In August of 2004, Robert (Bob) McCord asked the 3rd PlanIt support group for feedback
on his proposed Morgan Falls & Little Trinity layout. This was the foundation for a
design process that spanned several months and 4000 miles. His request was answered by
several members of the 3pi group; including Rick Blanchard and Robert (Rob) Chant. All
gave their views on the proposed plan and advice on how they believed it could be
enhanced. This eventually led to Bob scrapping his original draft and establishing a long
distance consultation on the revised MF< layout; this is a chronology of those
events.
September 5th, 2004
A Bit of Research
-- Rob's starts some research into the plausibility of the wharf and to narrow down the
location of the free lanced layout.
September 6th, 2004
Sawpit
Yard, Problems at Big Stump Yard -- We do more work in the Sawpit yard area
and discuss a few obstacles around Big Stump.
September 6th, 2004
Big Stump Takes
Shape -- The final design for Big Stump and Lazy Camp begins to surfaces.
September 7th to 8th, 2004
Movin' On Up -- As Big
Stump and Lazy Camp come to a conclusion, the design moves upward and we consider a few
options that never made the final draft.
September 9th, 2004
Setting More
Standards -- As our debate over the endless possibilities with the second
level continues, Bob steps in with some recommendations.
September 10th, 2004
Elevations on
Level One -- Now that we have a few guidelines established, Rob starts to
rough in elevations for level one.
September 11th, 2004
The First 3D Views
-- With elevations in place we finally get a look first look at the layout in 3D.
September 12th to 13th, 2004
Problems at Lazy
Camp -- The 3D views uncover a potential problem at Lazy Camp, we decide how
best to proceed. (NOTE: This section is in three very detailed parts.)
September 14th, 2004
Our Plan
Comes Together -- As the problems at Lazy Camp are resolved, the plan for the
mailine starts to take it's final form.
September 15th, 2004
Let's Name, Some
Names -- Now that the mainline is roughed in, our attention turns to deciding
on some names for the layout.
September 16th, 2004
New
Ideas for Port Arthur -- Bob looks at a possible new location for the wharf
and some additional industries in Port Arthur.
September 18th, 2004
More 3D Views -- Now
that the mainline has be finalized "again", we snap a few more views in 3D.
September 19th, 2004
Progress Report
-- An update on progress to date, and some thoughts on an instructional video.
September 19th, 2004
From Camp 7 to
Tidewater -- Bob records his trip from the logging camp on the second level
to the end of his trip in Port Arthur.
September 20th, 2004
Elevations
and Clearances -- We talk about a few clearance concerns and set our working
elevations.
September 21th, 2004
Benchwork
Notes and Ponderings -- Focus now turns to the supporting structure and how
Bob plans to proceed with construction.
September 24th, 2004
More Thoughts on the Sawmill Trackage
-- As the bench work takes shape, the railroad acquires more real-estate in Port Arthur.
October 6th to November 3rd, 2004
Progress Update
-- Bob's attention turns to construction of the MF<. Both his and Peter's month long
efforts are summarized here.
November 4th to December 9th , 2004
Port Arthur, Again
-- Once again our attention shifts back to Port Arthur as we try to expand the industry
base in that area. (NOTE: This section is in ten parts.)
November 11th, 2004 to January 23rd, 2005
Structures -- Discussion
turns to topic of populating the layout with structures. (NOTE: This section is in six
parts.)
November 15th to December 15th , 2004
Progress Update
-- Bob brings us up to speed on the construction of the layout.
November 20th, 2004 to February 1st, 2005
Thoughts on
Hamilton Yard -- Now that the design of Port Arthur has firmly taken shape,
we venture a little further along the MF< mainline to Sawpit.
December 5th, 2004
MF<
History: The Beginnings -- We start to develop the concocted corporate
history (CCH) of the line and try to place it on a map.
December 15th, 2004
Current Layout Plans
-- Current plans of the MF< Timber Co. showing all changes as of this date.
December 20th, 2004 to January 23rd, 2005
Progress
Update -- Although we were all busy with the holiday season, Bob and Peter
continued construction on the layout.
January 9th to 24th, 2005
Car Card System --
Bob's thoughts now turn to how the layout will be operated and statrts to unveil his plans
for a car card ystem.
February 1st to 5th, 2005
Transition Problems
-- After reviewing the plan with Peter again, Bob is still unsure how plausible the
transition will be to the second level
February 4th, 2005
Boats for the Port
-- Port Arthur needs a fleet of boats, and Bob looks at a few options.
February 6th to 7th, 2005
More 3D Scenery --
After completing the scenery for the transition area, Rob attempts the scenery at Morgan
Falls.
