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Scotts-dale Division Site
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Gilmerton is a neighborhood in the City of Chesapeake in Tidewater Virginia. It is located on the west bank of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. It is also a "Station" on the Norfolk Southern at mile marker N7.5. The cross over from Track #2 to Track #1 is the primary reason for Gilmerton being listed as a station; this is a control point on the NS. In addition two industries are located nearby: the Dominion Virginia Power Chesapeake Generation Plant and an un-identified tank farm, presumably associated with the gas turbine generating station adjacent to the west. Just East of the Dominion Power plant is Bridge #7, a bascule lift bridge and manned control point on the NS. Because of the close proximity, I have chosen to include this bridge as part of Gilmerton. |
Layout Design Element.
The primary focus of the Gilmerton LDE is the Dominion Power plant. It is a large industry capable of sending and receiving many coal loads and empties in a single operating session. Bridge #7 to the east provides both operational and scenic interest, especially if the lift system is made functional. The tank farm provides a secondary industry for variety.
My Gilmerton LDE is really composed of three independent LDEs, Dominion Power, Bridge #7, and Tank Farm. Combining all of these LDEs, results in a large scene. I have modeled the entire set with a consistent depth; however, this is not necessary. Instead, I would suggest that the LDE be overlaid on the room arrangement and foreground and background be trimmed to fit the space and needed aisles. Also, most distances are compressed 50%. However all of the structures are actual scale size. Therefore, it would be possible to compress the scene further to reduce the overall size. The biggest challenge to reducing size of the LDE is the radius of the for Dominion Power. The inside radius is 14.5 inches which corresponds to NMRA class N or six axle diesels up to 60 feet in length. This is cutting it close as most modern diesels are about 70' in length. I'm assuming that this can be overlooked through one of three ways: 1) 4-axle units from Portlock Yard to the east could be used. 2.) the presences of a GE 44 Tonner could allow the mainline diesels to be restricted from operating on the loop. 3.) my tests of N scale locomotives and coal cars indicate that 14.5" is reliable but visually tight, which is the basis for me using 14.5" as a minimum on branch lines.
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Gilmerton, VA LDE Prototype: NS (Old N&W Mainline) Dimensions: 12 feet x 5 feet, 12" Grid Scale: N Track work: Atlas Code 55 Flex track & Fast Tracks #6 turnouts Click here to download LDE as zipped 3rd Plan It file. Click here to view as large JPG
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The key elements which capture the scene are the power plant, bridge, and tank farm. The homes add extra realism. The power plant loop and coal pile are the visual and operation focus of this LDE. The bridge is beneficial as an opportunity for scratch building or additional operational challenges, otherwise it can be left off.
For more information on each of the the modules: Dominion Power, Bridge #7, and Tank Farm please view their respective pages.
Pictures
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This picture from Microsoft Virtual Earth shows the overview of Gilmerton Area. |
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| This pictures shows the Gilmerton crossover. This cross over is a control point for the NS dispatching hence it is listed as a "station" in the Employee Timetable. |
References
1. Google Earth - Gilmerton, VA
2. Norfolk Southern Employee Timetable Virginia Division Number 1 - 2 Oct 1988.
3. Microsoft Virtual Earth - Gilmerton, VA