Introduction
I
concluded Part 5 of my narrative about the Wascana Canyon Railway (“WCR”) with
the explanation that my love of Free-mo as an approach to model railroading
diverted my attention from the WCR v2 I was constructing in my basement. This
meant that the benchwork sat untouched for almost two years during which time I
directed my modelling attention to Free-mo.
In
re-imagining the WCR I quickly concluded that my benchwork could not be salvaged.
However, my backdrop, lighting valence and wall support structure were the most
successful I had ever built so it was important to me that these be incorporated
in WCR v3. In addition, I wanted to incorporate the following parameters in the
design of WCR v3. I came up with these from my experiences with WCR v1 and WCR
v2 as well as from reading hundreds of articles and enjoying the work and
company of other model railroaders over the years.
- Some Free-mo modules must be able to be incorporated into my model railroad, in addition to any permanent benchwork.
- Whereas the backdrop structure I had built could be used as is, and even though I had a basic grasp of background scenery painting, I remained unconvinced that I would ever be satisfied with my background painting skills. I would strive to find a supplier of photographic backdrops who could meet my needs.
- There must be a way to easily change out completed portions of scenery without damaging the surrounding scenery. My purpose was to avoid the model railroad becoming “same-old” over time as well as to allow me to try new ideas.
- Hidden track must be kept to a minimum.
- Passing tracks must be incorporated at several location.
- Some of the track plan must be double-track and some single-track to add operational challenge and variety.
- There must be a way to run trains either continuously or point-to point. I like being able to run continuously when I am working at my workbench which is in the train room but also when participating in layout tours or simply showing the model railroad to family and friends.
- Multiple control panels should be spread around the model railroad only in the vicinity of the turnouts and uncouplers instead of having one large control panel for the whole railroad.
- All turnouts must be electrically powered, except for any manual turnouts which may be incorporated in Free-mo modules.
- There must be enough Rapido electrically operated uncouplers to be able to operate the railroad without having to manually uncouple cars. I wanted to avoid one’s arm breaking the front edge of my miniature world to uncouple, thus taking away from the aura of realism that I am trying to create. In my opinion, Rapido uncouplers are best device ever invented to uncouple model railroad cars.
- There must be no facing point turnouts outside the proximity of run-around tracks.
Following
are Cadrail Drawings prepared to scale depicting my model railroad plans. In
subsequent posts I shall delve into specific aspects of various design elements.
If readers have specific questions, please feel free to email me at rupertsinsights@gmail.com
