Design now…build later

Since I won’t be building the new railroad for at least 8 more months, it gives me plenty of time to work with SCARM, the Simple Computer Aided Railway Modeler. Its a nice program that really lets you design just about everything, from the actual track plan right down to railcars that can be placed to show what it will look like.

I have done some screen shots of the 3D view to share what I have been working on.

Lets take a look at Drachus Fuel and Oil. Now I can’t take credit for the building, the tank cars or the fence as they were done by folks with much more artistic talent than I have. My contribution to this scene are the fuel tanks sitting trackside.

Next up from my old stomping grounds is the Duffy-Motts factory. There are six car spots, three for box cars and three for reefers. So when operations  begin, it’ll be important to get the right car at the right door.

In this picture I made the structure, the windows and the loading doors, complete with overhead door assemblies.

Just in front of Duffy Motts is Frog Hollow Trailer Park. Only three trailers designed so far. I envision having a lot of fun  with this area.  4 x 4 trucks, clothes hanging on lines, topless honeys sun bathing back by the tracks, maybe even a drunken brawl some where. Oh and hound dogs!

Last but certainly not least, my favorite design so far, Dukes Cold Nose Brown Ale Brewery.

Building in front will hold 4 covered hoppers while the structure in back can handle 6 box cars.

About 90% of this was designed by me. This will likely be the last structure I will actually build on the layout as its quite involved.

So thats just a sample of what I have been doing to get ready for retirement, the move and the new layout. Hope you enjoyed.