This module was super
easy and fast to construct. There isn’t much to it. This is my representation of the real Spur #4 on the AC&Y. It was the line that went from Brittain Yard to the General Tire rubber shop and then on to Goodyear Plant 1. It was also the interchange with the Akron Barberton Belt RR. Appearing as a siding on spur 4 within yard limits and right next to
the roundhouse was the caboose track. That is the key function I represent on my railroad. Module #3 is the west end of my caboose track. The “B” plate between module #1 and this module extends the length of the siding section that holds cabooses.
While on the real AC&Y spur #4 served only the above two purposes, on my railroad it serves yet another. It is the primary yard lead. The AC&Y used the main for a lead to switch the yard. It worked for them due to the low volume of traffic. My model railroad has no where enough mainline length to keep trains out for half a day. So, I can’t use the main as a lead without severely clogging up everything. Spur 4 works as a lead without modifying the track plan. Sweet! A functional lead while retaining the track arrangement of the real Brittain Yard.
Below is a graphic showing the original location of spur 4 (partial). The line extended west for a mile past where my yellow line stops. The tracks are of course long gone from Google maps now. Click for a bigger view.
Below is a site plan for Brittain Yard engine service facilities that shows spur 4 and the caboose track. This area is accurately modeled on my railroad other than my spur 4 is curved instead of straight. A modification required by my room configuration.
With the sub-roadbed being so narrow the wiring got a bit cramped around the Tortoise machine. Glad there wasn’t much wiring needed or it could have gotten very tight under there.
So much for the easy modules. Next comes another module loaded with switch machines. Module #4 is up next.
