Design:
Using Laurie Greens layout design methods (http://www.lauriegreen.net/) , I began to design a layout that fit my modeling needs. The Bachmann shay and 20' cars established the basic unit
of design. The overall size was predetermined by my office. Everything else was artistic.
After several attempts using a conventional switchback I felt the space was becoming
too confining. It became clear that if I tried to get everthing onto the initial shelf the scenery would be overwelmed
by the trackage. The sawmill and stamp mill were already designated as an expansion element and the engine facility,
the initial focus of my design passed into an expansion as well.
I finally decided that the focus of the main shelf would be a long narrow switchback
in a steep river valley with a helix on one end for added elevation. The mine spur would be one end, on a branch of
the switchback, and the switchback would end on a plateau on top of the helix.
The initial feeder track would criss cross the river providing for bridges and dramatic rock elements
and the Helix would partially snake on the outside of the cliff for a stretch providing for retaining walls or a shallow trestle.
This initial track would come from Troy, the lumber mill town and connection to the outside world that can be added later.
The track leaving helix would proceed up a switchback to the mine and then continue up through the
logging camp and then on to the small town of Yaak, an expansion module central to the remote mining and logging district.
This would be a great place for a general store, some miners/loggers cabins and a branchline engine facility where the shay
and others could be based.
