Compromise
In the above post I mentioned that I have to reduce the length of the bridge to fit my space. We all face this type of dilemma when we try to model prototypes. In a previous post I talked about my approach to modeling the NYC. In the future I intend to model specific trains accurately and run them on a schedule I have from 1950. I also mentioned that the scenes they ran thru would not be in correct order, or even in one case be on the same line. But I hope to make each chosen scene accurate so that when photographed it will represent that scene well. One of my favorite scenes is the cut at Sputen Dyvil. I hope it will be recognizable! I have (or will be taking) an extreme amount of modelers license here. In real life, the four tracl main runs along the east bank of the Hudson River. North by compass is West by Timetable. Trains coming into NYC are running south along the river. The four tracks become six a couple miles before Spuyten Dyvil. Two continue straight and cross the Harlem River (the boundary between Manhatten and the Bronx). The four mains narrow to two as they round the bens there. They pass the station and go thru the cut, then go back to four trracks. There is a wye there which was used only by freights from the Harlem division to the West Side freight line. While I would love to model this scene accurately, it alone would fill my basement. So, the six tracks become four, but most importantly, the wye is omitted. I reaaly would like to be able to represent the freights to and from the Harlem Division, but the trackage required would destroy the scenic effect of the cut. I had to decide which was most important to me. I could have the wye at the expense of the cut and swingbridge. I decided that I had enough operational possibilities already and decided to go with the cut. It still will be significantly different in other ways. It will be pretty much a mirror image, my NYC bound trains will curve right instead of left. Meaning Manhatten is on the Jersey side of the river. The station will be much closer to the swingbridge than it should be, again out of space considerations. I can only hope that when built it will resemble its prototype. I've attached a photo of the station, this is what you will see on my layout as trains come out of the staging area representing Grand Central. Trains will come thru the cut from staging (the cut is on the east side of the station in actuality and will be on my layout as well) and pass the station, then join the two tracks from the West side line (which cross over on that swingbridge). The thing is the photo was taken facing west, not east! So the components are juggled a bit but I think will work ok. I have to go get some work done today or it will be a wasted opportunity, more later.
