I am about to start construction of a layout in my garage and was interested in chating with people that might have suggestions. I live in Central Fla. and want to use areas for either ACL or SAL. I want as much main line and industrial spurs for operation as possible. This leads me to believe tunnels or mountains are necessary for hidden stagging tracks and thats not FLA. I was thinking of a 16 x 8 or 10 area that I can construct, senic and operate at a resonable cost in a fairly short time. I have constructed several layouts but never get them completed because they are to big and expensive. I don't want to write a book here but would appreciate some feed back Thanks.

-- robert v. wolf (rvwrailroader@yahoo.com), October 22, 1999

Answers

There's a two part article in the May 1986 and June 1986 issues of PROTOTYPE MODELER, covering the SCL Orlando Subdivision. Lots of photos,a line profile, and a 20x12 trackplan are featured in this article by Oates and Six. You may be able to find copies of this magazine from a used magazine dealer, it'll be worth it. Happy hunting!

-- Russell Underwood (Jay611@home.com), November 29, 1999.

I've got that copy of MR Buddy mentioned (Feb. 1995) with the ACL Perry cutoff layout article. I can copy it for you if you can use it. Let me know.

-- Bob venditti (bobvend@bellsouth.net), October 24, 1999.

Back in the early-mid 90's, MR also had an article on modelling the ACL's Perry Cutoff in west-central Florida. While the dimensions of the layout in the article are larger than the space you have to work with, you may be able to incorporate some of the design elements from that layout into your own to give it that "Florida look". As I recall, they were faced with the same problems of finding effective scenary view blocks, etc. Good luck.

-- Buddy Hill (palmettoLTD@hotmail.com), October 24, 1999.

Robert; Check out the October issue of Model Railroader, page 88. This is a 16 foot long 'along the wall' layout with a lot of industrial activity, and it uses a sector plate for staging 8 to 10 car trains out of sight, and does so without the use of tunnels....rather, the staging ducks behind the backdrop and the egress is hidden by some industrial structures and trees. Its definitely a good starting point. Good luck.

-- Mark Huband (mhuband@guarantec.com), October 22, 1999.