There is some pre-planning ... even pre pre-planning ... going into this project, and that's the stage I'm in currently. Three primary caveats: 1) I'm continuing with DCC, but changing to NCE, which I've been assured even I can install and maintain; 2) nothing will be a part of the layout that I cannot install and maintain (such as hand thrown turnouts); and 3) it will be at a height at which I can sit in a chair (office or drafting table chair) and roll around to work and operate.
But first comes the removal of the current layout. David James of Brecksville, Ohio, is scheduled to come the weekend of August 24, and take it back to Ohio.
I know I want at least some steam power, but I still love the Alco RS-3s, thus, the 1955 time frame, which allows the 2-8-0 Consolidation I'm purchasing, and an RS-3. I've checked and continue to check Google and other websites to insure time period accuracy.
Inspiration, and some copying, comes from the Winston Salem Southbound - the Tar Branch - featured in Model Railroader, January-April, 2018. It has everything I'm looking for: small, simple, a shelf railroad devoted to industrial switching, and the transitional period between steam and diesel. It even has a 2-8-0 as its primary power and diesels (although the prototype has GP-9s, I'm sticking with the RS-3 ... what can I say?).
And finally, I already have much of what I need to get started, including bench work that can be reconfigured, a partial box of new track, used track and turnouts, two RS-3s with sound decoders, period appropriate rolling stock, and a few structures. I'll still to have acquire the NCE control system, the 2-8-0 engine (I already have one spotted), roadbed, and additional rolling stock and structures.
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