As I have built my layout, I have often found that something has not been done correctly, or the design should be different. Below, I want to highlight some of those design ideas for everyone else to learn from.
Industries in front or behind the main line.
I built my yard as a typical "N-trak" module and used it as such at many a meet that we had. In my layout though, the main lines are placed at the far end or back of the module.
I am in the process of building Essex and thought to myself, do I place the industries, in front or behind of the main line. This lead me to an important discovery. With a main line closest to me and industries behind, it would be very difficult seeing what I was doing at the back if a train ran down or stopped on the mainline. With the section at eye level, it would also be difficult, if not impossible to try and pear over a passing train and uncouple cars in the background. Fortunately my yard has been placed correctly for this, and I have time to rectify Essex.
Unfortunately though, East Glacier will have the industries at the back and is difficult to change now. One day though.
So, from my point of view, if you are going to put industries around a mainline, ideally put them nearest the isle and you will be able to work almost directly over them.
More revelations to come as and when they happen...
Articles and information about the progress in building my BNSF model railroad in N Scale.
