Starting with a blank piece of paper...From my layout concept and available space, I knew the basic track plan would be a staging-to-yard design. With some careful consideration I managed to fit two interchanges (Wabash and Gulf, Mobile and Ohio), with the GM&O featuring a flat crossing. Later, I added a third "interchange" with the Illinois Terminal Company, by using some spare space on my eventual staging extension. A quick tour of the layout...
Staging
Staging comprises three main tracks (occupied by trains in the photo), with a small fourth track in the distance to make use of some otherwise wasted space. I intend to use this track to stage a MOW work extra or transfer freight from another railroad. The tracks are located behind a low backdrop, which separates Staging from Jefferson Street (out of view to the right in the photo) and give practical access should a locomotive stall or car derail. For operating sessions I have built an extension to my Staging tracks to accommodate longer trains, shown in the second photo. West Springfield 
The GN boxcar is sitting on the interchange track. The track doesn;t actually connect to the GM&O Main, which is the line in he foreground. 
From staging, trains head east into West Springfield. Here, there is a junction for the short Jefferson Street Sub and an interchange with the GM&O, which crosses on the flat. The CB&Q arrived in Springfield last, so had to provide the interlocking tower for safe operation of the crossing. Finally there is a short spur, which is normally used by MOW crews, but can used for other loads if needed. Springfield Yard 
 The central feature of the layout is Springfield Yard, where most of the action takes place. Trains arriving from West Springfield pass the soybean mill, before ducking under a highway overpass. A connection from the Wabash Railroad trails in from the left, before the line swings round in to the yard.
Springfield Yard has six clssification tracks, RIP, Engine and caboose tracks and some industry tracks. |
CB&Q Springfield 
