overlook simple looking spurs or locations and especially look for rail lines/spurs with arrangements that look like the available layout space you have.
When you find something that really interests you, then ask yourself "could I fit a representation of this in to my available space?" If the initial answer is yes, then design your own track plan. You can do like many people and actually model what is on the spur or location, or you can put your own industries that appeal to you on your layout.
As Russ suggests, since you already have the SP NW-2, then look at areas that were former SP and see what you can find. And as Russ pointed out, why toss what you already have and purchase new equipment?
Your best bet for industrial spurs would be large urban areas, but also don't overlook small towns or branch lines either. A switching layout doesn't have to be modeled as a separate spur, but could represent the track and industries in a small town along the line too. SP covered a lot of territory and when you include the SSW, you've got other locations that you might not have considered.
Main thing - you will find it much more rewarding to pick your locale and design your own layout then to copy someone's plan or go with anything we might suggest. You may well find that theme (or center piece as Larry puts it) you're looking for in the process.
Ed
"Friends don't let friends build Timesavers"
"Friends don't let friends build Timesavers"