Fox River Valley Railroad - Grand Tour -

[Gary B]

Welcome to the Fox River Valley Railroad. Myself, my sons and even my wife have all had part in building the layout over the last 27 years. I decided this last year to complete it by my 70th birthday which is in a few weeks. It's no prize winner but it's been a lot of fun. I hope you all enjoy the tour.

My birthday present to myself and the cherry to top it off.

 

[grande man]

Congrats on the completion and Happy Birthday!

 

[Gary B]

Let's start our tour with a wide overview.

On the right is the original section of the layout. The left was added later. The right wall forms a narrow room a previous owner built that I punched through to give the trains somewhere to disappear to.

The left side backs up to a work bench (Actually a bar again built by a previous owner.) I wrapped the tracks around to the of the bench to return them to the other side.

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

Congratulations on completing your layout, it looks great! Happy Birthday as well! I'd say completing a layout build is a great birthday gift.

 

[Gary B]

We will continue our tour starting in the forested northwest corner. Here we have our local radio station,WPLA. First of several classic Plasticville on the layout. Below it is Snow Valley, a winter scene I recently added. The upper level tracks here don't go anywhere, just the remainder of an older plan.

Next we come to the Ira Katz mine. Below is the Black River canyon.

 

[Gary B]

Moving on after being interrupted, we see the Black River canyon drop off under the trestle.

Beyond we see the old mill, a small church and above, the haunted cemetery.

Next we see the highway bridge passing over the mainline. Small homesteads on either side. The barn of one now an antique shop.

One last view view for today. I think these shots reflect my modeling style. I'm what you might call an impressionistic modeler. I try to give a feel of more being there than there actually is. Compress, suggest, not worrying about scale fidelity too much. But you know what I intended.

 

[logandsawman]

Moving on after being interrupted, we see the Black River canyon drop off under the trestle.View attachment 212935
Beyond we see the old mill, a small church and above, the haunted cemetery.
View attachment 212936
Next we see the highway bridge passing over the mainline. Small homesteads on either side. The barn of one now an antique shop.
View attachment 212938View attachment 212939

One last view view for today. I think these shots reflect my modeling style. I'm what you might call an impressionistic modeler. I try to give a feel of more being there than there actually is. Compress, suggest, not worrying about scale fidelity too much. But you know what I intended.

Very interesting and original. I like it!

 

[Gary B]

As we approach the water front, we see the lights coming on along the river. (Which I can never decide on a name for.)

On one side we see a water front cottage. Behind it the stone arch railroad bridge further back the highway bridge and dam. The other side is a dock and the lighthouse. Beyond are the towers of downtown Neenah.

 

[Rico]

Enjoying the tour, reminds me of Rod Stewart’s city scenes!

 

[Gary B]

Enjoying the tour, reminds me of Rod Stewart’s city scenes!

I consider that as high praise. Taken as is with less talent and a low budget.

 

[Gary B]

Some more views along the water before we explore the city

 

[chpop001]

That's really impressive. I especially liked the area on the left side of the first photo, where you've used the rock formations though which your bridge goes on the outside of the layout - instead of the usual green fascia.

 

[Gary B]

Onwards to the city of Neenah. Name borrowed but nothing like the city in Wisconsin. You probably noticed that I don't stick with an era. My world is lost in time. I neither have the desire or the discipline to do so. But have great respect for those of you who do.

Here we come to the Union Station with the trains passing underneath and the Fox Valley electric lining passing overhead

 

[PMW]

Great work, Gary! Everything looks really good but for some reason I just love that rooftop restaurant scene

 

[Gary B]

Great work, Gary! Everything looks really good but for some reason I just love that rooftop restaurant scene

Thanks. It's named after the tavern my wife's family once owned. It stays open late.

 

[Colorado Midland Modeler]

I agree with Rico, the city scenes do look like Rod Stewart's. I also like the Black River Canyon and old mill/haunted cemetery area, that area reminds me a bit of John Allen's Gorre & Daphetid. Good work!

 

[Gary B]

Behind Union Station the city continues. We see the Fox electric line elevated terminal. The line is also called the Wisconsin Electric Interurban Rail District, or for short, the WEIRD line. The narrow area made larger by the mirrored wall. The back drop at the end removes for access.

 

[Gary B]

I agree with Rico, the city scenes do look like Rod Stewart's. I also like the Black River Canyon and old mill/haunted cemetery area, that area reminds me a bit of John Allen's Gorre & Daphetid. Good work!

Rod Stewart and John Allen? Your putting me in some very gifted company. But I can't sing.

 

[Gary B]

More views of the lower level of Neenah including Wall Street with tracks exiting Union Station.

 

[Gary B]

Good morning to those of you still on the tour. Today we come to the city limits of Neenah approaching the hill top town of Summit and the more suburban town of Fox River.
A bit of fire action (and a giant finger) in the industrial corridor.