LDJ-64 SECOND QUARTER 2019 (FULL-COLOR, 40 PAGES)
Magazine Summary
Issue #64 of the Layout Design Journal is a focused exploration of the design and operational potential found in a single, complex prototype setting: Jersey City’s waterfront rail terminals in the mid-20th century. The issue emerges from a design challenge originally announced in LDJ-59, encouraging layout designers to reimagine the Port of New York (PONY) facilities—specifically the CNJ and LV terminals—within a spare-room-sized space. This challenge emphasizes prototypical operations, marine terminal integration, and balancing historical density with modeler practicality.
Five articles comprise the issue, including the two Jersey City design challenge responses by Michael Pennie and Byron Henderson. These showcase operational drama and visual complexity through creative yet realistic use of ferry slips, float bridges, coach yards, and passenger operations in compressed urban scenes. Supporting articles broaden the focus: Paul Clegg offers a detailed theoretical guide to planning layout capacity based on prototype logic; Mike Chandler provides a classic take on modeling Cajon Pass with hand-drawn plans; and Nicholas Kalis highlights visual storytelling techniques from a Swiss-themed exhibition layout.
Themes include rail-marine interchange, scene separation techniques, freight and passenger yard optimization, operator flow, and how prototype-based concepts can be thoughtfully compressed. A notable trend is the emphasis on N scale for space efficiency, but the principles apply broadly. Modelers are encouraged to consider not only spatial layout but visual pacing, operational flow, and staging logic.
LDJ-64 demonstrates how narrowly defined design constraints—such as room size or historical location—can spark imaginative, high-functioning layout concepts. The issue is a masterclass in translating overwhelming prototype complexity into modeler-accessible, operationally satisfying layouts.
2. Table of Contents
Articles
Design Lessons from B.A. Bodil – Nicholas Kalis – Page 4
Old School Cajon Challenge – Mike Chandler – Page 8
Planning for Layout Capacity – Paul Clegg – Page 16
Port of New York in a Spare Room – Michael Pennie – Page 33
One PONY Jersey City Alternative Track Plan – Byron Henderson – Page 36
Columns and Departments
How Did That Happen? (Editor’s Note) – Byron Henderson – Page 39
Help Wanted: Membership Volunteer Needed – LDSIG Board – Page 39
3. Detailed Article Summaries
Title: Design Lessons from B.A. Bodil
Author: Nicholas Kalis
Railroad Modeled: Freelance Alpine Theme (Switzerland)
Layout Scale: 1:25 (Exhibition Diorama)
Layout Size: 0.75 square meters (approx. 8 square feet)
Techniques: Exhibition layout, scenic storytelling, extreme compression, visual balance, backdrop integration
Summary: This article reviews the B.A. Bodil exhibition layout created by three European modelers: Peter Dillen, Hans van den Boom, and Hugo Baart. Despite a footprint of just 0.75 square meters, the layout delivers a rich scenic narrative centered on a Swiss Alpine setting. Framed by a blacksmith shop on one end and an auto repair garage on the other, the valley scene includes towering painted mountain backdrops, animated figures, and finely detailed scenery. Kalis emphasizes the layout’s balance between storytelling, high craftsmanship, and space discipline—hallmarks of successful exhibition design.
Title: Old School Cajon Challenge
Author: Mike Chandler
Railroad Modeled: ATSF, UP, SP
Layout Scale: HO
Layout Size: 10′ x 11′ room with closet bump-out
Techniques: Single-level design, helper operations, curve and grade planning, prototype-inspired compression, scenic pacing
Summary: Mike Chandler’s entry in the Cajon Pass Design Challenge blends traditional design methods and a classic scenic theme with practical modeler intuition. Using pencil, scale ruler, and “cut and paste” planning, Chandler sets out to compress the dramatic topography and three-railroad traffic of California’s Cajon Pass into a single-level HO scale layout. The design emphasizes helper action, elevation changes, and signature curves to recreate operational flow and scenic appeal without complex vertical layering.
Title: Planning for Layout Capacity
Author: Paul Clegg
Railroad Modeled: N/A (theoretical/prototype analysis)
Layout Scale: Applicable to all scales
Layout Size: N/A
Techniques: Capacity planning, operations design, siding spacing, dispatcher optimization, yard design, signal strategy
Summary: Paul Clegg provides an analytical guide to understanding and planning layout capacity based on prototype practices. He explores how siding length, train priority, dispatcher workload, and yard structure affect throughput. Diagrams and simulations support strategies like double-ended yards, block-swapping, and fleeting trains. This article offers modelers a framework to avoid common capacity pitfalls and design layouts that can sustain complex operations without gridlock.
Title: Port of New York in a Spare Room
Author: Michael Pennie
Railroad Modeled: CNJ and Lehigh Valley (LV)
Layout Scale: N Scale
Layout Size: 10′ x 10’10” plus closet
Techniques: Urban density modeling, car float operations, staging, rail-marine interface, selective compression, freight and passenger switching
Summary: Michael Pennie’s design replicates CNJ and LV operations at Jersey City circa 1955 in a spare-room-sized N scale layout. It features car float yards, ferry slips, a commuter terminal, and freight docks. The plan models signature infrastructure (e.g., Johnson Ave, CNJ ferry terminal) using selective compression and removable scenic elements. Designed for up to three operators, it recreates the complex interaction of marine and rail services within a manageable space.
Title: One PONY Jersey City Alternative Track Plan
Author: Byron Henderson
Railroad Modeled: CNJ and LV (freelanced variation)
Layout Scale: N Scale
Layout Size: 10′ x 10’10” plus closet
Techniques: Scenic refinement, dual-operator planning, urban switching, staging integration, coach yard, ready tracks, visual pacing
Summary: Byron Henderson’s rework of Pennie’s plan enhances aisle flow and operational clarity while retaining key themes of ferry and float service. He adds coach yard tracks, simplifies LV trackage, and adjusts operator zones using scenic dividers. Curved turnouts and scene modulation support smooth operation and realistic visuals. Henderson’s plan refines an already strong concept into a more practical and buildable layout.
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