Missabe layout progress

[Kevinkrey]

Here is the trackplan for my layout. It is based on the Iron Range division of the DMIR ( Two Harbors to Iron Junction).

[Kevinkrey]

Sorry for the bad quality, I scanned the image, but here are some pictures that might help.

• Between the taconitr plant and the scalehouse, depicted in the lower right of the trackplan
• Bridge modeled after the Cloquet River (not part of the Iron Range Division). Upper center of trackplan.
• Site of the taconite plant, large portion to the right.
• Two Harbors yard, left side of the trackplan (I have dismantled the first try at an ore dock, or at least the benchwork), notice the small portion of my tacoite car fleet.
• The lower left of the trackplan and a possible future guage railroad locomotive.

[Ralph]

Looks like you're well on the way Kevin! The Iron Range seems like a great theme to model. I've always enjoyed my visits to Two Harbors and those ore decks. I look forward to your updates. Are you basing the taconite plant on the one in Silver Bay by any chance? Good idea to make the large structure a pop up access.
Ralph

[Kevinkrey]

I am not really modeling the taconite plant after a particular one. They are all very similar though, big metal buildings. I will try to get close to either the Minntac or Minorca plants though. DMIR runs pellets from both through Two Harbors. I might make a roof for the taconite plant for in pictures. My only disapointment is that there is not a whole hack of alot of mainline. And there is not much room for expansion because I share the basement with my other hobby, woodworking.

[Nomad]

Looks real good Kevin. My mainline is like that too, so I make three runs around to rack up some miles before I start switching. Kind of extends the fun some more.

Loren

[wjstix]

Just a thought - if you really want a longer mainline, you could make an oval-shaped helix where the taconite plant is in your plan, and then go up to a second level and have an ore/taconite loading area there. Of course as an iron ore modeller myself, I know long ore trains and grades don't work too well together, but with a 2-3 diesels on the train it could work.

[jesso]

Looks like fun! Where do you "duck-under" to get inside the main loop of your layout? I can't wait to see you bridge and river scene!

[GN.2-6-8-0]

How wide did you say your curves were????

[Kevinkrey]

How could I forget!!!!! Curves large enough to fit a Yellowstone. My previous layout had 24 radius curves and could not keep loco and ore cars connected so I laid some flex track on this layout. Big enough for my locos but not a Yellowstone. But I can dream.

I have thought about a heliex or a ramp but I have no means of creating that benchwork. I could put shelves on the wall but no way to attach to the concrete walls.

[wpyr]

Its going to be a great layout!

[zachary]

nice layout kevin how many turnouts are you useing on this layout

[Kevinkrey]

If all works out (I am questioning if I left enough room for the ladder tracks in the yard) there will be 6 left hands, 3 right hands, and two wyes. Any suggestions about size? My biggest loco is an sd45t-2 and I have many taconite cars. I was planning on #6, but that might take up more space than I had planned for, think #5's would work?

[zachary]

yeah i think number fives would work i wouldnt go no lower than that cause it will be to tight of an angle for your locos

[nkp174]

Originally Posted by GN.2-6-8-0

How wide did you say your curves were????

DM&IR steam is just plain awesome...so many nice locomotives.

[Kevinkrey]

The duck under is supposed to be the straight section (located inthe bottom right of the last picture) and the top right of the trackplan. But right now you can go through at a number of places. On the trackplan there is a wall running along the top, bottom, and left. I become more jealous every time I see that darned Yellowstone. To me the models alost look a little to green.