my dream layout

[asciibaron]

if i could build my dream layout it would be a toss up between these 2 very different lines;

the PRR/PC Panhandle from Mingo Jct. to Trinway including the Cadiz Branch, portions of the N&W between Mingo and Coshocton, and of course the coal prep plant at Georgetown.  it's a racetrack with a grade - there is enough action for local switching, fast TV's, and even some passenger traffic.


or:

Chessie System in 1975 from Keyser to Grafton - 4 massive grades, helpers out the yang, and coal coal and more coal, plus a passenger train and a trailer train or 2 for good measure.

it would be very difficult to decide - i know it would be built for operations and that would mean i'd need to do something with the coal loads on both lines...

-steve

-steve

[TrainCat2]

Being a die-hard B&O fan, I will cast your vote for the latter. True mountain railroading here. Keyser had a large engine facility/roundhouse and the yard would provide good proto-operation. Eastbound drags required doubling the hill. At Keyser, both units of the drag were reassembled and went east usually through the patterson creek cutoff.

Going west from Keyser, you could interchange with Lee at Westvaco Paper in Luke. The climb started at the Bloomington Viaduct for 17 miles. If modeling pre-58, you could have Bond and Streckers operational with their 12% run-away safety spurs. At the summit, the wye at Altamont allows helpers to back down. The beautiful Oakland station. The vertical curve at Terra Alta going into the horseshoe curve at Salt Lick Curve would make a great railfanning location for photos. Three tracks here full of action with helpers backing down from Terra Alta to Rowlesburg. M&K Junction, the shrine to all B&O fans beckons to be modeled again and agin (spelled right for the area).

The Cheat River grade would be a great in N since it would allow the grade, large drop-offs and mountains to bring out the best in N. Some great points on this grade too; 76 Fill, the 100ft Buckeye Wall, Tray Run Viaduct, Buckhorn Wall and the summit at Tunnelton with the duel bores. By comparison, the downgrade to Grafton is a peaceful march. Grafton could be a layout unto itself.

Sorry for rambling all, but the West End has my heart and interest. So, When are you starting Steve??

[wm3798]

Having spent some time in Grafton and environs, I too would cast a vote for same.  I would cautiously advise that you back date to 72 or before in case you're allergic to cats...

Oooh, and make it snowy...



A Pennsy themed race track could be fun, but you just can't beat the B&O in West Virginia for good old, down on your knees railroading.  I'm not familiar with the PRR area you describe, although it sounds like the local switching might be more varied than the black river of hoppers flowing out of Grafton.

And there's an extra dollar in it for you if you can work this in:


Plan to do both, then decide which one you can do the most justice while the plans are still on paper.

Lee

[asciibaron]

it's been over a year since i've been out that way, but i usually come home with something like this... of course pre 1986 it would have been the truss bridge, but this makes a better scene IMO.



-steve

[Caleb Austin]

I definitely would vote for chessie^_^

[Ian MacMillan]

My dream layout would have two huge sections. First would be the giant operations of the B&M and MBTA around Boston and Somerville in the late '70's and the other half would be the entire MEC Mountain division from Rigby Yard to St.J

[up1950s]

My dream layout would have to have the Green River Wyoming engine and yard facilities and a 10 track open staging yard to feed a big as I could fit main line double track loop ( 100 feet would be nice ) . So would the proper place , expected life span , money , and overall health to do all that work .