Walthers' carfloat

[gmhtrains]

Has anyone used Walthers Cornerstone carfloat apron and/or carfloat (barge) in their On30 modeling? I am wondering if there is sufficient side-to-side clearance between two On30 freight cars aboard the barge, or if the overhead control tower on the apron has adequate clearance above a boxcar brakewheel? I am modeling a railroad inspired by San Francisco's former State Belt line, with much street-running near the waterfront and sharp 90-degree spurs into warehouses, many located on wharves. The railroad consists mainly of 18-foot cars and 4-wheel engines.

Gil
Eugene, OR

[Terry Toenges]

It looks like that, if you would take it down to two tracks from three, there would be enough clearance. Maybe you could cut some stuff off the deck so you could flip it and have it fit flat on the float. That would give you a smoother surface to lay new track.
The tower has plenty of overhead clearance. It doesn't look like there is enough side clearance along the outside rails on the apron so you would probably have to make your own deck for that.

The picture is from here: http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/132444.aspx

[the Bach-man]

Dear Eugene,
Bar Mills makes a great carfloat that I used on the On30 seaport layout:

https://www.barmillsmodels.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=55&category_id=21&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=999123&redirected=1&Itemid=999123

In fact, the last picture on the page is our layout.
It's a great kit!
Happy Holidays!
the Bach-man

[gmhtrains]

Thank you both for your input. I have reviewed all of the barges/carfloats made by CROW RIVER, DEERFIELD RIVER, FRENCHMAN RIVER, TRAIN TROLL and WALTHERS, and think that I will install two tracks on the wood deck of FRENCHMAN RIVER'S 12+ inch scow ($45). FRENCHMAN RIVER also produces a 23+ inch carfloat with rails for two tracks already cast into place, but as a scenic rather than operational feature it is not worth $125 to me.

As for the apron upon which shore trackage is connected to the barge, BAR MILLS' Raquette Lake Navigation Company structure ($124.95) at 6 inches wide, 8 inches deep and 11+ inches tall would seem to visually overwhelm On30 trains consisting entirely of 18-foot cars. That is why I will stick with WALTHERS "HO scale" structure (37.98) that I ordered this week, and will convert to a single approach track.

Gil

[gmhtrains]

Additional information regarding model barges/carfloats that may interest O scale modelers: both Sylvan Scale Models and Sea Port Model Works make HO scale aggregate-carrying barges that could represent short vessels in O scale. This might draw more attention to a layout's scenic waterfront area than a few rowboats would. But if you are actually wanting an O scale carfloat for On30 rolling stock, take a look at American Model Builders' website. Their rail/marine series has included covered barges in HO scale for some time, but I see that their first O scale deck scow is now available and the wood deck appears to be an excellent candidate for laying a couple of carfloat tracks. Exact length is not mentioned, but the picture suggests that it is about twice the length of Lionel's tugboat.

Gil