Postby Kegg_Works » Mon May 18, 2020 9:10 am
Wow Doug! That's some really impressive stuff you have there! Thanks so much for sharing! The M&P I built is purely inspired by Tice's HOn3 layout and concept.
I gotta say, you've actually made me rethink Slate Range Pass on my route a bit. I still want to keep the tunnel, as that was one of Tice's landmarks on his layout, but may prove to be a better route than what I laid.
That and your LA&I and Panamint RR routes really intrigue me. My route for the LA&I follows most of what is today the Trona Railroad. There is a long straight section just south of the lake where I placed Panamint Jct, where my version of the M&P begins. Your projected plot of the LA&I seems to take a more easterly approach around the lake, correct me if I'm wrong.
I have been honestly toying with the idea of a separate lone or branch to go to Panamint City, starting from Ballarat, CA, where the M&P terminus is. I initially decided that it would be too difficult and steep to build a railroad to Panamint City, but I am an amateur and lack your expertise. But seeing someone, who knows what they're doing, has given me some new inspiration!
On a side note, regarding your Panamint City RR and potential motive power, there was another interesting little railroad called the Battle Mountain & Lewis in Nevada. It was a 3ft gauge operation that went up Lewis Canyon and had a 7% grade. The leased a Baldwin built 4-4-0 from the Nevada Cantral to operate the line. It was limited to two cars given the steep grade. But it is possible to use more "conventional" steam engines on a 6% grade, especially for the time period you're talking about.
I haven't done any real updates to my Trainz route, mostly because I seem to be having issues with not only the game by my PC as well. So I'm in need of a new machine. And then I want to start investing more time into developing it. Even if it means relocating some of the M&P's right-of-way!
Maybe we can work collaboratively on a few things in the near future?
P.S. Got a question for you. According to Tice there is supposedly a lava dome somewhere in the Panamint Valley. His projected route passes near it and I've been unsuccessful in locating it on google earth or on my route map. If you happen to know its location Inwould very much appreciate being pointed in the right direction.
Eat Yer' Beans...
Route Building A.D.D!!
