Early March Update

Well February flew by and with it my ability to publish the part 2 progress post on Lakes Forest Products. Actually with the extreme cold temps here in Texas, I have been unable to paint in the garage for the past week so that project is on hold until later this week.

So while that project is frozen literally I decided to turn my attention to another part of the layout that has bee in a limbo state, so lets take a look.

BAY INDUSTRIAL SPUR

This industry spur off the main just east of the Saginaw River is a big generator of local traffic keeping Y-BA04-XX busy during the entire session. Two customers reside here but there setup did not click.

Below are explanations of the industry changes that will be more realistic and provide better gather and distribution for the local.

Huron Bakeries

First thing one would notice versus previous pictures is the large five story DPM structure now gone. I stored this building for future use or trade as it just felt overwhelming and didn't fit the modern bakery that I was inspired by in Hodgkins, IL.

Inspiration: Wonder Bread Bakery

On-Layout Model:

Fort Mackinaw Paper - Corrugated Division

Originally this 2 door (6 car) customer was setup against the backdrop, but with the large footprint it was wasting a ton of good space that could de-clutter the scene. After seeing some inspiration and reading about Chip Cole's CSX Plymouth Sub, I realized that I could make this a foreground open industry. Not only would it be a conversation piece, but it would free up space and still seem like a large industry and would allow operators to see when they are spotting cars inside. To help with the facility size I am going to extend the bench work 5" out to create truck docks and parking lots.

Inspiration: Roanoke, TX and OKC, OK

On-layout Model:

Industry #3

Looking at the picture above you can see  there is now a large spot to install a third industry. While the goal is not to cram track and industries in every spot, being this is a industrial park the spot would look good with a shallow relief backdrop structure.

Some of the ideas I have for industry:

1. Cold Storage Warehouse

      Reefer Cars

2. Metal Stamping Facility

      Coil Cars, Scrap Gondola

3. Bulk Liquid Transfer Facility

      Tank Cars

4. Recycled Glass Plant

      Cvd Hopper, Open Hopper

All of these have good plausibility for the region and modern era. Feel free to weigh in on which industry would look best.

GM