2002p51
Well-Known Member
Actually the more accurate name for my layout should be the BP&U; "Bare Plywood & Unsceniced". The benchwork and track work is all done and I've been running trains for a few weeks to make sure everything works and is as it should be before I start on any scenery.
There was a poll on another thread asking whose building prototype, freelance, or some variation on the two. This layout could be called proto-lanced, or free-type or something. I think that best way to describe it is that it's loosely based on the N&W's Abingdon Branch in the mid fifties. "Loosely" being the keyword here. While I'm using N&W equipment and actual place names, I'm making no attempt to model actual structures and track arrangements, etc. So don't anybody throw rocks at me for taking some severe modeler's license with much of this layout.
So, without further ado, let's check out some photos.
This is a very old Athearn switcher that used to be painted for the Southern Pacific. I added a Cannon thin wall cab, re-painted it and used Microscale decals.
I found this pair of Proto 2000 GP9s on eBay. I replaced the typical split gears on all four axles of both units and now they run beautifully. (That upper track is the "Abingdon Branch")
Here they are pulling an 18 car coal drag through Abingdon. The hoppers are a mix of Accurail and Atlas. Most are lettered for N&W, but there are a few other roads in there as well.
This feed and seed dealer is a survivor from an earlier layout and was completely scratchbuilt using mostly Evergreen styrene.
I like to create little scenes and so there's a lot going on down at the local Dixie gas. The '53 Chevy is needing new wheel bearings while the '56 Ford on the rack is in for it's first lube job. It's owner can be seen in the office getting ready to pay the bill. Back outside the guys are checking out Billy's new jalopy while the race car must wait for closing time to get worked on before next Saturday's race.
Back on the railroad, a couple of local freights meet at Abingdon. Being an old school guy I use DC block control with dual cabs. Although it's unlikely to ever happen, this layout will support two operators running trains simultaneously.
The main layout is 4' x 12' and behind that is this 2' x 12' staging/fiddle yard. This represents Roanoke, Va and points east on one side, and Bristol, VA and points west on the other. There is one through track for continuous running.
Here's the "Virginia Creeper" heading up the branch from Abingdon. The main curving behind the branch is the approach to staging.
Continuing up the branch above and behind Abingdon. Just a little further up there may be station stop at Alvarado. I haven't fully decided on that yet.
Rounding the bend at the top of the grade. Like most of the rolling stock on the layout, these two box cars have been re-painted by me and lettered with Microscale decals.
The train arrives in what will eventually be Damascus, VA. The buildings here right now are just place holders. I'm still not completely sure how this scene will eventually look. But I know that I want at least three or four customers for the railroad up here.
This is the end of the branch for now. The stock pen is an inexpensive Model Power kit that I modified to fit the space. In the next phase, the track the train is on now will extend out another foot or two before swinging 180 degrees to be above the staging yard. There will be another station stop at Green Cove and then the branch will terminate in a return loop and head back down to Abingdon.
And that's it so far. Hope you enjoyed my little photo tour. I welcome comments and critiques but, like I said, this is only loosely based on the famous "Virginia Creeper" so cut me a little slack for that.
There was a poll on another thread asking whose building prototype, freelance, or some variation on the two. This layout could be called proto-lanced, or free-type or something. I think that best way to describe it is that it's loosely based on the N&W's Abingdon Branch in the mid fifties. "Loosely" being the keyword here. While I'm using N&W equipment and actual place names, I'm making no attempt to model actual structures and track arrangements, etc. So don't anybody throw rocks at me for taking some severe modeler's license with much of this layout.
So, without further ado, let's check out some photos.
This is a very old Athearn switcher that used to be painted for the Southern Pacific. I added a Cannon thin wall cab, re-painted it and used Microscale decals.
I found this pair of Proto 2000 GP9s on eBay. I replaced the typical split gears on all four axles of both units and now they run beautifully. (That upper track is the "Abingdon Branch")
Here they are pulling an 18 car coal drag through Abingdon. The hoppers are a mix of Accurail and Atlas. Most are lettered for N&W, but there are a few other roads in there as well.
This feed and seed dealer is a survivor from an earlier layout and was completely scratchbuilt using mostly Evergreen styrene.
I like to create little scenes and so there's a lot going on down at the local Dixie gas. The '53 Chevy is needing new wheel bearings while the '56 Ford on the rack is in for it's first lube job. It's owner can be seen in the office getting ready to pay the bill. Back outside the guys are checking out Billy's new jalopy while the race car must wait for closing time to get worked on before next Saturday's race.
Back on the railroad, a couple of local freights meet at Abingdon. Being an old school guy I use DC block control with dual cabs. Although it's unlikely to ever happen, this layout will support two operators running trains simultaneously.
The main layout is 4' x 12' and behind that is this 2' x 12' staging/fiddle yard. This represents Roanoke, Va and points east on one side, and Bristol, VA and points west on the other. There is one through track for continuous running.
Here's the "Virginia Creeper" heading up the branch from Abingdon. The main curving behind the branch is the approach to staging.
Continuing up the branch above and behind Abingdon. Just a little further up there may be station stop at Alvarado. I haven't fully decided on that yet.
Rounding the bend at the top of the grade. Like most of the rolling stock on the layout, these two box cars have been re-painted by me and lettered with Microscale decals.
The train arrives in what will eventually be Damascus, VA. The buildings here right now are just place holders. I'm still not completely sure how this scene will eventually look. But I know that I want at least three or four customers for the railroad up here.
This is the end of the branch for now. The stock pen is an inexpensive Model Power kit that I modified to fit the space. In the next phase, the track the train is on now will extend out another foot or two before swinging 180 degrees to be above the staging yard. There will be another station stop at Green Cove and then the branch will terminate in a return loop and head back down to Abingdon.
And that's it so far. Hope you enjoyed my little photo tour. I welcome comments and critiques but, like I said, this is only loosely based on the famous "Virginia Creeper" so cut me a little slack for that.
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