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Orleans Module
Normand Levert This web page
was last updated on August 27th, 2008.
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 Module Type: Transition Modules from Free-mo to Conventional Features: A sand-and-gravel operation with a nice high wood trestle (no locos allowed!). From an operations point of view, a very clever way to go from double-track conventional modules to single-track Free-mo.The Name: While Orléans is a well known names in the Ottawa area, the facilities are entirely fictional - the result of Norm's creative imagination.The Challenge: The module
is part of a 2-foot matching pairs with Connaught
that allow us to smoothly go from double-track
conventional modules to a whole bunch of single-track Free-mo's and
back into double-track conventional at the other end. Because the
double-track disappears, getting traffic from Connaught through a
lengthy single track to Orleans presents some interesting challenges to
our dispatchers. At the same time, switching the industry on the module
adds to the traffic load.If trains aren't dispatched right, we can get
some large traffic jams - not very good for business, but a lot of fun
in running the trains. The Details: The modules is built on a 2" styrofoam deck held in place by a 4" module frame. At the same time we go from double track conventional to single-track Free-mo, we smoothly shift the main line at one end of each module by 22½°. This helps take the "straight line" out of the layout. |