https://www.aorailroad.com/operating-sessions daily 0.75 2018-01-20 https://www.aorailroad.com/home daily 1.0 2020-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516469272938-W7K6YHUY4DJH4QXK52IL/davidmp234.jpg Appalachian & Ohio Railroad https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516468467088-4ISLRO05FBEJDTNNAAEH/layout_gp35mp164.jpg Appalachian & Ohio Railroad https://www.aorailroad.com/history daily 0.75 2018-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516475176599-ZLD0YKME1L1UBUFU1SK4/mod2.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516476069397-WHUAAYV4DCS273D2XGWK/willowcreek.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516476072566-4KXVJ85Z2RZE2HC2SC6O/bacon.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516476075556-YP2BFLJLQ8HZMYMLXKD2/karijoel.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516476078973-52G2DSD02EOH5RSWSU3A/joelgorge.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516475767352-Y9OTY69SQMDKJ1DPUB5R/cover.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516475889120-V1Z021ODSTSZS1LU6RW0/blackrs3.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516475913359-LO5K63ZLDPZ4TM0RNA6J/rs3cab.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516476001219-QQ5WBWNTP7L6D6NHVJ56/sketch1.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516476001410-96FO544W3YAW523B2NXY/sketch2.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516476001600-5OIKBCRHZY589V90D09X/sketch3.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516476002071-DCGX9U0NGN5SOCWDAZ2T/sketch5.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516475708920-GINOV2JRK73L3R4LEEQM/bridge1.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516475709015-Y2X2VG2YMQ1YQFZE1225/bridge2.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516475709394-R0BCWCB9JJAYU8J9KYLW/bridge3.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516475492508-M8VDROHYLM21IRYJEI8I/overview.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516475499663-KT6I5Y01BQAPUM8MGJF6/loader2.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516475502923-XSWFF6WN6EGYMZF6FX4E/loader1.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516475511572-IOVV3SSLCRZF2VU219RR/f3.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516475538789-5G5M1P1R7QTKZF56JDCD/shed.jpg Historical Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516475282122-WH2F8D0EADG34ZS8QIK5/overview.jpg Historical Overview https://www.aorailroad.com/construction/overiew daily 0.75 2018-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517109381125-6I67K1H4VR1DJPD2EDZP/Milestones1.jpg 2.0 Construction Overview https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517109430390-CZD3BHO37TR2K36R4GQL/P_20180127_184458_vHDR_On.jpg 2.0 Construction Overview As of Jan. 27th, 2018... Ten years after the beginning of construction. Golden Spike ceremony will wait until scenery nears completion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516476290268-E0V9CYY43GX4NW5CXAKG/ceiling1.jpg 2.0 Construction Overview https://www.aorailroad.com/layout/overview daily 0.75 2018-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516477443911-5MYQ0JACHEMC9R1ABXOK/layout_render_thumb.jpg Layout Virtual Tour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516477360365-0AO6HDJBCSIUGE0L6OHP/Layout_geo.jpg Layout Virtual Tour https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516477740542-SUTX7RE1YX5MUN16G41N/layout_render_thumb.jpg Layout Virtual Tour https://www.aorailroad.com/thick-roof daily 0.75 2018-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516479561880-Y1YBGK8FRG7VXGKWMLGH/basementcrew.jpg 2.0’s New "Thick Roof" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516479564538-642EX6G9J556CE0FRAYT/ceiling1.jpg 2.0’s New "Thick Roof" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516479571284-CM1RDWSLI7I21TJY3PTM/basementfinished.jpg 2.0’s New "Thick Roof" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516479635056-KA90JRN3H5UOC48H3LL2/crewlounge.jpg 2.0’s New "Thick Roof" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516479640082-326A4UJ7469MBXPGK50R/workshop.jpg 2.0’s New "Thick Roof" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516479635740-YZYZ6UFW45FIXNINI9AJ/doffice.jpg 2.0’s New "Thick Roof" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516479639945-6QTOCJ5CHCAXYQBJBD8V/loungeview.jpg 2.0’s New "Thick Roof" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516479465882-093WB2QIDPZH6FCDXUDE/teespans.jpg 2.0’s New "Thick Roof" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516479468159-KO6JTTHT0MLBGRM355UA/teespush.jpg 2.0’s New "Thick Roof" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516479473304-4N3ST4TMNCCHEVCOPSLX/teesswing.jpg 2.0’s New "Thick Roof" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516479455336-D8XN5C3968MZDUKK9KNL/basementwalls.jpg 2.0’s New "Thick Roof" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516479368159-ZHAPE8GRKMEUMIBHHOC2/teesswing.jpg 2.0’s New "Thick Roof" https://www.aorailroad.com/year-by-year daily 0.75 2018-05-25 https://www.aorailroad.com/cutting-rr-ties daily 0.75 2018-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480151567-K0WB9M8XWZRW8DC1YLGY/ties1.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties Begin by setting the saw fence to the height of a RR tie. Because the ties will be sanded level before rail is laid, I tend to make my ties a bit thick which gives me room for sanding them down. With the Fine Finish blade, two passes through a 1x4 yields three pieces of tie-height wood ("flats"). Work slowly on each pass, so as to not bog down the saw motor and letting the blade do its work. This is slowest part of the whole process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480151627-3RAIJKLU6AA2A4QOG79U/ties2.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties Next the wood flats are clamped together in bundles of 6. There will be some width variations, but have one edge be flush across its surface (the photo shows the bottom edge being made flush). It is helpful to select a pair of wood flats that are free of knots and place them as the outside pieces of each bundle. Later on this will keep debris from flying when these flats are ripped into tie strips. Then tightly wrap the bundles with masking tape about every 4" and remove the clamps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480151853-1RZRALHGH7N3DYOXB00D/ties3.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties Titebond or similar yellow carpenter's glue is then applied the length of the bundle. The glue is put on the uneven edge. I use my finger to rub the glue fully onto all the exposed edge surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480151917-TPC96LBWZBXCZT3ZA80V/ties4.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties After the glue has dried, I cut the tape away from bundle with a utility knife.What remains is sort of like a book with the wood flats being the pages and the glued edge being the binding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480152015-UCMOAGOABCVBM4JG1EQM/ties5.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties Next I set the saw fence to the width of a tie. (It's best to do this with the saw turned off) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480152177-HFLUKPYZXC7C6J2418F4/ties6.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties Each edge-glued bundle is pushed through the saw with the glued edge remaining uncut. It is helpful to have a clear, knot-free side up when making this cut. Small knots in the wood are thus held in place as they go past the blade by the intact wood above them. Work slowly, even though these glued wood flats cut easily. I use a push stick to complete each pass as the end of the bundle approaches the blade. (see above Warning) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480152249-ZYOF3EPXEKAKNAQE4X16/ties7.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties To catch these long ties as they come off the saw I place a stereo speaker box on saw horses. The ties slide into the box with each pass through the saw. Strips with knots will break apart yielding shorter strips. No problem. They'll all work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480152445-1DCD21JKWLMVXWX7Q3SQ/ties8.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties "Got Sawdust?" Ya betcha! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480152508-OHVGY17IRADYVKZB3YDE/ties9.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties The next step is to bundle the ties for cross-cutting. A pair of home-made styrene cradles help establish a flat base for the tie bundle. Tie strips that are shorter due to knots are collected and made into shorter bundles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480152685-9X9JH0H94AFDWACRLO5X/ties10.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties Masking tape is now tightly wrapped around the tie bundle, making sure the flat bottom remains. I usually keep the tie bundles to around 1 1/2" in height. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480152689-THHCWXGAHG2VCIZYXJ3H/ties11.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties Once the end is tightly wrapped, the remained of the tie bundle is "Barber Pole" wrapped to the opposite end, where it it again tightly wrapped. The bundled ties are now ready for cross-cutting to length. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480152851-Z447XHGUAEMOD548L20O/ties12.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties Cross-cutting to length is done on a band saw. A wood, 2x4 fence is clamped to the saw table top the length of the tie. In O scale this is 2" for an 8' tie, or slightly more if you're doing 8'6" ties. The ties are pushed past the blade with the flat bottom down (who'd a thought).   Switch ties of 16' or longer are also cut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480152914-P4J57HENDXMG7DX7ZQJF/ties13.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties The tie bundles stack up, with each bundle being about enough for 3' or more of track. Not bad! Next- Gluing down the 'right-o-way'. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480070473-ITCE9RSNSWM0UZ70SV3T/ties13.jpg Cutting Railroad Ties https://www.aorailroad.com/glueing-rr-ties daily 0.75 2018-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480523786-OGX065DSE9WKXLX7CCMZ/IMG_0002.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties Begin by laying out approximate track locations with the splines. I usually start with the mainline, then to passing sidings, then to spurs. Flathead common nails are driven into the homasote or micore subroadbed far enough to hold the spline in position. Spring clamps hold the splines together where turnouts ocurr. I generally don't worry about what the turnout frog number is, as long as it's appropriate for the location. Frog numbers are essentially undefined- being, for example a #9.27 when measured after completion. And using this method produces a lot of flowing, curved turnouts- and trackwork in general. If a turnout with a true, straight route is desired, clamp a 2' level to the spline along the straight route and then arc a diverging route/spline from it. Here is where things get interesting as scenery and structure locations transition from paper and pencil drawings to 3-D. And this is where a lot of rethinking takes place. Many nails get pulled, splines shifted, and ......hmmmm, maybe it needs to go like this... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524722-SH7L6PDQCPDZMF85A3DX/IMG_0025.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties To establish a radius arc I use a camera tripod with a spline as the swing arm and pencil through a drilled hole for marking the arc. Here you can see the pencil of the tripod arm hovering over the spline, rechecking the true radius. (oopsie on the photo. Forgot to set "white balance". My bad.) To enable a transition spiral, or easement, into and out of the established radius, define both ends of the curve as being a couple inches broader than the actual radius arc would produce. These become your tangent points into and out of the curve. Then pull the middle of the spline inward to follow the actual drawn radius of the swing arm. Presto. A transition spiral! As the centerlines are finally established, and all is correct,....hopefully, draw a line along the base of the spline. I generally establish the aisleside of the spline as my true centerlline. This avoids confusion given the 3/8" offset of the spline thickness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524837-1RC7DQ4D8XOVLP43YE8L/IMG_0034.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties I like having, or at least starting with, a very straight tie edge. To do this I use the splines again, but now as an alignment tool. Accurately cut, 8' ties (2" in O scale) are marked dead center (1"). These are laid on the marked track centerline and a spline is butted up against the tie edge. Nails again hold the spline in place. I work my way along, nailing a single spline over the length for a given track. I glue all the ties along one spline length and remove it, then reset it for another set of ties. It generally works better starting at the furthest distance from the aisle and working toward the front. And I usually make the aisle-side edge be the spline edge for the ties. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524776-OM47KMBXFU6RPNNOPSHH/IMG_0032.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties To define where tie lengths transition from normal 8' ties to the longer, switch-length ties, I lay two center-marked ties on the track lines and slide them along the main and diverging routes until the ends are butted. A full length tie is then placed at that location. Switch length ties are then used from that location back to the switchpoint end of the turnout. I will cut 3 or 4 intermediate lengths of ties for switches. After the rails are down, I go back with a cut-off disc and trim the ties on the diverging route to the typical graduated, prototypical look. Yup, this is cheating, but when completed and the ends stained, no one's the wiser. And best of all, the ties look like they were carefully cut just for this particular turnout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524987-2X6V67E3VVQTN3601TKY/IMG_0040.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties Here a spline has been positioned at the diverging end of a turnout and is ready for tie-glueing. What about having the mainline be higher than the adjacent trackage on a flat surface such as this? How is that done? Two methods work. a) glueing a notched-on-each-side tie flat (see Cutting Ties section) along the centerline of the mainline and then sanding/beveling it down to adjacenct trackage. The dual notching allows the flat to bend with track curvature. Ties are then glued to this flat. Or- b) after the process of THIS tutorial is completed, use a utility knife to cut the subroadbed along each mainline tie edge, gently lift the subroadbed, and slide "tie flat" or other shim material under it. Thus the mainline is raised a bit relative to the surrounding trackage and the transition between the two is done smoothly by the subroadbed. Doing this AFTER the ties have been sanded ensures a constant flow of tie height through the transition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480525054-TLIJNFKENLWE9EXLK3NP/IMG_0041.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties I use Titebond yellow glue. I'll run a bead of glue about 18" and spread with a stick, intentionally leaving a gap on the spline-side. One end of the tie is placed in the glue and then slid through the glue and up against the spline. This keeps the minimum amount of glue from getting on the spline. If you've cut your own ties as described on the "Cutting Ties" section, there will be some ties with knots material in them. Toss those aside as they will not sand evenly later on. The distance between ties, and their alignment can be varied depending on whether the track is main line, siding, or little used industrial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524880-6GJNY90P7ZS684F4MZ46/IMG_0035.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties As soon as the spline length of ties is completed, remove the spline. Yellow glue sets up quickly. Letting the spline sit overnight with freshly glued ties up against it is NOT a good idea. It is best to pull the nails on the OUTSIDE (non-tie side) of the spline first. This allows the spline to fall away from the ties rather than springing back into them, distrubing their position. If you wish to have a more staggered edge to the line of ties, now is when you can nudge of the ties right or left to create this effect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524947-GQN9CPL6CHRK34XOBHI3/IMG_0037.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties A completed section of ties. I did the ties on the right first, removed the spline, and then reset it for the left and its ties. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480523793-C9NCVEIX5DJRR5A1WSB0/IMG_0003.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties Next I wipe a quick coat of tie stain across the top of the ties. I make my stain from a mixture of chocolate brown and black latex paint, diluted about 2/3 with water. Experiment with the amount of brown to black proportions and water mixture until you like what you get. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524021-DFODT5M5OQRSJUJ4C6WD/IMG_0004.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties A belt sander with #80 grit (O scale) belt is next. I work VERY lightly across the tops of the ties to start. The higher ties will quickly show themselves. As they are brought down to the overall tie height more downward pressure is applied. The sander can make quick work of the white pine (or basswood of comercial ties) so keeping track, so to speak, of tie height in the midst of the sawdust is important. If you are using commercial, "Low Profile" basswood ties, I'd suggest a much finer grit paper- assuming you're planning to sand at all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524090-QCX8I6DNCBARAFFEKPD2/IMG_0007.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties Here the higher ties have been reduced and I'm getting closer to a uniform tie height. It is important to keep the sander level as you along lest the ties become rounded on their ends, or the entire section is at a bevel (an undesirable form of super-elevation). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524240-W1PNX1FYNKA9AJ4WQZHW/IMG_0011.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties No matter how careful I am with the sander, a few ties will get dislodged. These ties are placed in between two adjacent ties and sanding continues. This will bring the currently loose ties to the same height as their neighbors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524150-KBAB2A82IAYW2C8D9JZ9/IMG_0009.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties I use a straight edge to frequently check for vertical curves as I sand. It is common to have subtle waves form as you sand. Working slowly and frequent checking prevents this. As I slide the straight edge along, high spots will show themselves by a rocking motion of the straight edge. The sander is placed on the high spot and brought down to level, feathering out from this spot in each direction. Sanding the wider switch ties involves moving the sander side to side as one would a clothes iron pressing a shirt. (Thanks for the pre-college laundry tutorial mom!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524379-QFSWMZE8H9GXYSMJWG2E/IMG_0018.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties Once the ties are a uniform height, the area is vacuumed. Remember to set the loose ties aside or you'll be digging into the bowels of the Shop-Vac (ahem.) Now those few previously dislodged ties can be reglued back into their original position and their height checked with the straight edge. Note that a few ties have just barely been reached by the sanding belt. If there are no high spots, this is a good time to stop. If you are wanting to create uneven, poorly maintained industrial trackage, the sander is only too happy to oblige. Experiment. NOTE: This works better in O scale where the mass of the equipment keeps things on the rails. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524402-XIF087DPD3REW46JX610/IMG_0016.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties The pencil is pointing to the ragged burrs on the ties left from the sanding. I use a wire brush to clean these off with a fast scrubbing motion and revacuum. This is a quick process. If desiring a very detailed tie (in O scale) I have next used a house paint-scraping wire brush to scribe tie/wood grain into the tie. This is only worth doing if the area is up close and subject to macro photography. You will observe that the 80 grit sandpaper tends to create some grain on the ties. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524538-7R2C8ZWKXGIGM8QD2HN0/IMG_0020.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties Finally it's time to stain the ties. I begin with a wash of water over the ties, soaking them, and letting the water sit for a couple minutes. This prevents the dry ties from absorbing the color of the stain too quickly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524658-S60YZN1N3895HHTR4340/IMG_0024.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties Then the stain is applied to this sloppy mixture. I add enough stain to color the tie, yet allow some of the wood color to show through. As the ties dry, more water and stain can be added to achieve the desired look for a given location. You can always add color, but not remove it without resanding when dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480524603-7Z5PQOJ90SJVUMXT33IQ/IMG_0023.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties This process goes quickly, and is a bit of an artsy step with the ties being a canvas on which you're creating your Van Gough. On track with little traffic (spurs, etc.) I will sometimes make the stain lighter, and even do a dry brush of gray to simulate sun-bleached and silvered, weathered ties. Once dry it's time to spike some rail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516480996989-M2SLEBTE9DCFG6KXMYB6/IMG_0024.jpg Glueing Railroad Ties https://www.aorailroad.com/phase-1-sobol-springs daily 0.75 2018-01-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516481134702-EIIKDOJNP3833C0TABA2/phase1a.jpg Phase 1 - Sobol Springs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516990821535-B55H1N85O6JMD73UJ14L/IMG_0016.JPG Phase 1 - Sobol Springs An overview shows the A&O main along the wall with the NR&W providing the rest of the trackwork. Several industries will keep the NR&W Local crew busy once per session. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516991846006-3A9AMF4Q5ELFJXBOAX06/IMG_0039.JPG Phase 1 - Sobol Springs To create a smooth flowing edge for future fascia, a wood spline was initially set atop the plywood/micore base and a pencil line drawn. A saber saw completed job. A future pile trestle will carry a siding over the creek and be the main focus of this scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516991590888-563WDSB0TVFW72S9S3JK/IMG_0046.JPG Phase 1 - Sobol Springs The "Springs" features the "Cookie-Cutter" style framing for the various track levels. The A&O and NR&W mains drop a consistent 2% the length of the scene with the diverging tracks returning to level. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516991607234-DAIJZIWXT2MSX5FNTIEA/FCExt.jpg Phase 1 - Sobol Springs Hoppers sit at the site of the future Atomic Fuels operational coal loader. The box car is being held on the 2% grade by a retractable grade-brake. Also visible is the lengthening/relay of the Falls Church Branch off the NR&W as it exits into the aisle. Doing this will provide a place to hold cars when switching the Springs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516991661305-9E5O68MLPZO8W8SA83XO/creek.JPG Phase 1 - Sobol Springs The fascia has been added and the future site of Sobol Creek is easily seen. Ready for backdrop painting and scenery! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516991681986-9U18MUY2MOUVNLFJ4C4Q/IMG_0004.JPG Phase 1 - Sobol Springs To conserve aisle space, a pull-out drawer holds the Springs control panel. Horizontal car card pockets will be added with enough room left for some sorting space. https://www.aorailroad.com/phase-2-staging-yards daily 0.75 2018-01-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516481479670-CYMLJNISOWA84LM1ZW0S/phase2a.jpg Phase 2 - Staging Yards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516992741291-55NPNLHH1D1LSAIT9U07/IMG_0006.JPG Phase 2 - Staging Yards From phase 1 the A&O (left) and NR&W (right) cross at New River Diamond and proceed into Willow Creek, WV. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516992413228-ZLL9M82HVCPEZRUMYE0T/IMG_0009.JPG Phase 2 - Staging Yards The Willow Creek end of the staging yard. This will be very visible below Millport's 16th St. Yd. and day lighted. The track at right is the NR&W thru Willow Creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516992326158-DMRCKBLXZRI5EEJCURTM/IMG_0001.JPG Phase 2 - Staging Yards Looking from the Willow Creek end, this side of the staging yards runs the length of the wall, which is also the length of the garge above our heads. Viva la extra space! A view block/scene divider with highway overpass will bisect this yard about where the hopper car sits, ending the south end of the railroad at Willow Creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516992326275-6LCNZ433WNTUWIJ2SYSJ/IMG_0003.JPG Phase 2 - Staging Yards The Taft Ave. end of this yard will have an "under the city streets" look to it and have dim lighting compared to the far, Willow Creek end. Millport's 16th St. Yd. will be above. The yard supports train lengths of 20 cars plus power. Many different crew members helped lay the rail and turnouts in these yards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516993057949-P9RFV0CUIY8BSQJQQQ19/IMG_0119.JPG Phase 2 - Staging Yards A three-way turnout begins the ladder into Taft Ave. staging yard, saving real estate and effectively lengthening each track. The stub end tracks are from the Dogtown staging yard. This brief section will be exposed from above and feature a transient camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516992328503-5B3X8ROO1B26ULDB9JIQ/IMG_0112.JPG Phase 2 - Staging Yards Looking from the far end, or North Ladder, of Dogtown staging yard. This is across the aisle from the Willow Creek/Taft staging yard and will be below Millport's arrival/departure yard- Havens Yard. Ballast has been applied in preparation for Phase 3 construction. https://www.aorailroad.com/phase-3-millport-yards daily 0.75 2018-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516487730992-SI6IQZ9TSVARLKMUJ22V/phase3a.jpg Phase 3 - Millport Yards https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517179262282-TJ1R7BQVW51054INR3WH/IMG_0122.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards Cross members have been added over the Dogtown staging yard to support the plywood of Millport's Havens Yard. Black paint was applied to add to the dingy environment of this under-city scene. These lower-level staging yards are visible from the Millport aisle. Lighting will be by dimmed rope light behind the front fascia, with ocassional trackside bare bulb lamps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517179262605-W8MEEU32CWI5MQZ91IK8/IMG_0124.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards This view will be visible upon completion. The notches in the cross pieces are for future track wires to be pulled taught to their Fillmore Hts. aisle bus power wire, thus keeping them from drooping into the scene. Upon attachment, they too will be painted black. Removable concrete walls will run the length of this yard completing the scene. Now to find some stray dogs for this Dogtown yard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517179263018-458I48G0F26FG08XZW7Q/IMG_0126.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards Framing in the Point Vincent area. White (and brown) cardboard has been stapled to the sides of the Slausen Cutoff and staging yard leads to protect against any equipment potentially hitting the floor as this lower trackage is hidden from view. It is accessible from the inner Fillmore Heights aisle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517179263471-GA0YY5COH4TF35WXUXJ2/IMG_0128.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards The return loop, Slausen cutoff (lower) and the Havens Yard lead into Millport (upper) snake between the supports for the above Bayfield and Fillmore Hts. trackage. With several tracks and scenes interwoven in this area, the framing required continual rethinking. (Many thanks to Bill Wood.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517179263707-7PLMQFLUASGL457GGG0Q/IMG_0134.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards The return loop, Slausen cutoff (lower) and the Havens Yard lead into Millport (upper) snake between the supports for the above Bayfield and Fillmore Hts. trackage. With several tracks and scenes interwoven in this area, the framing required continual rethinking. (Many thanks to Bill Wood.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517179693724-EGFQ1VBXRHCS27AJJBI2/IMG_0214.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards A lapse in keeping a photographic log advances Phase 3 construction to the point of having Millport's two yards in place; Havens (Arrival/Departure/Engine Service) on the left and 16th St. (Hump Classification) on the right. Below are Dogtown staging on the left and Taft Ave/Willow Creek on the right. Craig Linn and Bob Sobol in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517179693890-98J7362P1CQ2R2AQDNE9/IMG_0215.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards The crest of the hump on the right for 16th St. eight-track Classification yard. Foreground is reefer storage, team track, and switching runaround. Mark Linn laid most of the class yard rail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517179687314-C2HLAD8SVCD1G3CQ8JMZ/IMG_0213.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards North Havens (Boulevard) Yard. A backlighted plexiglas panel (great for nights ops) has been added with sections for the upper wye and its connections ("Wye Knot") and for North Havens. The car card file is sized for the A&O's O scale-sized laminated photo car cards (3 1/2 x 7 1/4") https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517179687412-AXZ27471SG8HV7N6XJZD/IMG_0212.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards The North Havens work station. The engine service panel has been added. Car card files lay flat on A&O 2.0, allowing their surface to be used as work space. This also keeps the fascia clean, providing an uncluttered bottom edge/border to set off the railroad. A couple of "storage cubbies" separate the file boxes. Pop can shelf on each end. A rope light just behind the fascia over the flat work space provides light to this area for night ops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517180107873-KDRNB4BKHM4A4G6LX0AN/IMG_0146.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards Overall view of Millprt's Havens Yard. A double-sided styrene skyboard backdrop has now been added, encompassing the Fillmore Heights industrial switching area (right). Actual RR lighting has been installed as well. (See "Electrical" for lighting data) Many building flats to make! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517180109821-JRQLNX1AISTWN8PX0GCK/IMG_0152.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards Unlike A&O 1.0, I decided to paint the ceiling over the aisles and light valences as dark color ("Deep Sage"). It is amazing how much this made the ceiling disappear and brought all the attention to the railroad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517180108969-GXQE662IRBJ44I4KNBHZ/IMG_0148.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards The Central Havens panel. Even in normal room lighting the backlit plex makes the panel diagram and its data stand out. Dogtown staging yard below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517180116630-SCVPZDLXDFDD02GWR15A/IMG_0164.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards At North Havens a train is coming up from the Dogtown staging while the doodlebug sits at the site of the future passenger platform along Havens Boulevard. The RS3 is "in the engine house." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517180125225-6DHCN1SX78OEIX5QQUNV/IMG_0172.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards Across the aisle, a car crests 16th St. hump as RS3 137 passes underneath and into the 16th St. industrial area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517180118075-UHHEYCTCQW3BCZ7DU7MS/IMG_0167.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards The 16th St. Industrial District is split into two ends. This end features a wholesale grocery warehouse, and reefer ice dock, the American Boiler Company, and the 16th Street Team Track. The hump lead rises thru the middle of this area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517180123609-RW1UU13D2QPDYFINM94F/IMG_0168.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards A lone reefer sits along the future ice dock while a gon sits on the loading track for the American Boiler Co. Removable inbound sheet metal loads and outbound boilers will require the switch crew to play put-'n-take with the car loads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517180413700-5S9E54SXMRKN4RVF7ZL5/IMG_0010+%282%29.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards This is the other end of the 16th St. industrial trackage. A lead along the front of the class. yard (right) reaches the shelf area over the New River Diamond and ladder into Willow Creek, VW below. This arrangement provided a visual barrier for yard below, ie.-keeping WV out of Millport! It also provided a source of lighting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517180112263-PHWUF6WEOM554CXFP41Y/IMG_0008+%282%29.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards Campbells Soup and Swansons Frozen Foods comprise the industrial sites at this end of 16th St. industrial. This provides a necessary destination for the iced reefers from the ice dock at the other end of this switching district. What a concept. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516487995054-6OG70H4DL6YBV8W21RDP/3hump.gif Phase 3 - Millport Yards A look down the 16th St. 8 track hump yard. Typical of hump yards, it features three 3-way switches. Yard length is approximately18 cars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516488008214-NQ94OVTMNRO2P19986FI/retardover.gif Phase 3 - Millport Yards Mechanical retarders pinch the wheel flanges to slow the cars, just as in the prototype. The weight and mass of O scale precluded air retarders as is sometimes used in HO. Felt was glued to the surface that pinches the flange. The brass tubing will be dressed and detailed to look like the actual thing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516488002482-HET49AQZMZPMFRSRF2O1/humppanel.gif Phase 3 - Millport Yards Work station for the 16th St. hump shows (left to right) panel with route selection, magnet board for "train tiles" which are placed on the panel to denote the train/track designation, a car-to-which-track list which is made up before the train is humped, and the start of card files with the car card for the one being humped laying a top the file. The CNW GP9 is by Craig Linn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516488006992-UD42NPF3EEQ2D3W8923K/retarders.gif Phase 3 - Millport Yards Having just passed the Master Retarder, we're entering the first 3-way to our appointed classification track. Group Retarders will further slow as needed per track capacity. Much time was spent creating the "bowl" so unretarded cars will run-out to the end if the track is empty. The trick is having a quick release grade followed by a continually diminishing grade over 75% of the track lengh. And then a slight upgrade at the end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516488008273-0SUXFD1ETAUWEGTE9QXJ/servos.gif Phase 3 - Millport Yards The retarders are model airplane servos and a simple bell-crank mechanism with piano wire through brass tubing into the end of the retarder, much like moving switch points. Depending upon the route selected, the Master and one Group retarder actuate when the button is pushed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516487999897-4R8WOQIPII1D9YZMSMII/controller.gif Phase 3 - Millport Yards Activating the retarders is done by pressing either the green button on the shelf, or using the corded red push button on the hand grip- for walk along operation. A styrene cradle holds the hump engine cab throttle for the operator. A Back-emf decoder allows for continuous, slow speed classification. There is brief learning curve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516488010062-BYLNB1BPEHKL0UFEFGLS/taft.gif Phase 3 - Millport Yards Willow Creek is at the lower left and above is 16th St. hump class. yard. A throttle bin is located here for arriving/departing crews. Panel is for the Taft Ave. ladder (other end of Willow Creek) with a beige magnet board for holding train tiles when not placed on the track diagram. Train card files for the trains in staging are below panels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516487995358-E09SXUKQJ98GOXH522E1/3panel.gif Phase 3 - Millport Yards The Dogtown staging yard panel found its home hanging on the lighting valence above Millport's Haven Yard. The back-lighting really shows its worth, even in this "daytime" environment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516488004546-XZK0WVPNHRLY3ZBJQEZR/pullouts.gif Phase 3 - Millport Yards Horizontal work space is always at a premium, especially in yard areas. So I made pull-out shelves to provide temporary assistance. They can be pushed in without disturbing paperwork, and it also makes the reach to back tracks shorter. Train card files for Dogtown are below. The red push button is for a timed electro-magnetic coupler on a rear track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516488006241-KXYXN3G2JHK3RAGJH9CZ/relativity.gif Phase 3 - Millport Yards This view down Millport's aisle illustrates the convenient proximity of the two staging yard panels. The Traffic Manager operator will move trains between yards, and simultaneously move their corresponding train tiles from one panel to the other, (and their train card packets to proper files) to help keep track of what's where. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517181047451-JZ2H6J1PARMDE9DUKEIX/IMG_0143.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards Fillmore Heights (pun intended) is the industrial switching district inside the peninsula blob that forms Millport aisle (to the right in this photo.) It is accessed by a true crawl under at the end of the aisle (where currently the foam mat is placed.) It is my "Bonus Room".....Under the garage! On the left is the future Ford engine and transmission plant and on the right is Firestone Tire and Rubber. Fascia and work stations yet to be added. Now all that crazy looking framing from earlier picture above makes sense! (?) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517181034633-4EURSNZ147UP7EJLOBUW/IMG_0115.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards 60' auto parts cars will frequent the Ford plant, with the back tracks inside the building. Given the narrow aisle width of 27" and the nature of the work, only one or two operators will be in this space at one time. Track elevation here is 53" and with the very vertical backdrop scenes, Fillmore is designed to be an intense, in-your-face, operating experience. This is a totally isolated 26' long aisle of industrial delight. Vince Griesemer and Jack Heir laid much of the rail in Fillmore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517181035125-1PM797KGI6XS4P6D487X/IMG_0119.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards Carbon black airslide hoppers are being set out at Firestone. The hopper in the foreground will be for the power plant located nearby to supply power for both Ford and Firestone. Without Firestones building flats yet installed, the 16th St. Hump is visible in the distance across the Millport aisle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517181040900-VMN78BRAIR35645TF90M/IMG_0121+%282%29.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards Because of the closeness of the track to the aisle, ground throws (HO) are used in Fillmore Heights. A bell crank wire actuates a micro switch underside to change polarity of the frog. The EJ&E box is on the loading dock track for Firestone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517181046586-SETMN8J8LQPBWLH0PGTN/IMG_0136+%282%29.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards Looking to the opposite end of Fillmore Heights shows the inbound tracks from Millport in the distance. A sorting and holding yard is on the right, along with a siding for Steelcase Mfg. On the left is an Owens-Corning shingle plant. The ceiling in Fillmore has received the same lighting and valance treatment as the Millport aisle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517181041494-63BGNWWAVOC3CPPT7YEQ/IMG_0126+%282%29.JPG Phase 3 - Millport Yards RS3 137 completes a runaround move at Owens-Corning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516487999767-XBROXFMM3M0WSFNT5O39/cubbies.jpg Phase 3 - Millport Yards Fillmore's fascia has been completed, showing work stations at each switching area with car card files. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516488000809-K2GZH27Z0HWS1DPGZXI8/handrail.jpg Phase 3 - Millport Yards The crawl under entrance to this completely isolated industrial switching area was trimmed out with hardboard on all sides. A handrail here (left) and one in the outter aisle, assist operators regain verticality after going thru the chute. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516488003179-DRK46J1WUYZYHUSAJ5GX/panel.jpg Phase 3 - Millport Yards Because the operation at Fillmore Heights is so up-close-and-personal, it uses ground throws. However turnout position indication is provided on panels via micro-switches on the ground throws. This will be particulary helpful in night ops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516488000813-0PC442LAKTUM2X9OPVSF/dump.jpg Phase 3 - Millport Yards There are two coal dumps in Fillmore for industrial power generation. They were made from styrene and brass. Four such Buckeye Power & Light coal dump-trestles are planned for A&O 2.0. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516488003884-GF9LBK3MNN2M0BBUPZHH/pick.jpg Phase 3 - Millport Yards Atlas fishbelly hoppers feature spring-loaded operating gates. As on A&O 1.0, they will be manually unloaded with a wooden skewer as each car is set-out at delivery. https://www.aorailroad.com/phase-4-point-vincent-to-glen-forge daily 0.75 2018-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520095620758-W3IW21G5QFGD9VMJBE3S/IMG_0007.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Leaving Millport's Havens yard, the yard lead passes CM (Cinncinnati/Columbus-Millport) Tower with its diverging routes thru the diamond. The hopper is sitting on Fillmore Heights trackage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520096166871-1LSMPOCLB6XLCMWFINXA/IMG_0050.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Once lighting was installed over Haven Yard, it became obvious that some sort of light block was needed. What to do? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520096166487-SDN3PHVQO48FIT6UJ62K/IMG_0058.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge The answer came in the form of a skyboard extending across the yard throat. And it would serve more than one purpose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520096174639-6TC4WN0C5CIZBEAV8T7D/IMG_0071.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge A 1/4" hardboard flat was first anchored to the existing framework. This will eventually be covered with a structure flat. Then a cardboard mockup/template was made. Already the light issue is resolved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520096174842-K19VU5NBH67FT0IU85LF/IMG_0061.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Looking the other way, a similar hardboard support and cardboard mockup were formed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520096182274-5XBVS828ZSAM06YJP8HL/IMG_0072.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge The skyboard is now seen as being actually a box which not only blocks the offending view of the yard lights, it will provide a home for a pair of control panels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520096182680-DVD9T32D9S85RBS0H9L7/IMG_0075.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge The templates have become 3/8" hardboard and pineboards form the interior shelves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520096186723-6HSLC4X1DQ8PRX8X4BPZ/IMG_0085.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge All fasteners are coutersunk and filled with MH Ready Patch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520096103410-A4WE6KGT7G8G3SZKR087/IMG_0150.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge The South Havens yard panel has been installed to control the ladder below. The shelf above is for the CM Tower panel with its trackage just to the right. The bottom edge of this glorified skyboard/lightblock will be hidden by cross-track piping and conveyor housing from the rear industry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520096083031-XGFEFK4VWOCU3JJL9CJ4/IMG_0010.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Leaving CM Tower, we come to Pt. Vincent and the beginning of the A&O double-track mainline. And, the beginning of the massive International Paper Co. Here splines are finding track locations on the micore subroadbed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520096083180-3K6ECYAWT7ZQR2JATILS/IMG_0001.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Splines, clamps, thinking thru operations....... The peninsula styrene skyboard is being added at this time as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520098752261-DQ14ILQP7UI0DL7X7D1E/IMG_0105.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge The first tracks encountered leaving CM Tower are the pulpwood, wood chip, and coal power plant tracks. A very congested bit of trackage here (see Forum, "Crew Logs" for a close up of this construction.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520098743511-Q0KQXBJ32CTN8H1EC1EZ/IMG_0104.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Wood chip and pulpwood loads will be removed once cars are spotted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520099536555-CGQOIO06Z2WTJFT5V14B/IMG_0106.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge A sorting/holding yard will help the switch crew of the Mill Job. The switch begins CTC territory and is known as CP (control point) Pt. Vincent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520098753300-J1QIGUMQEU8OLMG2EMJQ/IMG_0107.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge The splines have become ties with rail attached. Large mill flats will span the length of this 32' mill complex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520098758334-NMLHOZIJBSD0C7FL8W3B/IMG_0108.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Looking the other way, the double-track main begins to rise enroute to Glen Forge. The T-pins reveal switch-building is still in process. The only track salvaged from A&O 1.0 is the curved diamond in the distance. Large paper warehouses will enclose distant trackage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520096550967-H3RLAQGM227L7OOERSG8/IMG_0017.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Point Vincent is the raw materials end of the International Paper Co. with pulpwood and wood chips coming in, along with coal for power generation. Shelf cubbies provide a place for the removed loads once cars are spotted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520096574439-L9AYSQ4KGMLN90NQMW7E/IMG_0025.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge The finished Pt. Vincent work station with its removed-loads cubbies (lower two) and card file shelf (top). Rope lighting for night ops lights each one. Effort on the fascia helps provide a shadow-box effect for the railroad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520098677608-SS8549YY2NHQXHIT437S/IMG_0104.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge After arcing past the last of the International Paper trackage, the double-track main comes to a double crossover known as Bayfield. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520098681874-3FETM2O76DV1XIFTQ4OE/IMG_0107.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge An engineer's view of the Bayfield double-cross. The track to the right is the coal arrival and departure and the far right is coal rotary empty receiving track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520098636437-1TQY5DG683OWWHAK8V5J/IMG_0079.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Time to fill more basement. This is Glen Forge. A slide out section is necessary in front of the Rinaii hot water heater for service reasons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520098636881-WRZM7LLUAM9PI9JRF2IR/IMG_0077.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge The Whiting Rotaside dumper been secured into a cradle, assuming its new place on A&O 2.0. A pair of coal barges and tug will be parked along a finished river scene in front. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520097214308-0TJCLAQ2FD5DERZ1G2F1/IMG_0021.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Splines were used to align the rotary trackage with the empties track. A slight grade automatically pulls the hoppers away as the next hopper is placed for dumping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520097214161-13U5PEDB0CBNFFE04X7P/IMG_0022.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Likewise the splines dictate the track locations into the rotary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520097238228-S0GZBGY4VK1MKU7JLLO7/IMG_0025.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge The Glen Forge tracklines are established, being careful to not locate any turnouts across the joints of the slide out section in front of the Rinaii. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520098677387-ZIL4R81FZZRJ0BUY7MXB/IMG_0101.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge The ties are in place into Glen Forge. The Bayfield double-crossover can be seen in the distance looking down the mains. A plywood cocoon encases the rotary to protect from damage during this phase of construction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520098565452-TBKVOORAUZFCYW9IQS9T/IMG_0100.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge An overall view of the Glen Forge ties ready for rail. Like everywhere else, the final track arrangements have been refined for operation. Besides the rotary, Glen Forge features the Southern Baking Company with its flour airslides and the Whirlpool appliance factory with its coil cars and 40' hy-cubes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520097985459-90DT8595EX4OVD7VGI1R/IMG_0046.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Vince installed the first of the CTC signaling system under Bayfield. That's an "S-mini" for the Chubb CMRI below, and above is a bank of detectors for the many control points in this section of the railroad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520098735479-9Z1WS4TVWCMA1VFWS0HF/IMG_0050+%282%29.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Vince lays in the rail for the Southern Baking Co by standing in its access hole. This opening will be always available, but invisible by being inside the tall structure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520098735657-3BHB9Q1MSWIIR5X93YHD/IMG_0074+%282%29.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge Here I'm laying the rails into Whirlpool which are lengthend by piercing the wall into the stairway area. The completed throat turned out to be a 3-way and lap switch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520099480024-49AMXM2U3K4MBAM9PR12/IMG_0036.JPG Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge The finished Whirlpool end of Glen Forge. The double track main at right-cneter begins its 2.5% climb to the Ohio River bridge from here. The hole will be for emptying coal hoppers (see Fillmore Hts., phase 3). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516487755132-FJW9U2C9Y7B6QTNQG9D6/image-asset.jpeg Phase 4 - Point Vincent to Glen Forge https://www.aorailroad.com/phase-5-morrison-to-ricksburg daily 0.75 2018-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520210868372-PGKUWR14KW009QY54LWQ/IMG_0076.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg With the finalizing of the trackage in Morrison, tie laying began. Morrison is the site of the large coal preparation plant and hopper storage and classification yard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520210868526-MVHGN544JT4STZREV1H2/IMG_0083.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg Vince and his young apprentice, Kingston, work on the first of two ladders at Morrison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520210871659-R7KVV2X9INZVSWMPHF4S/IMG_0111.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg A pair of hoppers test early trackwork and provide inspiration for the project. Vince is a Frisco modeler. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520210921161-V8CXFCYWAG9VZWGMQIBN/IMG_0138.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg The completed yards of Morrison. On the left are four tracks that will service the prep plant (yes, that's another 3-way switch), and on the right is a five track hopper storage and classification yard. Hopper cars were still billed and classified as individual loads in the 60's as opposed to the unit trains of the 70's to the present. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520210850389-UUHL6K8H9PUPPD24TKIR/IMG_0051.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg Mark Linn helped add the Micore to the plywood deck. He is facing a new stud wall which defined this new area (see phase 6 photos). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516493423797-AFRHXS485AA0L6NDFQ6B/ties.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg Ties have been laid for in/out bound coal tracks in Ricksburg. These feed the operations at the Morrison Prep plant. Pencil lines mark the yard throat into Ricksburg. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520210855611-EUW64D2BGZEOMT89DHD5/IMG_0060.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg Laying out the track lines in Ricksburg. Ricksburg is the main coal marshaling yard on the A&O with trains of empties departing to the mines of the Kayford Coal Branch and inbound loaded coal trains moved to the adjacent Morrison Coal Prep plant. The original yard design had been changed significantly for better flow of hopper traffic as well as for regional merchandise trains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516493108753-D7R2JWLZHTP873DGU74P/5lines.gif Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg The engine service was also relocated making the turntable easily accessable- that's a good thing. The tail of a turning wye can be seen piercing the new stud wall. Operations and scenery should be greatly improved in this busy West Virginia hub of activity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520210862191-2F24YDZ3IUS12KRM9H7B/IMG_0070.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg Vince was assigned the job of building the wye switch. He is sitting in the newly formed Kayford valley. The town of Brooks and the operating King Coal loader will reside directly above this wye tail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520210856335-2AN4AHLLRJT9AIBGDZUE/IMG_0067.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg Viewed from the Ricksburg side, Vince is finishing up the wye. This opening will be disguised by a coal conveyor passing overhead from a truck dump to a nearby loadout The center area will have some trees and the TA Yard tower (Tres Amigos). Some dim lighting a scenic treatment will surround the tail a ways for those curious enough to look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520210912964-88AEKO2OUAX1W7I99Q5N/IMG_0114.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg After much thought, Morrison and Ricksburg were divided into two scenes. As was done at CM Tower, a hanging viewblock was constructed following the contour of the tracklines below. Vinyl shower material was used to create the curve of the sky on each side of the viewblock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516493294205-PZY4Z0ST1ESTHULX15RF/IMG_0116.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg The viewblock hides the operator fron seeing into the florescents as he rounds the corner from Morrison into Ricksburg. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520210913297-BL5RMXVIXOAPVODF12ZQ/IMG_0115.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg Likewise, the lights are protected from view looking towards Morrison. An operator tunnel will be built extending the wall at the end of the yard across the aisle, hiding the lighting in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520210922873-R1BFZYB67B1KLFPCB2K7/IMG_0141.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg Looking into Ricksburg with the lighting now in place and valence painted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520210924941-DV9OQIBJ3MGOARSORK3D/IMG_0145.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg The wall unit also serves a place for a couple of control panels, card files, and work area. A LED light strip illuminates the shelf. areThe wall unit also serves a place for a couple of control panels, card files, and work area. An LED light strip illuminate the shelf area for work and night ops. And another LED strip lights the track below. (See Electric page) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516493449802-AW41S91RYNAQTYG968D9/rail.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg From pencil lines and ties have become completed trackwork coming into Ricksburg from the south. The benefit of defining tracklines with splines with their natural easments, followed by handlaid track and switches is evident. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516493471771-JAGA5R9ZVAOMBQC1LTAH/pencil.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg The opposite end of Ricksburg yard has been laid out. A turning wye has already been laid in, the tail of which lies under the town of Brooks in the Kayford Branch (see above). I chose to do some fancy Tswitchwork to conserve space for yard track capacity (see below!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516493494935-KFZQARMPKGQS0JRT4RFU/ta.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg The rails are in place. Two three-ways and nary a straight switch to be found. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516493525320-TUU4912K9DGGFVD7Q1BR/engine.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg The engine facility is at the north end of the yard. Ricksburg features both a wye and turntable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516493556896-4LUTKQIDRX40AMY7JXMI/finrail.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg The completed Ricksburg engine facilities, caboose track, and switching lead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516493578807-8047YFHUFMHC8WCXKY7T/pinwheel.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg An overhead shot of the north end of the Ricksburg yard, a/k/a, TA Tower shows the very condensed "pinwheel" design of the ladder. This allows for greater length of the branching yard tracks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516493613962-RBVX51XKU49DK1Z2Q406/panel.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg As with Sobol Springs, I chose to use pull-out drawers for three of the four Ricksburg control panels. Note that the drawer corners have been cut to 45 degrees for operator safety. A storage "cubbie" in the foreground holds throttles for drop-off/pick-up of Ricksburg train crews. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516493648008-AKOL0USQ27I0A6F8FN1L/RB.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg An overview of south Ricksburg coming from Morrison. Now for the mountain hillsides and buildings of this Bluefield-like town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516493659799-BVGK10P9MTO65REW6FRJ/RBYD.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg The Ricksburg yard features main and passing siding, several thru and three stub-ended yard tracks. Ricksburg is the interchange point for Bob Sobol's NR&W, Rick Bacon's A&D and the N&W. The A&O's Logan Turn and Valley Local also originate here, as well as the NR&W's Atomic Turn mine run to Sobol Springs. Throw in a constant flow of empty hoppers returning to the coal fields and this will be a busy place! Morrison and Ricksburg will require 2-3 operators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516493697212-2WG59RWI0UC0W9MQ8LM1/Grid.JPG Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg The completed engine facilities of Ricksburg. The skyboard extends to separate this scene from the adjacent river gorge scene which begins with Joel Beach at the other end of the tunnel. The plastic grid of the lighting over the short enginehouse penninsula helps hide the florescents from operator view, and provides a filtered, hazy day look to the scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516487777281-IE1RVKP16S5BX828H6XZ/phase5.jpg Phase 5 - Morrison to Ricksburg https://www.aorailroad.com/phase-6-kayford-stud-wall daily 0.75 2018-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516487799617-HNVU3EKQH0MCRH49046O/image-asset.jpeg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517167547327-0R9X9XMKM45OI7LWGL0O/P_20180128_113435_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall We begin a journey down the Kayford Branch by emerging from a tunnel at Apex. The Kayford main is the rear track and the portal will be about where the hopper sits. The Kayford is designed like a string of pearls....or linked sausages for a more savory metaphor.....with discreet scenes to increase the sense of isolation, and length. It is however, 150' in length, with the last town, Brooks, visible in the dim distance at the upper right; our destination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517167558475-SBKTS60CEQNBIBLO8VJO/P_20180128_113510_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall A closer look at Apex reveals that the out-of-service Jett Fuel tipple siding continues well past the visible siding. It penetrates the partition wall into the Linnwood side. It will extend behind town buildings, accessable for the Linnwood side. It's function is to hold empty hoppers for use as needed along the Branch. Though a small loader, Jett Fuel can disgorge empty hoppers like circus clowns from a tiny yellow car. Such chicanery is a staple of model railroading. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517167566008-1WN7VUP362WWZZP08XMO/P_20180128_113640_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The small control panel at Apex reveals two LEDs that are activated as hoppers are pushed increasingly near the end of the track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517167565187-A2CLNC1VWKOFOO6KFRAZ/P_20180128_113726_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall While this view thru the future tunnel will be blocked once scenery is in place, at the moment we can peep through into Linnwood Yard and see the signal bridge that gave us the "green" to begin our journey. Kayford is "dark territory" with traffic being managed by Track Warrant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517167556168-OIPKHY9VLPNBS9D9CA23/P_20180128_113610_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Leaving Apex we dive into Rockcut Tunnel. Lining the full length of a tunnel where possible makes sound equipped locos an awesome experience. The sound builds and the anticipation rises. The only thing missing is the hot blast. Wood tunnel formers are cut on a band saw; thin strips of wood glued to the inside (sectioned for the top piece if on a curve); screen wire stapled on; drywall mud applied; hot glued in place. Be sure to ballast the track first. :( The portal is then attached and scenery blended. See next picture for the other end! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517167538735-AKR1D7BRKMJXSK6HOHUM/P_20180128_112639_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Rockcut Tunnel is at the far end of this next vignette.A coal loader, D&K Dock, will come across the main to serve the hoppers sitting on the right.Structure and detail work to be done here, but the scene is well along. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517167539227-8RGDFILOK4RX1957KCBC/P_20180128_112858_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Because the main is descending a grade, the small panel includes a "Grade Brake" to hold cars while switching the dock is performed. The LED's are blue: One on the panel next to actuating toggle, and one near the track. With the ballast surround, it is invisible unless lit. A side-mounted Tortoise raises and lowers a wire between the rails to engage a wheel axle at the post indicator. Blue LED? Blue Flag- "Don't move this car." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517100447437-3G7IAEH580JP9CAJE2GW/P_20180127_122638_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall This scene concludes with an extra-detailed Atlas Thru-truss over a small river cut. Being near eye level at 59" off the floor, this is a visual treat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517104770538-1ZX6GLV0GH73NDZ9CCYT/P_20180127_122549_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall I call this brief bridge-hop, "Sacred Cove". The lighting in the photo is close to an in-person viewing as the lights are filtered and background fog shrouded. Now to get some mist rising off the water... https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517167547958-Q1J6CIAHMUS7RX5N3KLW/P_20180128_113023_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The next event is "Cathedral Tunnel", the uphill side of the long operator tunnel on the Kayford. Hopper cars can be seen passing thru the inside in the first of two elongated viewing portholes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517100081993-WFEWHKKDTPW0YCS30AXH/7IMG_0176.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Rounding into daylight we encounter King Coal Jct. The diverging track is the beginning of a looong passing siding with a midpoint crossover. The outer track forms a switch lead as well as pulpwood loading at the far end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517100079043-W51UNY8M1H2GPRXCVE9S/7IMG_0174.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The Main holds to the outside while the inner passing track doubles as the ladder for service to the eventual King Coal Co. As on A&O 1.0, this will be an operating loading site, filling hoppers with coal ("live loads" of fun). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517100077756-IV4BKHMBT58L3SGC3YIJ/7IMG_0173.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The King Coal panel of Kayford, WV. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517100071673-3EDH1LE45O6T1C1UKOS4/7IMG_0169.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Kayford, WV features several merchandise spots to be worked by the daily Kayford Local. The telephone allows for crew communication with the Kayford Dispatcher on this Track Warrant branch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517100075311-4PMZQXXDUAOIGWPBW8DC/7IMG_0170.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall A view of the trackwork at Kayford reveals a double-slip switch as an integral part of the long mid-point crossover. It also leads into a small yard and industrial service. Space saving devices! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517100075104-Q8TI4A95FFT62PZB52WR/7IMG_0171.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The Kayford, WV panel. Toggles select routes, but pushbuttons handle the double-slip. Just push the button(s) for where you wish go and the proper switch points move. The knob at the lower left dims these LED back-lit panels for night-ops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517170955992-10DMHMSL0CH0PUFSHMCI/P_20180128_123822_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The small Kayford yard, but long enough to allow entire trains to be held or pass as needed. King Coal Jct. on the left begins the passing track, which ends several feet past the last hopper in the distance. These tracks often hold cars waiting to move to/from the mines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517104821559-Z2LBTJHM6FFC8XL076L8/P_20180127_122022_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Then it's back into the downhill side of the long operator tunnel, this time 7 Arches Tunnel. Watching headlights play on/off with the mortar weep, especially during night-ops is just plain cool. If you're keeping count, this is vignette #6 since we began. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517100071530-ECYLQK0TR2E6R8TF1LW4/7IMG_0159.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Exiting 7 Arches Tunnel we encounter another, medium sized tipple, the Hawkins Loadout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517100068795-BTFEV6O3AE7O0K4KYD1X/7IMG_0158.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Like the D&K Dock across the aisle, it too requires a grade brake. D&K and Hawkins are switched daily by the Scarlet Shifter out of Ricksburg. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517167570762-6DJKABCICXG9U8I14DL2/P_20180128_113816_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The far side of the Hawkins Loadout will sit flat against the scene divider wall, suggesting the tracks continue beyond it, further down the valley. Some painting required. The main, meanwhile, has disappeared into another tunnel for the next vignette. Across the aisle is Rockcut Tunnel and Apex beyond that. The elevation change is now readily apparent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517100429352-J1ILHRTR6MSAH95DYTB3/P_20180127_122504_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Welcome to Darwin, WV. A stretch of double track begins here along with 2 industrial spurs, a crossover, and a truck dump. A small foreground creek reinforces this as another WV "hollar." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517100068373-L7PECGWQTDALJML7OZFU/7IMG_0148.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Finally arriving at Brooks and the end of the Kayford Branch, the two tracks from next-door Darwin meld into three, with a fourth on the right heading off to a doodle-bug platform, and then a Team track This crazy bit of switch work is actually a three-way switch with the third leg encompassing a lap switch. Narrow aisle constraints required something out of the ordinary. (Ya,what else is new.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517100066137-DS6UDTVIY9G1GMFB3VG8/7IMG_0147.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall A look at the panel for controling this mess. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517172549842-EQKLWSW5W8TBJR9TW73C/P_20180128_132803_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall A look at Brooks. Darwin is in the adjacent distance. Operator access to the Kayford aisle is a nod-under directly behind me. The work station at Brooks includes a phone to communicate with the town of Kayford and a magnet board to keep track of where trains have been given track warrant to be. The Brooks operator acts as the Kayford Dispatcher. Design also put the A&O dispatcher's Linnwood phone nearby so the two honchos can conspire together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517172550785-F119SUYYL3PK72TR6C0I/P_20180128_132529_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Brooks, WV will feature two actual loading tipples to keep the Brooks operator from getting bored. Along with being the Kayford Branch Dispatcher, he currently also acts as nearby Linnwood Yardmster. Whew! The two tracks above are C&O staged trains which arrive into Linnwood on the other side of the partition wall. They will eventually be hidden by a (removable) hillside. Stores and company houses will complete the scene. As town/structure lights are added, the LED lighting at Brooks will be dimmed as the adjacent Linnwood thunder storm wafts into this area as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494202812-Y6JDY1MMVL67EOPY66R9/otherend.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Phase 6 began in March, 2012, at the other end of the basement. The photo is looking back to the phase 2, Millport end of the basement, some 80' away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494212328-1S6WH6C5TSXKK0TUKSIA/floorframe.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The mailnline here reaches 61", so a raised floor is necessary to keep operations at a reasonable height. A 6" high framework of ripped plywood was anchored to the walls and glued to the floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494221379-AUV6B4VJUWFJLWF0QABS/tframe.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The framework grid was topped with plywood strips, glued and screwed, making a Tee. This would provide a better anchor for attaching the flooring. The horizontal "doorway" is actually the step-down area for future nod-under entrance into the Kayford Valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494227993-B5Y4A3HXY2XXPREQFCZD/decking.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Regular tongue and groove 1" flooring was then glued and screwed to the framework. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494233487-W8XW0ZSYKRKW9CXBH7UX/deck.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The elevated floor is now complete, the future home of my new "rain room", a demanded repeat from A&O 1.0. Very solid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494248611-86M086JMGXY6BO60QJFS/billstud.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Bill Wood's former days as a house framer came in handy as we began to add the interior walls on 2.0. The open space of the basement was about to disappear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494260668-Q0Q3MBW4QK15ZM6KNSMN/wallines.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Since these new sud walls represent the winding valleys of West Virginia, they were definitely not straight. How to find their locations in the open space? Lots of plan checks and the use of splines. Here a landscape cinderblock serves to temporarily hold the spline in place until a line can be drawn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494265908-FV3SLC0P14DUU2AMUZ21/plancheck.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Kingston uses the scale rule to check the plan and locate the walls while Craig surveys the chaos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494273626-J9VP9GTFTVIYNNYHY4OH/kingstud.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The studs were attached to the ceiling and main floor's TJIs (floor joists). Thus the walls are "floating" as opposed to resting on the concrete. Note that the studs will be flat, vs. perpendicular to the drywall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494280095-WTINMXNM2R1QIZZZJ9BP/leviwall.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Stud "feet" glued and anchored to the floor and held in alignment with nail pins secure the walls in place. Having the studs flat provided a larger surface the sheetrock joints, and saved a few inches! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494290828-9TL03WYVFEX9XG7DSEGC/levicraig.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall 1/4" sheetrock worked well for the curving walls. In the more tight bends we wet the drywall first and let it stand 15 minutes before bending and screwing to the studs. This is the future river gorge area, another feature from 1.0 to be replicated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494297345-A4VHKYKVWNBNLMPRB40K/threeisle.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The three aisles are now visible as the walls grow. On the left is aisle to the rain scene at Ridge. The center aisle is the Kayford Valley, and the right is Morrison to Ricksburg aisle. It's feeling very different down here! Note Romex feeding thru studs for outlet boxes on these interior walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494328570-1Q664NNZOVR0SQY1FJIW/jett.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall With the walls in place, I could add the additional elevated floor necessary for entrance into Ridge. Today I am assisted by grandson Jett. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494349781-2LH6K12EEJPJMJX277PG/windk.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall A look down the winding Kayford Valley. The Kayford Coal Branch will enter the valley thru the wall on the left. Shallow track scenes hug the mountain sides, serving numerous tipples. 150' later it arrives at Brooks, seen in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494364751-DVSQ38EE4WWXGJICXAT9/brooksframe.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Beginning framing of Brooks, the end of the Kayford Coal Branch. Track height here is 50". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494387601-52YVBSUK4X6GYKQNXDP0/brookswye.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The tail of the wye at Ricksburg resides under Brooks (see phase 5) and with a 10" differential, is easily accessable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494397930-X77F5GQJMO2MT44BPUVV/kingcoal.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The framing completed and ready for track locates. This is the location of the operational King Coal Co. from 1.0 (see photos on 1.0 page). The building frame with its girder legs sits in future place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494407796-6W0N3JC8854EKWGPPEHS/6stud.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Time to build more wall. The river gorge wall is formed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494413876-4E8XEHHSET778G9ML6LC/6wall.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Hanging the suds from the upper floor TJI's proves and bit of a challenge, especially when the walls are parallel to the TJI's. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494477355-26QVXLLXBEL4KYNBD58V/6bill.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Bill Wood's carpentry experise is invaluable to this process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494483455-1PR2RRBXNJ0NYHCQWHWD/6saw.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Rick Bacon and Bob Kjelland prepare the components for the stub-ended A&D staging. The A&D joins the A&o at Rock Bottom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494494804-E2M648440JZM7AXTQ6A0/6AD.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The Antioc and Dover (A&D) is Rick's basement creation, and like Bob's NR&W, is a subsidiary of the A&O. Two tracks; two trains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494862061-ZC54Q2YB4W5TBBPOAI6Q/6vince.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Vince drew the assignmet of laying the switch for the A&D. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494889088-NTFQXM58TC8TITL548AQ/6tunnel.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The Gorge Operator Tunnel separates the gorge and Morrison from Rock Bottom and Sobol Springs, helping to create a separate sense of place. Thanks Bill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494518245-TESVVBNKCARDF7I0DXSN/6springs.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Looking back to the gorge as seen from Sobol Springs side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494527408-W1H596PZWCEUNV5SV5AQ/6morrison.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Looking thru the Gorge Operator Tunnel from Morrison side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494541861-UGWMRG2ITH1BXGCXYUQ7/6DarwinT.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Yet another operator tunnel; this one in the Kayford Branch aisle at the Hawkins loadout. A spline defines scene depth for finalizing track arrangement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517105375563-DDWWLTEJA2J418IZOYOP/7IMG_0111.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The long operator tunnel on the Kayford seemed an operational negative.....until I thought of having viewing portholes in the fascia to catch glimpses of the trains progress. But this required detailing the tunnel lining. So I added 1/4" drywall, joint compound, weathering streaks, and multiple airbrushed washes of thin black. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517105376168-X19QAP3YG9DEZUY2KKC6/7MG_0115.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall I left "mortar weep" lines in the joint compound as it was applied to the drywall so as to replicate imperfect form joints in the construction of the tunnel's interior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517105376095-B35JM33IT4587PJHMSDO/7IMG_0145.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Weathering, ballast, etc. complete, the hardboard with two elongated portholes was added. The track height differential is very obvious in this photo- about halfway down the branch line. The base of the portholes follows the track elevation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517105413411-NS01G13LSIGA7XV2OLXI/IMG_0144.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Viewed from the other end, I have now added .040 black styrene, stapling it to the arched wood formers. Not the look I was hoping for as the light grazed off the styrene, drawing attention to itself. Uff. What to do...? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517105416256-4N7SN67ES8YPFZ6VN08N/IMG_0025+%282%29.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Looking at pictures of actual tunnels revealed a lot of gunnite/shotcrete sprayed over the rock and dirt to create a hard shell. And, it was lumpy vs. smooth. So I crumpled up aluminum screen wire, flattened, and stapled it to the wood as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517105374882-0TISPMXYI5FA8YVPEBAT/7IMG_0023+%282%29.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall Black concrete tint mixed into joint compound gave me my gray Shotcrete. A cheap paintbrush and I was underway. Note: this was a several day, several person job. And we're still friends! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517105375587-M3CG16HIS2DMXAOZMF7K/7IMG_0031+%282%29.JPG Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The first coat penetrated the screen wire and locked everything into place, but left plenty of screen exposed. The second coat of mud went on MUCH faster and an old 4" brush made short work of the tunnel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517105828875-PNIT5OYXQP9X961NM9CW/P_20180127_120745_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 6 - Kayford stud wall The end result, minus a little yet-to-do weathering streaks. A Shotcrete liner it is. No light bounce, an unusual train view, and a special operational experience for the crew. What was initially the negative tight spot in the overall track plan, is now an anticipated highlight of the run on the Kayford Branch (and you get to do it twice!). https://www.aorailroad.com/phase-7-mainlinekayford-completion daily 0.75 2018-03-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495284601-DYJ8VAVXF04B21JC3P2D/7frame.gif Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Framing in the "rain room" at Ridge begins. The narrow shelf below Ridge has 3 tracks which are extensions of the King Coal loading tracks in Brooks. With the elevated floor, track at Ridge is 52" for operators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495295796-TD0HF1Z93ZRF9KW6OXKR/7step.gif Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The step-down nod-under is shown as framing in rainy Ridge continues. A hinged trap door lifts to provide step-down access into the isolated Kayford Valley. Brooks is the first thing you see. When "closed", the door keeps operators from an accidental tumble, important in this dimly lit room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495317062-O19XMLIQVD1UCUCI2LWB/7bill.gif Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Bill Wood helps to frame an operator tunnel which encloses the rain room. The arched doorway will be lined with 1/8" hardboard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495328911-3M84VC6AFX0CXLRM6DD7/7ramp.gif Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion A gentle ramp was built to reach the elevated floor. Tracks will hug both walls in and out of the rain room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495338135-TRMBQIMUPLX8HYCF3ORX/7rain.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion A peak into the "rain room" reveals finished benchwork and dimmable LED lighting behind the valance. It also features sound and Bob's special circuit random lightening flashes. VERY cool. Ties will be next. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495364063-II569KPY7F49SX7UUV3W/7rock.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Time to start up the river gorge and actual spline roadbed time. So we leave Ricksburg and begin the climb toward Rock Bottom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495385941-TP6WBK18A0QB5KU0WUYC/7attach.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion How do you go from table benchwork to splines, making a smooth transition? In this case I glued/screwed a block of wood the width of the four homosote roadbed splines (2") to edge of the benchwork. Then the initial track wood spline was glued/screwed to this block. A 4' level placed on the tabletop and spline ensured that the transition had a smooth flow with no vertical kink. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495406421-ICEAGVNO667VQ6QFEZ6R/7gorge.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Wall brackets thru the gorge. The level was used to keep them consistent as this will be a future water course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495429528-YYPZIIS05F81OKL9SUT3/7pin.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Here the track locating spline has been mounted on risers as it climbs throught the gorge. The white 4' level has been clamped to the spline to keep it straight where a pin-connected thru truss will go. Bracket length is arbitrary at this point and will be trimmed to length later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495434726-QMOXY0WAZ3HZB9WPS8N1/7grade.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Risers elavate the spline, held to them pinched between nails. I'm still evaluating the flow of the mainline, adjusting the risers front to back as I compose the finished scene in my mind. When satisfied, the risers were adjusted to a consistent 2% grade with easment grades at the bottom (Ricksburg) and top (Rock Bottom). A 2x4 is temporarily clamped to the spline where a deck plate bridge goes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495445585-GYS7W44OCK1HPH0ENA9H/7clamps.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Next, homosote ripped the height of the spline (1 1/2") is glued to the spline. Where they cross a riser, glue is applied to the riser. After the glue sets, a second strip of homosote is added, staggering the joints. Then another, etc. The final O scale roadbed is a sandwich of wood spline, 4 homosote strips, and a final wood spline. VERY strong. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495476991-12RFC9W5E0FOKOC1DUOK/7clamps2.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Coninuing through the gorge it becomes necessary to attach to the next spline. A scrap piece of is glued to make the bridged connection using many clamps. Again, the 4' level ensured that their is no vertical kink at the joint. I try to place these joints on straight track to avoid interuption of the smooth flow of curves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495484077-AEM01D38FSF22WADGS6H/7view.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion A look thru the gorge operator tunnel at the finished roadbed of the gorge. A spline was used to define the front edge of the scene, and then everything cut to make the smooth flow of the scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495493860-G0W2IS5RZVOR9QNGLKQL/7river.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Plywood forms the future riverbed under a pin-connected truss and more distant, plate girder bridge. Lighting and valance have been added. Morrison is on the right of the aisle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495506360-5B0HN1B41M4N98OACMKT/7joel.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion At the bottom of the gorge is Joel Beach, a repeat from A&O 1.0 (see 1.0 page). The tunnel leads into Ricksburg as the mainline arrives from the north. The high profile board blocks the view from either side, creating distinct scenes for the operators and a sense of place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495526305-SOXA6EB3ZLYEV3ZX1Y33/7rock.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The splines define the mainline location as we continue northbound, passing Rock Bottom and rounding into Mount Union. A passing siding is floating midair as I compose the scene and evaluate locations. The brackets will be cut to length as all this is finalized. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495534445-JYTQ1A2DYQ4Q5R20OXQT/7clamps.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Many spring clamps start the roadbed sandwich at Rock Bottom. The passing siding spline is beside the main. Here is seen a spline helping me define where the layout fascia edge will go. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495547049-L34ZJJT2SI7QA5L7UCEO/7switch.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The completed roadbed at Rock Bottom. The siding drops to a lower grade as it paralells the main through Mt. Union around the curve. The wood spline can flex in a smooth vertical curve to nicely accomplish this prototypical look. Departing the main in the distance and piercing the wall is Rick Bacon's A&D connection to the A&O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495567143-I09GTEN4PCU15NB6KWHO/7light.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Looking back south thru what will be Mt. Union we can see another siding has been added in the foreground and the lighting installed. As in Ricksburg above the engine facitily penninsula, plastic grid blocks our view of the florescents above. The gorge operator tunnel in the distance and Sobol Springs on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495572907-YZK47AP5DSDV4W7UNZTV/7muoverview.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion An overview of Mt. Union as it curves around the wall. The woodchip and pulpwood tracks of the International Paper Mill at Pt. Vincent are in the foreground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495594216-O1FDLTHKZ9B2R32NU34P/7curve.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Mt. Union wraps around wall, creating two scenes in the process. A few buildings will populate the foreground of this hillside town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495611856-0U7W6CIM6M95GG52AMTS/7union.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Leaving Mt. Union, the mainline penetrates a short tunnel (at post) before leaping across Union Gap on deck plates and a thru truss. This explains the lowered brackets for the creek bottom. Some backdrop painting required. Volunteers?? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495636165-FL70FUPK36T3L3S5ESRC/7rivgrade.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Now to tackle perhaps the most difficult bit of benchwork framing. The River Grade from Glen Forge up to the Ohio River and nod under entrance into the RR. The track wraps around the furnace closet in its climb. Three pieces of plywood with Micore have been laid on the available adjact floor space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495642681-B734I739PNMYOO07JAUG/7sheets.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Careful measurements defined the furnace area on the Micore. It had to fit exactly around the closet when cut and pushed into place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495649157-V9U7I5OJHB4177DNVXFZ/7radius.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion My 60" min. mainline radius was laid out using a trammel pinned to a block of wood, duct taped to the floor. Nothing could move out of alignment at this point. All track and cut lines were made now. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495657071-ZECR2N4D8UMKYXMFWH2K/7lines.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion From the drawn curves, splines then connected the double tracks into the tangents that lead to the bridge crossing, and.... provide the natural transition spiral easement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495662862-8BEQD5F9S2KB378YL9L0/7jackson.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The Jackson crossover between the double track is laid out just before the bridge. Note how the splines carry the arc of each track thru the broad S-curve that is Jackson. Sweet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495676490-ZJ4GF0F3G41XCBPGX6Q9/7shoved.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The Micore was then cut using a utility knife. When each piece was removed it provided a template for marking and cutting the plywood beneath. Splice plates were then added to connect the plywood. Time to shove it in place. Whew! The thing fits. Now for support brackets and adjusting risers to a consistent 2.5% grade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495685832-ZQIUY5RLXSAJM50VDM49/7crossover.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The rails are going in at the Jackson crossover. The Penn-Central connects with the A&O just this side of the Ohio River so its ties can be seen to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495695174-BW6626H3W7TVAAIDQ3VT/7super.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion About mid-grade between the Ohio Bridge and Glen Forge. The Penn-Central staging tracks visible at the right and will be unseen, inside the hillside the A&O is following upgrade. With super-elevation on the two mains, this should be a fun place to railfan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516495702312-T41I1LYD33VZ3DVI2SWE/7overview.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion An overview of the River Grade which takes the mainline from 52" at Glen Forge (just to the left) to 58" at the Ohio River crossing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106272458-3FWU8FWA4GBHDK9JIOCQ/7IMG_0040+%282%29.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Looks like it's about time for the Ohio River Bridge as we're saying farewell to the Buckeye State. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106277342-WSI2RBNOPBE1RKSIJTBM/7IMG_0164.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion A pair of river-crossing boxes were built, sheetrocked, and painted the ceiling Sage Green. A pair of 1.5" aluminum tubes form the core of the bridge sequence. Risers of aluminum were professionally welded to them where the bridge piers will be. The OC Bridge near Pittsburgh serves as our prototype. To enter the railroad space now requires a 58" nod-under. Many thanks to Bill Wood for his procurement of this material. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106276916-ZG7COT7G1AH7CNU5C9E7/7IMG_0161.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion After years of walking in and out of the railroad space, this step represented a significant moment in our construction history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106270380-E1DWIOLKY6EX5W5394JK/7IMG_0002+%282%29.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Anchoring the ends required frequent use of various levels and squares. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106270444-ZWJFUZ1B9CW33P627FU8/7IMG_0003+%283%29.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion An "L" piece of aluminum had been welded to secure the ends. I drilled a hole and put a lag screw into the 2x8 riser. Next I ripped a clear, straight 2x4 into several 1/8" pieces. These were then stained black and glued with contact cement to the aluminum tube to provide a gluing surface for the bridge ties. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106271215-KHCEUKQFSKA65SV2OP58/7IMG_0007+%282%29.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Once past the bridge, a slight super-elevated curve carries the double track main into West Virginia where we immediately pass a connection with the B&O. We'll leave our current journey here, and jump down to the river gorge where the construction has been progressing as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517107448679-3SK2WHZT14UD8DTD46JQ/P_20180127_184648_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Scenery has begun in he Big Coal River gorge. And with the placement of the pin-connected bridge, the mainline was....(drum roll).....COMPLETED!! Appropriately, my long-suffering railroad-wife Katie ran the first train over the entire line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106098884-D630T4J4VNTORXJ8EMJ8/P_20180127_165548_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Fully embracing the mantra that "It's finished, until a better idea comes along", next is the redo of Mt. Union. What was the Antioc & Dover staging on the right, is now N&W staging. The A&D now owns Mt. Union with it's connection to the A&O passing track flowing through a double-slip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106112617-IBF9PPKROSDPR9XPIX4Q/P_20180127_165452_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion We've overtaken a string of A&O empties. The A&O and A&D will share a multi-level station as seen by the mock-up. We'll follow this train for awhile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106098803-5P1HG2IWZ5RS3G3QRT83/P_20180127_165501_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion As crew member Rick Bacon's Antioc & Dover climbs through town, the tracks will become part of the street. Rick is an outstanding modeler and is scratch building all the structures in Mt. Union. Awesome photos to come! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106112533-UNNVWRKJCJ3M8W9MSJMQ/P_20180127_165320_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion A look at one of the panels in Mt. Union featuring A&O (white), A&D (yellow), and N&W (blue) trackage. The A&D switch crew will have fun here, with the necessary Grade Brakes adding to the experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106088926-5L9TOF8EYVTONQ2EOFI3/P_20180127_165611_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The A&D panel is a slide-out drawer with work space. Three of the car card/train file boxes are for trains in staging that was added, under the town of Kayford when Mt. Union was rebuilt. (ah..., ya) It took over a year complete this redo, but worth every effort! The A&D is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the A&O with many of its hoppers filling out A&O coal movements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106118082-0TAWYDCGCZ3QZDLQ3RJY/P_20180127_165259_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Leaving Mt. Union our train crosses Union Gap on a partially finished Atlas double track thru truss. The Antioc and Dover comes out of staging through the partition wall and onto a deck plate bridge as it passes under the A&O. A curved wood trestle will connect it to the ties just ahead. This is the only remaining rail to be laid on the entire railroad. The end is in sight! Lots of fun scenery work to do here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520105485352-JX2PMWCUK803LR3A98FZ/P_20180302_142129_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion As we leave Union Gap, a quick pause to observe the temporary, state-of-the-art Tongue Depressor cantilever signal bridges. I'll replace them with scratchbuilt brass structures down the road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520105478685-GAON4K8LNAHEFZ1ICFCW/P_20180302_143000_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion A short tunnel encloses this end of the Union Gap vignette. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520105487680-7LV40UWBS6QA7M5P19GM/P_20180302_143121_vHDR_On_1.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The 2.75% Coal Ridge Grade begins in earnest as we exit OS Union Gap. An open "window shade" shows how access to tracks on the Kayford Branch can be reached if needed. Removable scenery required. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520115143031-SMSTSSLNQED0KOPLFM6B/P_20180302_143246_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion A deep cut forms the left edge of the OS Union Gap mini-scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520115142851-EPRG4FG8MP9DTE4BR5LE/P_20180302_143340_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Next up is Big Stone Fill, an enlarged recreation of MP 234 on A&O 1.0. This time there's room for a fishing boat and some swimmers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520105497777-P6D3LQL706Q1RYYJSK98/P_20180302_143503_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Typical of mountain railroading, the mainline now dives into County Line Tunnel and a gentle reverse curve. Once the tunnel liner is installed, the fascia will get its final spackle and paint, the last on the layout! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520715635326-QYLICZJL9EWDKWWQASZ2/P_20180306_094542_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Exiting County Line Tunnel, a wide, but shallow gully known as Rebel Run will require a sequence of deck plates. Another mini-scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520115148294-2LXHGBYIQC1AMVC5OTS4/P_20180302_143940_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Passing thru another cut we come to Trussel Creek, so named for good friend Dave Trussel, planner and builder of the famed Colorado Model Railroad Museum in Greeley, CO.....a must see 5,000 sq' HO railroad. A curved wood trestle carries the main across the creek on........Trussel Trestle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520105530057-AVA5OUMYL1G1L8P4CEWW/P_20180302_145728_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion MacDonald Tunnel greets us as we cross Trussel Trestle. It serves as the scene divider at this end of Trussel Creek vignette. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520105511998-H91L1ZJE4IAKEUJLR00Z/P_20180302_144302_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Exiting MacDonald Tunnel, the F's begin their tip-toe across the steel thread know as the Twin Creek Viaduct. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106274721-QPZPLDSD07LRS5KD7XFG/7IMG_0128.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion This bridge, like the Ohio River Bridge, uses an aluminum tube to form the rigid core of this steel trestle. The wide gorge is subdivided by an escape exit from the Kayford Branch on the other side of the partition wall. On the left is the River Grade to the Ohio River bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106271777-6II80P3NIIL3LDYBP6UY/7IMG_0007+%283%29.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Further along in construction, the span is nestled into pockets at each end and stretches 10'. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106277009-PSLUW9BE6PTE7GSLNK2D/7IMG_0162.JPG Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Deck plate pieces from Scenic Express were sectioned to form the proper spans on, and between, the four future towers. These were eventually glued to the aluminum tube. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106075436-69FM78YI3UBAZEE1T0T5/P_20180127_165957_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The stripwood rectangle identifies the location of one of the future support towers. The bridge is still removable at this point for doing the background painting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106069337-DJUTJ10DQGZCTFH7BUF0/P_20180127_170024_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Yes, there is a slight sag under the weight of O scale locomotives! The towers will be built of brass to correct this. A WV State Campground is planned for the hump dividing each branch of Twin Creek (so named in honor of my twin daughters). Make your campsite reservations now as it should be quite a show from below.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520715641671-KW4YRY3O38WT26EVAQ2T/P_20180306_101313_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106065037-TV782NL0XGXFKZ9LEW8I/P_20180127_170127_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Leaving the viaduct, our train passes scenery in progress. Shallow but vertical, and at chin height. Grin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520105543334-QHUS49S59KTQWCIFMMZB/P_20180302_150025_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion With the F's still roaring in Run 8, a gentle lean into the final curve allows us to summit the Coal Ridge Grade. Going the opposite direction, the dynamics are now beginning to whine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106059705-SDN5QEATTCE4WY51ZU9R/P_20180127_170206_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The curve and grade flatten as we approach the bridge over the St. George River. At this point the tracks are 61" off the floor. Even with unfinished scenery, this stretch has already become a favorite railfan spot on A&O 2.0. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520715645246-PAA6QRZXD6Z9TQYXLX27/P_20180306_101905_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion This must be a drone shot of the St. George Gorge bridge crossing. This is detailedAtlas thru truss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106048264-SFNVERN0QFCFIWWU9PK2/P_20180127_170442_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Seen from the riverbed, it's not hard to see why crews call this "Georgeous Gorge". To help with the 3-D effect on the rear wall, I glued small rock sections of plaster onto the wall and then blended them with paint and vines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520105573070-5JFN6I7H42Z80161J060/P_20180302_150803_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The flowing river sets its own pace, oblivious to the racket overhead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520715651360-CDQJQD6X1DSHKXAV4DLZ/P_20180306_102053_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion We rarely have to chide operators to "slow down". Everyone seems to savor the moment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106054947-R7E45EMMJHVN4XO187LU/P_20180127_170414_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The train conductor finally tired of "Sitting on the Red" at OS Linnwood and has climbed down to check-in (whine) with the dispatcher. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106035356-JXLG51L4S8FYOWWT82F2/P_20180127_170946_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Finally. The train enters Linnwood, passing under a mock-up of Craigmark Transport Corp. (CTC :) This is the town where it's always raining,...and lightening, thanks again to the ingenuity of Bob Sobol. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106033003-RB7D72YR2S6K8YL6N00Q/P_20180127_171020_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Here in Linnwood we observe that while one end of the main was the Franklin Tunnel portal, the other end exits under a walkway of Craigmark. Yup. Another "wormhole". Similarly, the start of the Kayford Branch is through the "brick portal" just above the B unit. The far left signal head will be controlled by the Kayford Dispatcher to admit trains out of Linnwood yard and onto HIS railroad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106012625-0DWB609IEG3FL3VYGEX1/P_20180127_171342_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion A glimpse of the Linnwood panel. The bottom row of OS and SW LEDs show how interconnected this town is with the CTC. The "A" and "B" at far left are the connection points of this panel with the adjacent C&O panel. In the darkened, rainy atmosphere of Linnwood, and Ridge, the back-lit panels showcase their worth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106023552-V4YS5KE3CN2Y3Q8XZ252/P_20180127_171307_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Linnwood shares the new "rain room" with Ridge. Here the A&O crosses the C&O's Huntington to Charleston mainline. RJ Cabin is a C&O "standard brick cabin." Two staged C&O trains come into Ridge per session. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106020739-7ITREFCOH1Z4V948OUX8/P_20180127_171325_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The C&O panel shows its 2 staging tracks, 3 industries (top left 1-3 are the Blue Ridge Brick and Block), and two connection points ("A" and "B") with the A&O (see Linnwood panel for connection.) The C&O Connector switch job is a challenge since it's the "guest" in the busy Linnwood Yard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106000018-SW6SUS2O17RJDUQN9VV7/P_20180127_171938_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Leaving Ridge, our train continues northbound and exits Jay Tunnel at Jay. To help with light pollution of the darkened rain room, a pair of curtains hang at either end of the dog-legged 5' operator tunnel. Since I model 1968, it's been suggested they should be replaced with hippie beads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106013781-VIPWWRRMQB9YMH1MMZNN/P_20180127_171851_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106003320-99AO0Q0TRBJLK1DYN7MA/P_20180127_172041_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517105990027-MD6UJRKIATVIFPS4RA5I/P_20180127_172127_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The start of the Ohio River Bridge, and good-bye West Virginia. Deck plates start us off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517105988326-RH7A209GCZGTR7OWX0K3/P_20180127_172142_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The Ohio River Bridge features full tie plate and NBWs as appropriate. That means 4 spikes per tie. This WAS a project. For pictures of the magnificent arched thru truss Vince is casting/building, see the Forum page under "Crew Logs". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520715401861-JAX4B15XSF7CTDWOSLRW/P_20180128_114309_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion A finished look at the layout entry point. WV on the left. The Buckeye State on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520715477847-Q4SJNV74XVSRL4BANIXD/P_20180128_115339_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion To assure no one bumps into the bridge as they part the waters and walk thru the Ohio River, there are a pair of handrails on each side of the river. Merely sliding your hand along the rail ergonomically insures no one will hit the bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520105615383-Y82BZP4PXBUJ5AHQS18J/P_20180302_151805_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion The dispatcher is holding a train at Jay as we cross the bridge, not an uncommon sight. This gives us a chance to pause and appreciate Vince Griesemer's beautiful scratch built deck truss. (And yes, we have a couple later photos, putting our train on the North Main.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520105594626-0L3WQ8OYOJIRE8HEF15D/P_20180302_151524_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Our F's step foot into Ohio as they leave The Bridge. Vince's girder detail is sure to burn plenty of pixels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517109061369-JC2YD58A53OXWYS0QH7Q/P_20180127_172530_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion (Back to the South Main) Our F's approach Jackson, Ohio. Once again the dynamics start their whine for the brief, but stout 2.75% grade to Glenn Forge, O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520715677931-VWHZDUDKS68N3LI67A7S/P_20180306_105035_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion This double-tracked River Grade with its super-elevation makes for fun railfanning. A hillside will conceal the Penn-Central staging tracks visible in the upper left corner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520715657067-1NJKRHTDG5CKD4JBFTVM/P_20180306_103232_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion A flashing red greets appropriately greets us at OS Glenn Forge South. We proceed at restricted speed. We're taking these loads to the Hatfield rotary in Glenn Forge. Dobbs Mill Tunnel will be on this side, exit between building of the Whirlpool Appliance Co. on the other. Can you say "Flux-Capacitor"? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520715662749-DNFLIZ4BGPX4IQD1JQP0/P_20180306_103239_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Another operator tunnel carries us from our rural scenery immediately into the industrialized Ohio River valley. First stop, Glenn Forge, O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520715672292-II2YH2C75S81HRUGU87A/P_20180306_104154_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Indeed, we enter Glenn Forge, O. from under an overhead walkway of the Whirlpool plant. An RS3 with rotary idler car awaits our arrival. He'll carry out the put 'n take dance with the dumper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1520715667491-O1C5NTLRFBZEHSEETLMN/P_20180306_103806_vHDR_On.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion Stopping short of the switch, we call for unlock of SW 15 and then leave the South Main, entering the Coal Arrival/Departure track. A reset of SW 15 and call to the dispatcher; we're off his railroad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516487825897-PPVKJP1J94OO16IWEWO0/phase7a.jpg Phase 7 - Mainline/Kayford completion https://www.aorailroad.com/all-things-electric daily 0.75 2020-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496209719-SLBOM8EQKQ8ACWXWU63K/wiredrop.jpg All Things Electric To facilitate easier viewing of the wires from under the layout, the underside of the plywood and framework was painted drywall primer white before construction. Holes were drilled through the crossmembers to support the various power buses. As rail is laid, the appropriate color wire is soldered to the underside of each rail and fed to the underside for later connection.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496209653-5GP2AVE3Y0RJC6O2Y5UB/tortoise.jpg All Things Electric Wires are gathered, braided, and soldered as a group to their bus wire. To ease alignment and mounting of the Tortoise switch motors, vinyl underlayment wood is cut and drilled to allow mounting of the Tortoise. Slots on the edge of the board allow for adjustment of the motor before two screws affix it to the layout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496209364-ZUNM49D7XYQTNWL0DN4Y/detector2.jpg All Things Electric The block detectors are a homemade design by Vince Griesemer and feature a toroid transformer to sense DCC current. Each block has an on/off toggle to fully isolate the block to greatly aid in finding a short on the layout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496209431-E56PC875ZBS08UMYBWPQ/power.jpg All Things Electric Bob Sobol is making six power supplies giving current for 10 amp DCC boosters. It provides +12 and +5 volts DC for panel power and CMRI circuits. And it provides a home for circuit breakers, and a DCC ammeter. These are spread around the layout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496313925-59DISIQ0I041TV5MR2BW/02.jpg All Things Electric Lighting for 2.0 uses a combination of 4' electronic ballast florescent fixtures with Philips F32T8/TL930 bulbs and 35-50W 12v halogen white floods (fixture MR16). These are mounted on a light valance with the halogens spaced about 6' apart. As the photo shows, the florescents provide the overall lighting, and the low, angled halogens provide the sun shadows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496346071-L6WXOBG9F9XE4AITR6H5/5-2.jpg All Things Electric Having wired the basement for the RR lighting, it was a simple matter to connect the lighting circuits to the ceiling outs. They are switched in the dispatchers office. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496359293-XFNXN10DA6XPPW1FJZ81/05.jpg All Things Electric Looking at the ribs and grabs on A&O 1337 shows the subtle, yet detail-popping shadows provided by the low-grazing halogen floods. "Let there be (sun)light!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496396820-CRYGU2YEV9CRLDH6HUJY/3-2.jpg All Things Electric Lighting the lower deck of Willow Creek was accomplished using "puck lights" aimed upwards, letting the light diffuse and flood the yard below with even light. Aiming the lights downward produced segmented pools of light and dark areas; not good. Up is better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496417171-A5QIR0ZECC8ENEMBHHAS/1-2.jpg All Things Electric The puck lights are on a dimmer for softer lighting, and keeping them just below full voltage should insure they never burn out. A blue rope light along the front edge will provide lighting for night ops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496436199-BSUR7BTPMZK83GVLSCU1/erope.gif All Things Electric A work station under construction in Fillmore Heights shows the rope lighting installed for night ops at each station. Car cards will thus be readable under the moonlight of blue rope light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496450919-JH10MJVMLSQOBAELVGBR/eledstrips2.gif All Things Electric This is the work station between Morrison and Ricksburg showing LED strip lighting for reading car cards and night ops. The LED's are dimable lest they be too bright during night ops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496457011-0EADO7LEK56L7O02ROS7/eledstrips.gif All Things Electric This is the underside of the work station (at the left). It also has LED light strips to illuminate this area during day ops. Notice the blue rope light threaded next to it for night ops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496464577-J5LQT505X8R7BTY213IK/epanel.gif All Things Electric The most massive panel on the layout is the Dogtown Yards which handles the staging under Millport's Havens Yard. I did the artwork and made the panel on translucent acrylic and Bob Sobol did the electronics. The back lighting for night ops makes them easy and a joy to use. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496466641-PASK81XASTMG0V91OO5L/ebob.gif All Things Electric Bob Sobol has spent hours gauge-checking wheelsets and putting on resistors to make the car visible to the track detectors. All a necessary part of the CTC signaling system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496482160-F89IRL1GSQF9PDVDDXUN/ebayfield.gif All Things Electric A bank of track-block detectors with Chubb s-mini board servicing the beginning of CTC from Point Vincent to Glen Forge. All blocks have an on/off toggle to help isolate should problems arise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724843487-C6YFYCHU6HS2A02UXQM9/e1-IMG_0090.jpg All Things Electric A&O 2.0 aisles are not generous, unfortunately. Therefore considerable effort was expended in keeping them free of protruding control and shelves. This photo of the International Paper Mill aisle shows a clean passage way, yet with recessed control panels, telephone, foldout paperwork horizontal space, and a cubbie for car cards and soft drink. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724847376-GBQP42ACHFSB7CNFVOSN/e4SeeIt.jpg All Things Electric The foldout shelf is accomplished by a door hinge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724843960-QKOJOVUB26DEOWLIP7U3/e2IMG_0069.jpg All Things Electric Building triangular mounting brackets for the panels. Depending upon aisle width, layout fascia height and thus viewing angle, the brackets varied greatly and all were one-of-a-kind. This photo shows the cut panel plex attached to reflector box with the connecting strips in place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724846316-O0VLELFIT1F5T542TKC9/e4IMG_0055+%282%29.jpg All Things Electric The reflector box ready for install to a completed panel. It was painted white to spread the light evenly across the back of the plex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724845507-LHLRAM66RENB7UWRCYL5/e3IMG_0015+%282%29.jpg All Things Electric Translucent acrylic (plexiglass) was purchased from out of the scrap bin by the pound from a local plastics company. Thickness was 1/8” for smaller panels, and 3/16” for larger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724847405-OP7CJRD2QHACCFPAWCBG/e5-KeepOut.jpg All Things Electric Panel track diagram was done on paper with T-Square and angle tools (OLD school, like me), Leave room for the wood attachment brackets on each side! Make a photocopy! Trim and cut plex on table saw to match. Use spray glue to attach paper diagram to the plex protective paper. The clear plastic “Keep Out” template reflects the size of the switch toggles making sure the finished panels have enough clearance from one another on the wiring side. Experience speaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724848130-66GE7MMN72C8EC16CBYD/e6IMG_0091.jpg All Things Electric Next step is to drill pilot holes at each switch and LED location. Next cut along the diagram lines using a straight edge and #11 Xacto blade. Then peel up the plex paper, leaving just the diagram covered. This then becomes a mask. Lastly, spray the panel a flat black and pull up the diagram when dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724848233-5UT9H9FAQ157HEX6L03G/e7IMG_0093+%282%29.jpg All Things Electric Cleanup any errors at this point. Then carefully drill out each hole to size. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724850224-3KJLK87GEKA0AW278RZ6/e9IMG_0005+%283%29.jpg All Things Electric Next, give the panel and reflector box to your friend “Bob” and let him do the wiring!! Note that the white LED strips are attached to the back of the panel, shinning white LED light away and into the reflector box producing even light.. The pot in the upper left of the panel controls the brightness of the panel. This helps in night ops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724849413-TPUKGWAYDVAAB7P9RQIF/e11-eunnamed.jpg All Things Electric Three panel boxes ready for install. Note the connector plugs for power, Tortoise motors, etc. which greatly helps with install and trouble shooting. A&O 2.0 has 36 such panels. THANKS BOB!!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724850617-EMDE0RZ7OQC8GM41NH73/e12-IMG_0091+%282%29.jpg All Things Electric This is the completed “left” panel at International Paper. Dimmer pot is on the left edge of the panel. The narrow aisle makes for a longer, deeper viewing angle. A pair of grade brakes in the plant trackage were added to the fascia to assist switching. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724851614-9DLUW8AD1PSML307FNAC/e13-IMG_0083.jpg All Things Electric What do you do when there’s another RR’s tracks on the same panel? Color differential. The Ridge panel features lots of C&O trackage while the A&O merely passes thru. This panel is ready for hole enlargement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724851655-KLESOWZ7231VRNLTQ0Q3/e14-IMG_0096.jpg All Things Electric This is the back of the Mt. Union panel ready for spraying with yellow for N&W staging trackage. The masking tape will then be rearranged to hide the N&W and A&O tracks so the A&D blue can be sprayed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724853807-IL8W6YLPADS2LKDVAEML/e15a-IMG_0074.jpg All Things Electric Back to the Ridge panel, the yellow has dried and tape will be removed. Using the “Stained Glass” spray paint makes this work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724852576-B75LD0TBYH1BXKJ0GBI2/e15b-IMG_0101.jpg All Things Electric Here the Mt .Union panel is getting its lettering applied. A Brothers label maker with clear tape makes this job easy. Once everything’s in place, overspray with a MATTE ACRYLIC to protect. Do NOT use oil-based matte as it will craze the black paint (ask me how I know- and why you make a photocopy of the original artwork :(. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1517106020739-7ITREFCOH1Z4V948OUX8/P_20180127_171325_vHDR_On.jpg All Things Electric A look at the installed C&O panel shows its 2 staging tracks, 3 industries (top left 1-3 are the Blue Ridge Brick and Block), and two connection points ("A" and "B") with the A&O (see Linnwood panel for connection.) The C&O Connector switch job is a challenge since it's the "guest" in the busy Linnwood Yard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724853420-AX7JI04NXYLJSWK00QAB/e17-Taft+panel.jpg All Things Electric The panels can do more than control turnouts. They can also provide a place for train data. Keeping track of which train is in which staging yard track was accomplished using removable “Train Tiles”. The tiles are held to the plex panel using magnets. I added the necessary magnet dimples during construction of the panel. (Read on) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724855180-JF2GO4F7EIQ9I5DK9XOR/e18-IMG_0051.jpg All Things Electric Clear acrylic tiles were cut and edge-sanded. A Forstner bit drilled a inset “dimple” in the tiles for the magnets. ACC holds them in place, observing +/- polarity. An identifying is then added. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724855963-TDOTIAZDYWKHDEV8RD2K/e19-IMG_0052.jpg All Things Electric The smallest Forstner was the perfect size. I believe these came from Lowes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724856730-OIV3UB0A4R51E3IMVRGH/e20-IMG_0050.jpg All Things Electric I went thru several trays of these rare earth magnets on 2.0. One side has a red dot, the other a white seal, as can be seen on the magnet between columns 2 and 3. I always put the white side up to blend in with the track diagram, and thus be consistent with polarity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724857594-V3SEQFZ24YQO6R5C1N5Z/e21-Taft+tiles.jpg All Things Electric A look at the finished Taft Yd staging panel. The beige area to the right of the panel I made from styrene and attached a sprayed tin sheet for holding currently unused train tiles. The pockets below hold the train packets for each given track. All lettering seen is done with the Brothers Label Maker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724857798-P2FX6SID10SH49R9R0IP/e22-Morrison+night.jpg All Things Electric The backlit panel at Morrison showing off in night ops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724858294-LJZ62C743MAQ35T3LIBK/e23-Millport+night.jpg All Things Electric Headlights cast their beams in Havens Yard, Millport, O. The backlit panels show their worth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724859086-445ITDH4J5UJMFGLS68X/e25-IMG_0004+%282%29.jpg All Things Electric The Glenn Forge, O panel ready for install into the gaping hole below the SW. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724860208-OOEG4WDE4N09ZKBO35M4/e26-IMG_0085.jpg All Things Electric I used the panels as location data spots also. Industry spots and track identities are called out. The red push buttons for switch control are inactive unless unlocked/activated by the DS. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724860522-VUPP0NYWN3ULNCWSYZSM/e28a-IMG_0046.jpg All Things Electric The Sobol Springs panel is a pull out drawer, thus saving aisle space when not in use. There five such on 2.0. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724861016-8GOPZI9L66VZS68062BF/e28b-DrawerNight.jpg All Things Electric Night ops at “The Springs”. Note that Atomic Fuels has its controls also on the panel. And that the Springs is mostly New River & Western trackage, and thus ‘blue’ to distinguish it from the A&O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724861617-2O02HWAP00X7XSJ62QZ3/e28c-TaftPanel.jpg All Things Electric Another look at the Taft Yard staging panel observes that track routing circuitry is used to select each track via a single pushbutton. Selecting also powers up that particular track. Deselecting powers down. Pot dimmer is in upper right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724861965-4FT82474SK9YT3XX2YEH/e28d-Bob+Dogtown+panel+photo.jpg All Things Electric The lighting valence hanging Dogtown Yards panel is all route selected and features “progress” LEDs to follow your train as this trackage is beneath Havens Yard. The reverse loop “Slauson Cutoff” is seen which allows southbound trains to turn and eventually head back north. Ladder detectors enable the crew to make sure the train has been parked within the track without fouling the ladder. A single CAT5 connects this panel to an Arduino. Amazing. Thanks Bob. The finished product looks quite professional and is extremely operator friendly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724865638-6VTK99B8BRFFR1S0VOZQ/e30-IMG_0073.jpg All Things Electric In Fillmore Heights Industrial the trackage is shallow, and high (intentionally). I chose to use HO scale Caboose ground throws with a crank mechanism to an underside two-leaf micro switch. Throwing the turnout changes frog polarity and also lights panel LEDs thru simple cascade circuitry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724864269-8X80E1MJJZTXA5UJV5NK/e29-IMG_0071.jpg All Things Electric A look at the Ford plant LED panel. Why do this? Night ops helper. And spot indicator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607741147777-MMVXTBBHHGL0LI93CTNS/e31-CM-Havens.jpg All Things Electric Why fwo panels at Millport’s CM Tower? The upper panel is a CTC like design and via the Traffic Lever connects with the DS panel. This would be appropriate for a tower panel and as such it is not backlit. The lower panel is for all other turnouts in this vacinity. Note that there are small repeater LEDs on the lower panel to indicate which way the panel’s SW1 and 3 are thrown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724867610-DWO2R87FRUHQL0MRY9IY/e32-WillowCreek.jpg All Things Electric Directly across the aisle is the light valence-hanging New River Diamond panel. This is also a tower panel and connects with the CTC via the traffic Lever. A LED behind a light shade provides for night ops. The CM Tower Operator controls all three panels (previous slide). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724867796-G4NWTBYWIHT8L7NFQHR3/e33-IMG_0104.jpg All Things Electric Construction of the CTC machine began with the purchase of some cabinet grade plywood and proceeded form there. Because the machine needs to be easily moveable, it sits on 4 swivel casters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724869224-LR9U74RN7D9QZ0VKP07I/e34-IMG_0105.jpg All Things Electric A drawer for storage of Train Sheets and supplies seemed like a good idea. It was. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724869210-KFLH9O1Q5OSCDVY3RKY7/e35-20160511_131431.jpg All Things Electric Bob Sobol connecting up his baby- an amazing machine. See the Forum post on “CTC Build” for many photos and description of his journey to make this a reality. It’s a lot of fun to dispatch the A&O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724870359-CX3D7I8PJJJZWMZKF8T9/e36-IMG_0040.jpg All Things Electric Grade brakes are needed here and there. At Hawkins a Tortoise mounted on its side raises and lowers a wire that engages the car axle. A blue LED in the ballast will give warning when the brake is raised. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724871768-8OEU5LL0Z1XYR1TMBRUN/e37-IMG_0041+%282%29.jpg All Things Electric - The brake is fed up/down thru a brass tube. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607741244530-DL4JCEVA05CFTGGF8EAR/e38-IMG_0039%2B%25282%2529.jpg All Things Electric The Grade Brake is actuated from the nearby panel and a corresponding blue LED is lit when toggled up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724870799-Q3CG7XYHABWESY0RIVKF/e37-20160702_114659.jpg All Things Electric There are large white fascia mounted “Maintainer Call” LEDs around the layout, usually near an OS point. These are DS activated and are intended to get the attention of a passing crew. Then, call the DS!!! Do they work as intended. Not so much so far. Probably will do better in night ops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724872742-ZDZ3VU2YRZ3YLQUJDZZL/e39-IMG_0003.jpg All Things Electric Several Night Scopes from Boulder Creek Engineering are used to provide indication of progress or clearance points. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724873923-V5Z0Q0W1E5XEYS1UOMGT/e40-IMG_0005+%282%29.jpg All Things Electric Here a Night Scope is located to indicate when a equipment has cleared the switch points onto a switch lead, and is ready for reverse movement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724873830-U6O0ZBEAOEPOM2E856M5/e41-IMG_0001.jpg All Things Electric Bob came up with his own cross-track detector circuit. This one is at the end of a hidden (to the crew) coal spur at Apex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724879206-4VMX79KW9GLSN2538T3Z/e42-20180128_113640_vHDR_On.jpg All Things Electric Apex features a usually abandoned coal spur serving Jett Fuel Co. The two LEDs, white, then red, tell the operator how close he is to the end of the track. Jett Fuel is used for empty hopper car storage when not active, and can hold about 20 cars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724875732-LYZ529NJPZ2ZX6BZQ39C/e43-IMG_0028.jpg All Things Electric 16th Street Hump rises in front of an industrial lead along the back wall. It is both impossible to see the switch points, let alone make the necessary uncoupling action. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724877484-BBQPUZNIPEJZK57T4XWP/e44-IMG_0007.jpg All Things Electric And as the scenery and hump tower are added, visibility will be even more impaired. What lame brain came up with this track plan? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607724879145-E9IMBKVZGZN3X2VTWBUJ/e45-IMG_0005.jpg All Things Electric Ah-ha. The answer is a ceiling mounted angled mirror, an electromagnetic uncoupler, and an indicating LED. The uncoupler is a old CUDA product with a timer that allows for time to spot and back away, leaving the car in place. Then reactive and push car into position. Did it solve the problem and work during ops? Ya betcha. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607912859442-RS6F44BCDXP4HNTLPADS/e20201127_151417.jpg All Things Electric I wanted a subdued lighting in the middle section of the Kayford Branch. To accomplish this 3 florescent fixtures were hung in a trough with the light shining upward to diffuse the light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607912860774-C63TSJ15V7QJ3ELQGPPR/e20201127_151546.jpg All Things Electric Screen wire was cut and placed in the trough, arching the wire up and over the florescent tube like a dome. This made for a couple inches of no contact and air space over the tubes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607912861743-5EXKMZN7Z863D3Z3RG09/e20201127_151616.jpg All Things Electric Finally I added strips of sheer black linen over the screen wire. Placement of these determines how bright or dim the scene will be, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607912859480-OIMNWHOPMVRVQQC1U7PB/e20201126_123941.jpg All Things Electric The photo is a close approximation of what it’s actually like being at the Hawkins Loadout in middle Kayford. A misty morning?? https://www.aorailroad.com/signaling daily 0.75 2018-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496763137-DJTA52LXJOSDM8KKBJOF/sguys.JPG Signaling My two electrical engineer crew members, Vince Griesmer and Bob Sobol (how lucky can a guy get?!) sit in the workshop discussing the future CTC of the A&O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496763070-E6VV6QK2UTMN3CSEITN2/sctc.JPG Signaling Bob had prepared a computer-gemerated paper mock-up of the A&O's future CTC panel. Much discussion and lots of input keeps morphing the details, but it's getting close at this point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516496763358-HIGD0SXWXV8CJNPQSM5L/smini.JPG Signaling One of the "sminis" Vince has provided for the signaling system. Block detectors reside just above. This unit is for the Glen Forge to Jay section of double track. Yikes. https://www.aorailroad.com/ao-10 daily 0.75 2018-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485635891-37ZJAFY7JSRW0ZZ2VRYF/equipment_doodle.jpg A&O 1.0 Gas electric #12 is a kit-bash of an All-Nation SW7 and coach/mail car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516482575677-U1Q7GC6K60B61UREFZ1T/home_joelbeach.jpg A&O 1.0 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485427483-199RXKPXFG77U5UFAKDQ/equipment_kayford.jpg A&O 1.0 P&D F3B equipped with SoundTraxx https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516482683533-MIKZ5245XQ09MRN6NXKD/home_map.jpg A&O 1.0 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484653986-4VD6IN6MZ3G5BCU6TK8H/operation_coal_kingcoal_1.jpg A&O 1.0 The King Coal Company features over 40 lights and stretches more than six feet in length. It is built from styrene and corrugated siding is embossed aluminum foil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484654170-R3CU0HG5S73OQOJTA619/operation_coal_kingcoal_2.jpg A&O 1.0 Obviously the King Coal COmpany is still working on its safety record. Slac coal is weighed and hauled away in company trucks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484654976-ZLH7UDSMRMYZTSKEBMAS/operation_coal_kingcoal_3.jpg A&O 1.0 Coal is being dispensed from track one from the controls in the suspended operator house on the conveyor support A-frame. This structure was built of brass shapes and styrene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484654914-C16WTBHN8IZF8TAG8I5U/operation_coal_kingcoal_4.jpg A&O 1.0 The King Coal Company operates three shifts leaving the Kayford B-Unit #1 little time for rest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484656131-U69GOEB7SZHD8JFMKWQJ/operation_coal_ricksburg.jpg A&O 1.0 GP30 #410 is added to the rear of a coal extra as it exits the Willow Creek yard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484655424-OJW4WO7ED0KVW2F6A0D0/operation_coal_mp234.jpg A&O 1.0 #410 is in Run 8 as it pushes on the rear past milepost 234. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484656232-N2ON57QKWYQHSBVAGCD7/operation_coal_southridge.jpg A&O 1.0 Helper 410 will cut off here at South Ridge and wait for dispatcher clearance back to Willow Creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484655349-0BHWZUD5LDCSYZWFNU4Y/operation_coal_rdump.jpg A&O 1.0 Built from an early article in Model Railroader Craftsman, the Whiting Rotaside Rotary Dump operates flawlessly. Hoppers are held to the rails by a counterweight as the table inverts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483835483-4CYA7UMTG44P3C7OOXYJ/operation_davidmp234.jpg A&O 1.0 Being up close and personal is the main theme of operation on the A&O as CEO, David Stewart, watches first class freight #188 pull the Morrison grade at milepost 234. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483832737-TBXR6F4PGKQ0DIRYET24/operation_brakeman.jpg A&O 1.0 An A&O brakeman cuts loose yet another coal drag in Willow Creek coal marshalling yard under the watchful eye of the N&W transfer from Bluefield. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483890944-GP4I9RPSWYRT3ZUVN5IC/operation_tunnel6.jpg A&O 1.0 The C&O Connector exits Tunnel Six at Ridge as Bob's photography grabs another picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483926412-3S2O22SCRSUFP2T6EO42/operation_calldispatch.jpg A&O 1.0 Deep in the Willow Creek valley David Stewart calls the dispatcher before leaving the yard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483946231-W45APPCCCUICLA3VFBXB/operation_doug.jpg A&O 1.0 Doug Geiger working the yard at Willow Creek https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483980468-JHBKQ7PDFZSK4OL246K7/operation_david.jpg A&O 1.0 President and CEO pays a suprise visit to Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484015504-ISX7KGZUGG9OJL943CUC/operation_zamzow.jpg A&O 1.0 Crew member Dave Zamzow operates the rotary switcher and dump of the Hatfield Coal and Aggregate Coal Company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484046444-34U3FCKGV0BYEBGCWRBN/operation_darwin.jpg A&O 1.0 Darwin Vanderpol working Ricksburg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484073149-9K32NDEY8B4TP1CSAJKB/operation_dispatch.jpg A&O 1.0 Dispatcher Vince Griesemer coordinates traffic on the Coal Ridge Subdivision https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484092171-2DSRMKN4N9JRW67M7D2Z/operation_sobol.jpg A&O 1.0 Bob Sobol brings a locomotive into Willow Creek yard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484107402-C2AWWEYJ1QB4W4HZUPNA/operation_rick.jpg A&O 1.0 Rick Bacon handles coal traffic at his "hometown," Ricksburg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516482903159-S550L9C9WLID0V8NSD2W/home_david.jpg A&O 1.0 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484861400-2FG26X2UU52KGWW87J76/technical_gorge.jpg A&O 1.0 One view of the horseshoe curve and the step-in scene on the Big Coal River gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484861525-5P23UXGNETSNDGIOCMMO/technical_horseshoe.jpg A&O 1.0 North bound loads descend the horseshoe grade above the Shawen branch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484862027-3UUIP3KN0F2RPY7RPOUW/technical_shell.jpg A&O 1.0 The smooth flow of spline roadbed as seen through Ridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484861908-116XCL0DE4FKL4Z72HBT/technical_panel.jpg A&O 1.0 The recessed panel of Millport's 16th Street Yard with route control https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516484861850-DKS33MYR08UETF8D1XGJ/technical_karitunnel.jpg A&O 1.0 Daughter Kari Stewart stands near the "Kari People Tunnel" that leads to the rainy town of Walden Spring. It was Kari's idea to pierce the mountain ridge with an operator passage-way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485700452-UXM6MVSNOUIA3HWTJ8TK/equipment_box3000.jpg A&O 1.0 3000 series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485700570-XYTXPZCX59LIBRN8TV6F/equipment_box3100.jpg A&O 1.0 3100 series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485701001-WX29V4I84DCSPILF5YW6/equipment_box3200.jpg A&O 1.0 3200 series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485701254-ZUWMDPB9A95C64OG8472/equipment_box3300.jpg A&O 1.0 3300 series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485701493-YRDTU25EB6Q0DMAFMAA4/equipment_box3400.jpg A&O 1.0 3400 series https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485842891-B3O54OZ8K9CBDFHZWTR7/equipment_hopper1.jpg A&O 1.0 Early 32 foot 2-bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485843018-2TKAW5VH2FGR4BHHKI7P/equipment_hopper2.jpg A&O 1.0 First ribbed 3-bay order https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485843517-P74EE9OQMTM9OS4K4MWJ/equipment_hopper3.jpg A&O 1.0 Second ribbed 3-bay order https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485843643-LQKINERFQHCMHE6IY6JE/equipment_hopper4.jpg A&O 1.0 Offset 3-bay, first order https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485938491-PCQ9T53HIYLZ1T9JYYRQ/equipment_sfx1.jpg A&O 1.0 Early SFX Intermoutain iced-reefer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485938552-F1RCDAGUHJ8EIBOMDBEU/equipment_sfx2.jpg A&O 1.0 Second-generation Atlas insulated car https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485939038-WH1OC69ZXJO1BV4UBIG5/equipment_sfx3.jpg A&O 1.0 Atlas Evans 53 foot insulated plug-door https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485939101-M6VPMD0ZRNGOTJ2WODX1/equipment_sfx4.jpg A&O 1.0 Berkshire Valley refigerator van on Red Caboose flat car https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516482770076-FIWZLNWMNRA7DYPW8ZDC/home_tower.jpg A&O 1.0 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483193284-CG4AXK8AMNW6EDCFI0ME/layout_willowcreek_1.jpg A&O 1.0 The Ricksburg yard man is working long hours finishing up paper work on a sultry summer evening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483092455-IBTKNG39G115G6NUN27H/layout_gorge_1.jpg A&O 1.0 A&O RS3 #137 leads Walden Turn out of Post Tunnel and into the gorge late on a rainy afternoon toward Bayfield. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483096782-C5PJNJUMU065AEZAH1E8/layout_ricksburgcab.jpg A&O 1.0 It's a hot summer day and the door is open as coal extra 8WM waits for clearance from the Ricksburg tower in its journey Northward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483094835-W7N9KABPGXZOJVA2YAQW/layout_kayford_1.jpg A&O 1.0 The Kayford Coal Branch B-unit sees little rest from moving hoppers from tipple to tipple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483093061-PA6L9D5NJRG9WULGJWCX/layout_gorge_3.jpg A&O 1.0 Slide fencing has prevented many a derailment in the Big Coal River gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483095574-PI35TCATB0ED4M0NV81L/layout_ricksburg_1.jpg A&O 1.0 Ricksburg's turn table stands empty awaiting the next locomotive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483095077-WOF87OGI084W6HLR0JPU/layout_millport_1.jpg A&O 1.0 Joel Stewart busy at work on the Fillmore Heights switch job. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483093122-LUVKXC2MWZDXHOMVTS0R/layout_gorge_2.jpg A&O 1.0 NYC H-20-44 #7103 exits Post Tunnel Northbound with the Penn-Central Transfer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483094604-47H6HJVEKKX17F9MJ9SZ/layout_joelbeach_1.jpg A&O 1.0 A&O F3 #221 and RS3 #137 exit Post Tunnel and round the bend at Joel Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483095983-XAAK4DOLZGSARWIR6P9V/layout_ricksburg_2.jpg A&O 1.0 Freight cars bask in the afternoon sun at the north end of Ricksburg Yard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483091153-IG3DLKMA7T3AUCBVP2T0/layout_caboose237.jpg A&O 1.0 Only a month in service, A&O cab $237 follows obediently behind yet another coal drag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483097155-2BV9C4CAOKA8FYGERW4R/layout_rs3mp234.jpg A&O 1.0 RS3 #137 rolls by milepost 234 and a relaxing section crew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483097339-VRXO070HYQDP78IBX7HS/layout_speedytunnel.jpg A&O 1.0 A&O #137 enters Speedy Tunnel having climbed the Morrison grade leaving the Willow Creek valley in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483092453-OUWY2S2JA03HSAIJHF1Z/layout_f3exitspeedy.jpg A&O 1.0 Bob Sobol's beautifully detailed P&D Hobbies F3 #218 exits Speedy Tunnel at milepost 234. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483096480-NBN3SJS6BJ20AHB1QFQ7/layout_ricksburg_3.jpg A&O 1.0 With cutting torch nearby, A&O employees contemplate how to retrieve a lost item. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483093921-1M5O1IGM8WK6N1B4AGAK/layout_gorge_4.jpg A&O 1.0 It's a light load for the Big Creek Coal Job as it exits the gorge for Bay Tunnel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483093928-REFB24W5DUB1CEUBB3CN/layout_gp35mp164.jpg A&O 1.0 Late evening sun paints the side of GP35 #400 at milepost 164.9. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483094662-XYUQ3B5BMCG03S562MK2/layout_joelbeach_2.jpg A&O 1.0 Even though restoration is still under way, there is no better way to spend a hot summer afternoon than enjoying the cool water at Joel Beach in the River Bend Recreation area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483091213-QGS3L6GZ2HJ126I6XKE7/layout_f3coalextra.jpg A&O 1.0 A trio of F3s leads a coal extra through the river gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483091957-92NI2L9TX406VIZE9TGU/layout_f3night.jpg A&O 1.0 It's a full moon as another coal extra holds at a red signal in the river gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485499836-MVWS4P9XN0HCXKDBH7LH/equipment_kaolin.jpg A&O 1.0 Intermountain 40 foot box with cast urethane hatches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485152363-A7E7G7PNIP3O82S8R4Y9/equipment_rs3.jpg A&O 1.0 Weaver RS3 in early paint scheme. Model has detailed interior and SoundTraxx. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485145905-WA129N9UYX817NYN36OB/equipment_funits.jpg A&O 1.0 P&D Hobbies F3's in early scheme built by Bob Sobol. Numerous features and all with SoundTraxx. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485145654-RAUW7L9QJ8MGKNY5P1HF/equipment_f7a.jpg A&O 1.0 P&D Hobbies F7A in charcoal paint scheme. Numerous features and SoundTraxx. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485141387-ASZT4LVXJA6ST4TVUR5N/equipment_c430.jpg A&O 1.0 Overland C430 in modern scheme with dual speakers and SoundTraxx. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485152246-8IPKZVV6P3MM9GFVGVA4/equipment_pulppaper.jpg A&O 1.0 Bob Sobol's 4 truck Shay an ex-West Virginia Pulp & Paper unit has been rebuilt by the A&O historical society and now sees service hauling coal loads up to Willow Creek from Kayford. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516485145176-84SMLZ04I0EK8Z2CMHME/equipment_f3cablights.jpg A&O 1.0 Oh the joys of O-Scale! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516483116597-8E0YQ3BXX7QTRM5H64XL/layout_trackplan.jpg A&O 1.0 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516486134672-Y66T6WP14LPDSKHZPWS0/crew_all.jpg A&O 1.0 Joel Stewart, David Stewart, Jay Barnaby, Bob Sobol, Vince Griesemer, Rick Bacon https://www.aorailroad.com/landscape daily 0.75 2025-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790691962-HUSFGBGTFDNFPDWO9T49/s20200508_175026.jpg Landscape Landforms begin with a weave of heavy cardstock, stapled and hot glued into place. Using my table saw and an old blade, I cut photo matboard obtained (saved for me) from picture framing shops. Just ask in advance :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790690594-0D5WOEXD71QYHTBBX08J/s20200508_175016.jpg Landscape Over the weave was added red rosin paper, available at big box stores. Torn into various sizes, I soak them in water first to make them pliable. Yellow glue is slopped onto the cardstock strips, the rosin paper applied, and then then repaint with glue. Immediately add a second overlapping layer of rosin paper and more glue. Neatness here is not a virtue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790693875-7XB0VE45NCIIFP7FFA9Q/s20200509_171014.jpg Landscape Is this Appalachia or Utah? Tunnel construction is on another page. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790696432-8CSHPNXXR4SOFA3NVSB4/s20200509_171032.jpg Landscape The wood strips are eventual foundations for the Hawkins Loadout located on the Kayford Branch. I also added tubes to carry wires for the eventual lighting that will be part of the scene. The photo also reveals that I relocated the loadout spurs so they terminate into the layout edge. This greatly improved the overall appearance of the scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790700920-1BZPYELUPUVXAY0EWFH3/s20200509_173648.jpg Landscape Looking toward the long “People Tunnel” on the Kayford. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790696967-L48EKE48H0NANH0RJHI8/s20200509_173632.jpg Landscape Looking from the opposite direction at Hawkins. Vertical scenery? Just wait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790746305-N08ZUQS6QXK2CPRDNGF1/sIMG_0041.jpg Landscape Where rockwork is to be added, paper towel dipped in a slurry of Hydrocal is applied over the rosin paper. A couple overlapping layers does the trick. This scene is the beginning of scenery work at Mt. Union, WV. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790704235-9MYAWI9ULB0I41S754F4/s20200512_150341.jpg Landscape Back at Hawkins area, rubber rock molds have are being applied to the Hydrocal. I made the molds with liquid latex rubber, a sunny day, and permission to use my neighbors landscaping rocks :). The plaster is mixed to a soupy consistency, everything sprayed with water, and then put/held in place until the mold gets warm and the chemical setting reaction is proceeding. Three to five minutes or so.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790700573-YME62DAIUU94XUAHUV9Q/s20200512_150330.jpg Landscape Here several molds are curing at once. The tunnel is a rock bore which is actually a space saving choice I use a lot. The blue line indicates where the tree line will start. Thus, the large mold does not have plaster in it above the blue line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790747741-Y8HDN4EV15KX8L26OYI1/sIMG_0048.jpg Landscape Back at Mt. Union molds have been removed after several hours of curing. Overlapping and a bit of “carving” with hammer and chisel has them ready for painting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790704560-JEV53YZLKAF6VOHMOUJ7/s20200622_095922.jpg Landscape One final mold to finish off Mt. Krumpet :). The rock bore is complete. Of note is that the rosin paper has been painted a flat black. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790707891-TEMO1MB85M34JETV5VW2/s20200622_095950.jpg Landscape I paint all my landforms that will eventually be covered by trees flat black. This will look like shadows under the trees, and thus disappear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790705434-8E4WCNVJV1TFQK0ZJY3H/s20200622_095936.jpg Landscape Hawkins is in middle Kayford where it’s rained and now is a misty morning. The blue sky was painted over with a blotchy, dappled mixture of flat latex white, neutral gray, and Paynes gray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790707921-NG3VSCARP2CTX9O9906H/s20200622_100015.jpg Landscape Painting consisted mostly of using a small, stiff round brush and stabbing the wall. Trying to not make it all look the same was the idea. I was looking for a mottled sky appearance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790719029-CKYRUZLECGQQVUUYLJ4I/s20200629_155924.jpg Landscape Time to paint rock. I begin with a dilute white latex paint over all the rockwork. This seals the Hydrocal and evens out any differences between the mold pours. You want the rock to take the color the same throughout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790724604-0RJS89ADP3QHBFUEYKX0/s20200629_170759.jpg Landscape Spray/soak all the rock before painting. Colors are washes of acrylics- Burnt and Raw Siennas/Umbers, Yellow Ochre, Neutral Grey, and Mars Black. I’ll apply color straight from the tube and then water-wash it around, blending/thinning it with other colors until I’m satisfied. It will dry to a lighter shade overall. I spray a thin wash of India Ink to provide relief and shadows. If you don’t like your finished product, paint over with white and start over. Experience speaks. Where there is a steep hillside it is not uncommon to have rain deposited back decayed vegetation wash on the face of the rock. Mars black time. Finally, highlight the rock edges with a drybrush of Titanium white. The effect is startling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790689349-648ILU6GQXWDTJDGYHWJ/s20190913_144338_vHDR_On.jpg Landscape Nearing the crest of the Coal Ridge Grade, scenery is taking shape. Oh note is that I chose to drop the top of the fascia below track level. Though only 2-5” to preserve aisle space, it allows the trains to pass thru scenery on both sides of the track. And it greatly improves viewing and photography. A line of vertical rail pieces driven along the roadbed protects against slope erosion. And adds eye candy. Yes, the black paint encroaches on the backdrop. See the Trees page about this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790687101-BO2ZT9IE16EW6RJV82B0/s20190913_144429_vHDR_On.jpg Landscape Looking across the Ohio River Bridge we see that line pole placement planning is taking place. .Where ground cover will be added the plaster is given a coat of brown latex. And yup, more black paint on the backdrop wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790735741-8IFUQ5AYLB6Y1KGG79VT/s20201111_133803.jpg Landscape A finished scene in Kayford at the Hawkins loadout. Of interest here is that a “phony ballast slope” was created to simulate an appropriately elevated mainline from the siding. Though in reality all trackage is at the same height, the effect was achieved by carving the slope into the Micore with a utility knife. As the tracks diverged I removed more Micore from near the siding and thus eased the slope to bottom of the ballast. It totally fools the eye. The post indicates the location of a grade brake (see Electrical page under Construction.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790745412-17SGQPKLRYBRG34C26RU/s20201127_153214.jpg Landscape The St. George River runs straight into the wall. Ouch. To help cope with this all too common reality I sought to fool the eye by narrowing the gorge front to back. I also made sure the colors progressed from light to dark. The wall was painted matching colors and mold pieces were glued to the wall. Add abundant foliage and the seam disappears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790738906-S2S4BDD5VPOECKVI2Q3J/s20201127_151135.jpg Landscape Back at the finished scene at Hawkins in the Kayford, the early morning rain has left a mud puddle at the bottom of the truck slope. How to do that? Next slide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790725193-IC8TPUYVMJ36Y6MP82PI/s20201028_105020.jpg Landscape Minwax Ebony stain is applied to the puddle and “wet track” areas.(During earlier scene planning I had removed/sanded the “Bowl” for the puddle into the Micore.). This also works on rock faces to simulate weeping water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790741545-NO61RL4ZC5TSJJSUI0AT/s20201127_151045.jpg Landscape Next seal the area with Gloss medium and let dry. Then I used Vallejo “Still Water” for the puddle. Apply in this in increments and allow to dry in between. A seldom modeled life reality! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790734370-NA9SUJEBOMUOO4BKN4DX/s20201126_124953.jpg Landscape The road leading to the Hawkins Loadout on the Kayford Branch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569137440-1GCHL0BSBY86KA485PC4/x20200910_123116.jpg Landscape This photo shows how this very depth-challenged scene barrows depth from the air above the track/scene to create a deceiving sloped hillside. Shazam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569137159-CMR4TKRI3WET7Y410B4P/x20201111_133817.jpg Landscape A closer look at the deception achieved by carving a ballast slope into the flat Micore and sanding a more gentle slope on the left up to the ballast. Shazam II. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569138194-RLBQXXLRK7KSP8V605XP/x20201127_153324.jpg Landscape On near eye-level trackage it’s always good to leave a bit of aisle side foreground for a few trees/shrubs to let the trains play Peek-a-boo with the viewer. This also creates a sense of distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569138433-CTEFFUPN2AHHFB73SROZ/x20220212_173438.jpg Landscape Time to scenic the Coal River Gorge. The tracks jump across the river on a pin-connected thru truss. The bridge abutments were first crafted in cardstock, then to was used as template to make the abutment from leftover 1/4” sheetrock. Joint compound, sanding, repeat, and it makes for very believable concrete work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569139354-DW9TJYDI9IQFJVGRH4PO/x20220404_095732.jpg Landscape The mainline jumps back across the river on a plastic-wrapped deck plate bridge. Lott of plaster molds are now in place and the remaining hillside is painted black for tree placement. Note again how the gorge height extends above actual formed hillside. Trickery! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569139502-GYE70OZOKWBDHB0R2RES/x20220404_095740.jpg Landscape Looking over the scene-dividing ridge of Speedy Tunnel we see the rockwork of the future county swimming hole, Joel Beach. A cut stone retaining wall with drainage pipe is at the center of this scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569141097-YSLP030BE0A4S3G6TQWB/x20220409_121339.jpg Landscape Here come the tree pallets. Time to green things up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569141096-CRTYFUD6QVBDC5JQUST5/x20220411_121142.jpg Landscape The rock work has been colored and the trees are being stapled to the ridge line. Small trees of various shades of green help create the illusion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569142197-NDGDUO0D6NAFUE4K7IGQ/x20220411_121158.jpg Landscape Whew, this 25’ aisle takes a LOT of trees. Who designed this thing anyway? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569142389-L17OFWRGJDTGTL2YDKB8/x20220411_162446.jpg Landscape Yikes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569143259-JOR7K7KTGJHYUTEO1V4W/x20230522_124248.jpg Landscape Joel Beach is getting its attention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569143863-7HJWJK2ULAWQ4EBOOC00/x20230608_123319.jpg Landscape Finally the verdant hillsides are done. Time to focus on that brief bit of hillside that breaks up the exposed rock on the gorge wall. Start with some ground cover, shrubs, and weeds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569145020-T3HH8OL2YBY0F85NVPM2/x20230906_104922.jpg Landscape Now for the water. I drilled a number of holes in the plywood river bottom (???), then closed the holes from the underside by screwing up plywood scraps. Caulk was added around the holes from the underside prior to attachment. Why this? The random holes provide anchors for the soupy plaster so it doesn’t buckle. Be sure to seal with caulk EVERY joint/seam or you’ll a soupy floor! Finally, paint the surface with artist’s Gesso. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569145538-K9SMB2RPE37WHILLCKKC/x20230906_175608.jpg Landscape Joel Beach has both shallow and deep areas. Mixing acrylics and water allows you to create this allusion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742660580589-4P117VDOUVO9BYM5VHAD/s20230906_115204.jpg Landscape Mod-Podge diluted 3 or 4 to 1 dispensed with a Turkey Baster forms the water surface. It can be tinted if desired, but I usually prefer to do the coloring first on the riverbed that way I know how it’s going to look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569144228-UNOYKQEA90OOSYI14CPU/x20230809_104754.jpg Landscape Similarly, the broad portion of the Coal River got a blending of green-brown to Paynes Gray to simulate varied depth. Don’t like the way it’s turning out? With the slick Gesso surface you can quickly wipe it off with a wet sponge and start over. And how do I know this? :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569146827-R9HAQVZBRT0R604U740S/x20230911_154121.jpg Landscape Jumping ahead, ahem, rocks were added along with the required ground cover before finally pouring the water,….Mod Poge diluted 3-4 to 1 with water. I used a Turkey Baster to slowly dispense the "“water” around the rocks and debris. The finished scene makes for good kayaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569148529-RHRFBH3QR1DX2TFK27PH/x20230911_155227.jpg Landscape The surging water around the rocks was made with Woodland Scenics Water Affects, touched up with white acrylic when dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569148436-VKO0LW3IA7DUR7DG1MTP/x20240813_174350.jpg Landscape A partial overall view of the finished new gorge scene on A&O 2.0. Whew. https://www.aorailroad.com/car-forwarding daily 0.75 2020-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788990140-SXY43DF6K2LV6FANIOY1/c20180719_132039_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding The A&O CEO likes car cards, and it fits my 1968 time frame. And I like picture car cards for fast recognition/pairing by the crews. Cue photographer Bob. A styrene sweep was set up in, appropriately, Sobol Springs where mass portraiture of weathered cars sat one by one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607789000062-9KIMGDE86F4F3FQ7A413/c20181003_125018_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding Bob digitally arranged the photo files and sized so that he could submit email the file to Walgreens for glossy prints. Four cars per print at $0.15 per print- cheap enough. Thanks again Bob! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607987734612-GT3Y6ZM04PK846DHE2RY/c20181003_125732_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding With the help of my awesome wife Katie, we printed car cards using Word. She was able to invert one below another such that a fold creates a pouch. The overall size of the cardstock car card is 3.25”x7.25”- Now THAT’S O Scale cards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607998239478-A5M88TS7KYNS9V3AAXEL/c20181003_125814_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding The 8.5x11” cardstock sheet is trimmed to size so each “wing” is equal to the width of the car card. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607998686271-J6PPU6B5DLR9BXRMKVJ5/c20181003_130039_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding Next I cut down the left edge to the meeting line. Then I score lightly to the bottom of the cards. Next I cut across. Then lightly score top to middle, and clean cut to the bottom or down the other side. When done it looks like …. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607999029946-F3UY108JKKVTPRRJGZ9Z/c20181003_130109_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding ….this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607999450916-S7OLQBT4V5MUXBQQDGJ4/c20181003_130255_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding Unmentioned earlier is that we run the cards thru the printer a second time so as to print “When empty, return to:” etc. It takes a little fusswork at the outset to get the template set just right so the printed data comes out where you want it (thanks sweetheart).. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607999759680-2UDYCYKPM1BICZ0F8PGJ/c20181003_130357_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding A nearly completed card. The lightly scored edge from the previous slide makes the fold clean and true. Almost time for the clear, see-through front of the pouch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608000740468-E59JJJIOO1TP2MTMWFYA/c20181003_131819_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding But first- A styrene template “V” is placed on the back of the card and a pencil line drawn in the “V”. This will later facilitate cutting out the wedge making easier insertion and removal of the waybill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607789097375-5X3CJ6KINMZAFX4P9F9Q/c20181003_130529_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding A packet of Transparency Film from Office Depot is next. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608000244818-29UPFCDZW5EKQV5ZO9CY/c20181003_130629_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding I taped some styrene guide stops to my glass-topped work bench after figuring out how to get the most number of pouch squares out of a 8.5x11” sheet of transparency film. While the width is the same as the car card, the height is more than the visible area. See next slide- https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608000644720-DHJJQN2DYBLQOPDYWBHM/c20181003_131303_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding Here the transparency rectangle is taped in place. Even with the bottom edge of the car card and extending up above the viewing area- and then held in place with magic tape. At this point I fill-in the MTY Return data. This is GN Airslide Flour covered hopper. Tony Koester’s “Realistic Model RR Op” pg. 55 shows GN RR is Zone 11 for return of MTYS. More on this on the Operating Positions page. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608001603609-86GCIVS85YXIXWNFMGH1/c20181003_132249_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding If you’re also a bit of a perfectionist, now is the time add some black to the edges of the data box as may be needed, etc. Whew. Now I feel better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608001819417-JKQPBEQENF2RS8T2UXFF/c20181003_132356_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding Time to add the trimmed car picture to the card. I use double stick tape for this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607789044769-MJBCZSQ2EHY4I23O26Z8/c20181003_153403_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding Lamination time. I bought a Fellow’s Laminator just for the A&O’s many laminated items. I also buy bulk packs online of 5 mil 12x17” laminating pouches. I run the pouches thru two times, inverting the second time. Wait; cool. Now turn 90 degrees and repeat. I’ve had virtually no separation of the pouches from use. When it does occur, just run the card thru a couple times and it reseals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608002533971-H2IAW0F3QB39VKIDI03Q/20201211_100135.jpg Car Forwarding Cut the car card flush along the bottom edge, then leaving an 1/8” or so for sealing, trim the card. Then flip over and opening the newly formed/sealed pouch, put one leg of a pair of scissors into the pouch and cut out the “V” on the cardstock (NOT the transparency film). It’s now easy to insert a waybill into the pouch of the car card. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788994461-36U638ZLQR5BCUXY0JVN/c20180719_133310_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding The cars with their matching cards start to fill up every available spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788995040-I0R70B6DY1PRDF00OI1V/c20181002_110850_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding No more room!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788990998-PZQJGL87U3G19OPLKIVX/c20180719_132029_vHDR_On.jpg Car Forwarding Hey Bob, I found some more! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607789707683-KG4HXEN86GFNK47B1H6R/20201211_095734.jpg Car Forwarding ACFX 83560 with it’s matching card, ready for service. By having MTY car routing car data, I essentially gain a 5th waybill destination. More on how that is handled on the Operating Positions page. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608057005011-AGXKQE9XAVBQ8T5M73C1/20201215_112749.jpg Car Forwarding Waybills were also done in Word and printed/cut at Kinkos. Worth the cost. Because the car cards are “bottom loaded” the data is arranged in this manner. These are 4 position waybills with the first position called out by the AAR code for the car type. The waybill is removed and advanced/reinserted to the next numbered position upon delivery to each location. Position 4 tells the crew to remove waybill or advance to position 1. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607789709501-GLT1B3GTICE2PLIDGEBC/20201211_100102.jpg Car Forwarding AAR code on waybill matches the code on the car card: “TC” = “Tank-Chemical.” Some car destinations are purely prototypical, and some are purely whimsical- gotta keep the visitors entertained:) The Zone # reflects the zone the car is heading to. In this case it’s heading for Walton, VA, zone 19. Probably near John Boy’s house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607789711094-9BZ0QVMWFUEGIMH1PN3W/20201211_100157.jpg Car Forwarding ACFX 83560 was humped at Millport’s 16th St. yard into the track for train #261 (or #263 if a second train is needed later in the session.) Odd #’s are southbound. It will be dropped at Ricksburg, WV and switched into the outbound NR&W track. #261 crew advances the waybill to position 2 and gives the card to the yardmaster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607789713035-S7BXL5VKRAYEEC3MR1CK/20201211_100406.jpg Car Forwarding NR&W #17 arrives from Willow Creek via minimal trackage rights and later departs, this time with ACFX 83560 in tow. Crew advances waybill upon completion of the run (into staging). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607789713509-T071VEWIULHXNVSB61AU/20201211_100458.jpg Car Forwarding Having been filled with muric acid, our tank is returned later on NR&W #17. #17 “turns” (returns) at Ricksburg, WV, so ACFX 83560 is left at Ricksburg, and switched into the track for when #262, or #264 passes thru town enroute to Millport, O. #17’s crew advanced the waybill as instructed, and gave car card to the YM. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607789717211-GGM18DNK3P7G56FV9EN1/20201211_100606.jpg Car Forwarding Arriving in Millport, ACFX 83560 is hump classified into the track for #707, “The Bay Switch” to Bayfield, O and return. It will be set out enroute, per spot #, on the Chem Track at International Paper in Pt. Vincent, O. Upon set-out, the instructions say to “Advance …to first position”. It will thus next be sent south and repeat the cycle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607789720999-C4MQ45RTJLR7BWWX33M9/20201211_100812.jpg Car Forwarding This waybill says to “Remove..” when delivered. Thus ACL86971 which carries kolin clay for paper making will return to it’s car card MTY destination. (see Operating Positions page). Of note is the use of colors on the waybill. This is for help in classifying in the yards. My crew needs all the help they can get…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607789721051-K7TAPJC4JSVPIDCMO0DD/20201211_102248.jpg Car Forwarding When cars are set out, the waybill goes into the industry card file. A separate “Removed Waybills” file is also near each switching location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607789703184-0BC7Z76DBZM3EHOBSLA4/20201211_095512.jpg Car Forwarding Horizontal working space is always at a premium, especially as the layout becomes completed. Here in Millport, and Willow Creek below, car cards are advanced. So… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607789702608-UJ2QR5ZQXLHUTBRJ4SSL/20201211_095527.jpg Car Forwarding a swing out work shelf provides a place for crews to lay train packets, advance waybills, and just hold stuff. https://www.aorailroad.com/traffic-pattern daily 0.75 2020-12-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608173027379-TJXMJY71QPSX9L9ZG30B/mdsetraffic.jpeg Mdse. Traffic Pattern https://www.aorailroad.com/ao-photos daily 0.75 2025-03-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567992364-MAK2J8T39A0PVJGBQQZK/x20240103_160927.jpg A&O Photos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567987420-4U8R2S38PAO908YQQ5EI/x20231018_211600.jpg A&O Photos it’s 1968. Teens burned down the outhouse so they’re getting a new one. Bob’s Photography? Hmm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567989042-WEUA4R8OWLMFPZMHPBXI/x20231018_211935.jpg A&O Photos Horns blaring, F3 #221 crawls past Joel Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567992389-C9TRKLHZUNA3W2O2CHZM/x20240103_160901.jpg A&O Photos Hot, humid, great day for the swimming hole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567989085-1IXCP2UXVLJLXR5OBQIX/x20231018_212022.jpg A&O Photos Ah, Bob has been hired by Ken and Barbie, but Ma and Pa Kettle are photo-bombing them. Now….Later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567994078-YPHF1I9C3P18WS1YMZ35/x20240812_194311.jpg A&O Photos Come on! Chicken!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567987383-ZRXQ757D8ZXJ610FUQ6P/x20231018_211534.jpg A&O Photos Fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567995477-WKATNWVY463SB6P8DWSU/x20240812_194416.jpg A&O Photos The south end of the Coal River is a favorite for kayakers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567990827-F2IOUBP9WEPJ6D2UIGUZ/x20231018_212519.jpg A&O Photos Another coal train. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567995042-C7KJ3J9SBC62XKSKNZIK/x20240812_194345.jpg A&O Photos Green board. And quite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568005521-RXEDI7WJWCZFYFGFHEEM/x20240930_111727.jpg A&O Photos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567990689-Q7HC74U1ZR1JHGMY0W81/x20231018_212402.jpg A&O Photos The railroad name and the setting seem to go together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567996158-FM1C54UELIV5KTWXPFSH/x20240812_194450.jpg A&O Photos Probably some fish in there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568004877-MTXK9LGFPTVW204XUAQ0/x20240930_111704.jpg A&O Photos I think I saw something move in the bushes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568004031-QAPU2ALYV71N0X3UYDI8/x20240930_111607.jpg A&O Photos I know there’s something alive on the other side :( https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567996682-5VU1XB9MCOD2R9Z4L985/x20240812_194528.jpg A&O Photos It’s moonshiner Pete. Walk away clean, man. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567997917-6I9N2NM0USOUIN1E9UNQ/x20240812_194557.jpg A&O Photos Up the creek looks to be his ….Still. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567998235-KT9YF4ONVC98T70BYA8O/x20240812_194605.jpg A&O Photos Yup. He’s got himself a nice setup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567999177-VKM8KGJBKP3IXVCYAZ4I/x20240812_194627.jpg A&O Photos Hmmm. By the looks of the battery case in back, he “buys” his hideout location from the RR crews. Smart fella. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568003562-BA8PGCJAD4MC1KFOF4Y9/x20240812_194923.jpg A&O Photos Twin Creek Viaduct. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568002659-SCDX465IFJRLE68Z4GEW/x20240812_194858.jpg A&O Photos 500’ of “Just look straight ahead.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568001644-Y7L4XMYRZFXGAB8AL2NJ/x20240812_194834.jpg A&O Photos I know where I want to pitch my tent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568000293-G2UYVHUEQ5K4XEQTP9PT/x20240812_194738.jpg A&O Photos Soon it will be time for SMORES. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742567999574-VYMICYXKB9QBJFEIFIQB/x20240812_194721.jpg A&O Photos I guess not “Everybody Welcome.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568000759-FYQOQ7DDF05D4KCY3TA2/x20240812_194758.jpg A&O Photos And Timber Creek is refreshing. https://www.aorailroad.com/operator-positions daily 0.75 2023-09-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608082906413-SK0AUGY9UWWH42CS0FIM/20201215_151914.jpg Operator Positions Some photos to flesh out Millport operator positions (can’t wait for the structures to arrive). #262 has arrived and sits on the Thru track. Behind on Yard 1 is it’s opposite train, #261, running late, but ready to depart. The panel shelves and pull-out work trays are ready for work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608082908381-FZCQLN8DHA28WHABAD35/20201215_152017.jpg Operator Positions Seen from the other/north end of Millport’s Havens A/D Yard. Bob’s engines populate the scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790160600-QK3LNOQ9IATVZZBXULEA/o20201128_112535.jpg Operator Positions While the panel shelves have rope lighting behind the fascia for night ops, the pull out shelves are left in the dark. Answer, LED light strips encased in styrene fixtures to focus the light on the shelves, not the layout. The knob on the right edge of the photo is a pot for dimming to suit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790151136-KTCXFJ9602PY9I89CKNL/o20201128_111449.jpg Operator Positions Mission accomplished. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790148947-EG9UVCYGV3EMXEQCUN24/o20201128_111236.jpg Operator Positions A view of the dimmable workspace for night ops at the north end of the yard. Eventual layout lighting will dramatically change the scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790149386-O5J0DMS0ENO7GPFL53MH/o20201128_111324.jpg Operator Positions A night view of the 16th St. hump work shelf and panels. Dimmable rope light provides the light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608082910939-W9MZ7TCAUOYVF1QSNDFA/20201215_152536.jpg Operator Positions The Millport Yardmaster “Office”. Left to right- Waybill drawer, work space, industry card order file, panels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608082912256-DEQ6IZFJK0G1B0LSKO8H/20201215_152612.jpg Operator Positions Adjacent is the hump operator’s work station. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790174151-BZC4FTM0MK9UY8YQ7LE9/o20201211_094327.jpg Operator Positions Arriving trains have their car cards advanced (or removed, see Car Forwarding pg) by the train crew, then the Train Packet is given to the YM. Car cards are scanned for any “Do Not Hump” cars. These are placed on Yard 3 and card filed. Specifically in this case, the stack bed truck was pulled. Also any woodchip, pulpwood, or coal hoppers are pulled and placed. These are bound for Int’l. Paper and the south end switcher (CM Tower Operator) handles these as time permits. From the looks of #262 in slide 2, he’s going to be busy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790165574-X900RQTEXV85X4R1PXEO/o20201211_093910.jpg Operator Positions Cars being held in Havens for future train movement are noted in grease pencil at the YM workstation. It’s his responsibility to get them on their assigned train. Reefers pulled off for icing are likewise noted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608145398501-1ZK0VH1874DKKCQKO7Q7/20201215_151801.jpg Operator Positions Such “alert cards” are added between sessions to reefers that are enroute and as noted on their “Special Instructions” line on the waybill. “Alert” card is removed once icing is completed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608082900203-56O1KSJ4Y8X0EZD15ZZC/20201215_151409.jpg Operator Positions Some cars may arrive with requirements for repairs or cleaning. A&O 3446 would be in need of a good cleaning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608145644188-7QA52YR0YS5DMAEE3BLH/20201215_151743.jpg Operator Positions “Action Cards” are added to a few cars between sessions just to keep things interesting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790163155-UBNCEPDJQDQIVNAUY1P0/o20201211_093838.jpg Operator Positions A similar sheet at the YM “desk” keeps track of this. YM will alert crews when it’s time to pull the card and put the car back into it’s routing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790167112-FZISQTD2Q3VFEKP07E6Q/o20201211_094108.jpg Operator Positions The Yardmaster’s “Desk”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790163306-QRGQQXAPSB8RWR6V7YV6/o20201211_093647.jpg Operator Positions What to do with empty cars? In my ‘68 era MTY cars were to be routed to their home road, or zone. Thus I included the car’s Zone # on the Car Card (see Car Forwarding pg.). To simulate the A&O abiding by such rules, foreign road MTYS that arrive in Millport are assigned to an A&O territory industry waiting for an MTY car. Routing a car in the “general direction” of its home road was considered sufficient, thus I’ve grouped zones together, weighting more heavily the neighboring Zones to the A&O, as would be typical for foreign cars showing up in A&O yards as an MTY. Example: The YM looks thru the Zone 2 file for a fitting waybill for an MTY Santa Fe box (XM). He finds a request for a XM by Owens-Corning in Fillmore Hts. that’s heading west and inserts the waybill (The waybill Zone # carries the destination, NOT the loading point). The car is then classified over the hump for travel on the next Fillmore Heights switch job. If no matching car order is found in the zone file, the car is classified over the hump toward home road as indicated on its car card. Before each session I preload the Industry Empty-Car Order file with a variety of car types and zone destinations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790174379-VJLJPOMOCUDVCNL458KM/o20201211_094356.jpg Operator Positions Once cars have culled out and any waybills added, the string is pushed over to 16th St. and place on the waiting track for the hump engines to pick up. By trackplan design, this movement can be accomplished by either Havens north or the south end crews. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790180878-KZ8SLO3OE36S2FNOWJWP/o20201211_094553.jpg Operator Positions As an aid to the hump operator, I made a sheet that can be filled in prior to classification. Reporting marks, n order of appearance, the track # for classification, and their rolling speed- as listed on their car card. This eliminates car card shuffling all the while handling retarders and engine speed. The list tells which file to place the car card in upon completion. Crews seem to like it. Classifying over the hump a learning curve, but it, and classification go fast- just as the prototype knows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790184837-G7OC1UIO1DI0I38RK15G/o20201211_094626.jpg Operator Positions Route-selected class yard. Train tiles are held in place by rare earth magnets (see Construction- Electrical pg.) with each track holding up to three different train #’s. Track 1 is usually used for pulling a string of cars back up over the hump, reversing and then sorting out the desired cars onto track 1 while sending the others back where they came from. A&O MYTS are stored to fill out industry car orders not filled by foreign road cars first during the session. The colors are simply a help, matching up with the waybill train color. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790192968-9DKA9GBSTGVYPRWBRQ71/o20201211_095024.jpg Operator Positions I made a cradle for the hump throttle so the operator doesn’t need to hold it. A very even slow speed and it’s sweet to watch. The heft and rolling mass inherent to O scale makes rarely modeled operation possible. The green button on the self and the red button on the corded walk about grip both do the same thing- activate the retarders. First the Master retarder, then the Group retarder, depending upon which track was selected. Works just like the prototype (see Construction, Phase 3). And the strange yellow things? They are….. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790189094-K3EVWDURCHBMYJ30YI8H/o20201211_094849.jpg Operator Positions coupler plugs, which keep the coupler from opening. With knuckle held closed the engine can “trim” the class yard. That is- push all the cars into bowl of hump yard as far as they will go, leaving room for more cars to be classified. This is a very important part of hump operation between trains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790185045-WTRIWZYVJAK6SROW5P4V/o20201211_094710.jpg Operator Positions Cars can also get plugs for when sorting, but coupling up is unwanted to cars already in the track. Since some minor blocking is required of a couple trains, these devices work great. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608082897342-LR13G3X3HQFE03N4EOIJ/20201215_150349.jpg Operator Positions After sorting and pulling a string of cars for departure to Havens Yard, the caboose and motive power are added. A “Train Description Card” is placed on top and a bulldog clip holds the Train Packet together for the departing crew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790193441-WNHK5EZJLOYQMMDWU4EQ/o20201211_095412.jpg Operator Positions The TDC tells the crew in excruciating detail what to do every step of the way. The A&O entertains many operators, and it can take many visits to be familiar with the operations. Now, to get folks to read. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608082897289-IBPQHIR3TKVUJQ19TMZ2/20201215_150540.jpg Operator Positions Flipping the Train Packet over reveals two back-facing cards; the caboose and engine. Cabs have flashers to be managed by the crew, and the final facing engine card tells the crew how to access all the functions of the Loksound decoders. With O scale sized Tangband speakers, get ready to rumble. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790177321-21UQ6N89CP5C4UAUR25C/o20201211_094453.jpg Operator Positions For newbee crews, a small layout diagram card helps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790169832-TG39FTD6V3EFG1CT0RWS/o20201211_094139.jpg Operator Positions So what about foreign road MTYs that head home and end up in staging? One of the Traffic Manager’s jobs is to patrol arriving trains in staging for any MTYs and insert appropriate waybills. The waybill file by the Millport YM desk makes this a quick task. Now the foreign road cars arrive with a waybill and a purpose. The photo also reveals that waybills have been prepared for MTYs arriving in connecting RRs staging tracks. These are filled between sessions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608172820409-BW7KVEJ1PEPNS25OAIBV/Tile+swap.jpg Operator Positions The Traffic Manager oversees the movement of trains to/from the visible staging; from Millport/Havens Yard on the north (down to Dogtown) and Willow Creek (Taft) on the south. The staging yards are connected for run-thru operation if desired. Trains will need to be moved between staging yards on occasion for their eventual departure by crews. The Traffic Manager’s “Office” is thus mid-Millport aisle where trains, and their corresponding tiles and Train Packets can be moved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608172819606-H4LI4HJH1RET1PTK98TK/Taft+panel.jpg Operator Positions The panels have become the preferred way of quickly identifying train locations. Crews arriving in Willow Creek advance their waybills and give the Train Packet to the Traffic Mgr. The train is checked for foreign road MTYs, waybills added as necessary, and packet filed in proper pocket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608172819956-R5UXTJBVOGX088BFAYAM/Dogtown.jpg Operator Positions After much thought the Dogtown staging panel was hung from the Havens Yard valence. Would that work out? Today it seems like a no-brainer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790152721-3IRAVAD4WGH3RN0ZQTL2/o20201128_111600.jpg Operator Positions A night shot of the south end of Millport’s Havens Yard, know as CM Tower. Here the operator hands off to the Coal Ridge Dispatcher via the Traffic Lever on his upper CTC-like panel. Note the lighting differential required. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790152174-VTS2A3KC99BGIOA6OL7L/o20201128_111520.jpg Operator Positions The CM Tower operator spins 180 degrees and now he handles traffic in and out of Willow Creek and staging via the New River Diamond tower panel. Valence lighting again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790156007-NCNBESECM309TTY4AWOT/o20201128_111748.jpg Operator Positions Another night ops shot of the cubbie below the woodchips, pulpwood tracks of the Int’l Paper Co. “Live” loads are removed before cars are picked up and their car cards taken with them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790147610-NWVE2JGYJQLBIX25838Z/o20201128_110950.jpg Operator Positions The planned International Paper Mill at Point Vincent, Ohio will be festooned with LED lighting, but until then the only thing lit-up is the work station cubbie and it’s panels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790154076-FOEL6A8STCQOW8VK34OG/o20201128_111716.jpg Operator Positions Likewise in Fillmore Heights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790159670-7FCNFO1HJAEH9WSM8GRZ/o20201128_112410.jpg Operator Positions The pull-out work station at Glenn Forge, Ohio needs no special light, but at night- https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790143651-NNOFT51BMP1NVX7C7OJ9/o20201128_110806.jpg Operator Positions a small LED light shade provides the needed visibility. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790145189-98V4A2YYL0BRRN5A8LFZ/o20201128_110900.jpg Operator Positions Need to call the DS at night? Lights over the phone cubbies guide the hand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790156146-3H3GK4HXBCWKIIA6NTBV/o20201128_112015.jpg Operator Positions The work station at the Morrison Coal Prep plant is elevated and makes for easy night ops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790158360-LK1FLOMWRC2OXRJ6ZYHV/o20201128_112026.jpg Operator Positions A description of Coal Operations will be added to this Operations section. Of note now is that in 1968 coal was still sold by the individual car load and destination. Thus hoppers have car cards and waybill destinations. The Train Tiles give a hint of their purchasers. Coal ops on the A&O involve much more than running the same loaded or empty train over the layout. https://www.aorailroad.com/new-page daily 0.75 2020-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607791119340-5Q4NV5PVDCT3BM4VCU8P/o20201128_112307.jpg Dispatching The Dispatchers Office is small but efficient. The back wall is sound insulated and hinged so it can swing out for access to the furnace. This requires removal of the CTC machine. (See Electrical on Construction page and “CTC Machine Build” of the Forum archives.) Black burlap covered foam sound panels were required to deaden the room as feedback bounce was an initial problem in the telephone system. Stay tuned for an update on the back wall window. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607791115141-F60ZEC0VJ255K5GJGR7V/o20201128_112139.jpg Dispatching A retrofitted voice mic from the Frisco courtesy of Louis Griesemer adds a sense of authenticity to the room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607791118718-G8I1KCXJ2YPKIS787RJW/o20201128_112151.jpg Dispatching Bob made a speaker box for the telephone audio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607791115690-S9DKVSFK9FGHLD4N045V/o20201128_112130.jpg Dispatching The A&O PBX (See Form archives for construction data). It is mounted so it’s an easy reach for the DS. Below the digital fast clock readout sits a CD player that allows for late 60’s music to be played when on hold. “Puff the magic dragon…” https://www.aorailroad.com/forum-1-pdf-files daily 0.75 2020-08-09 https://www.aorailroad.com/car-preparation daily 0.75 2020-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788738426-OIRU02G9YUH0GKQMFE40/P_20171011_124707_vHDR_On.jpg Car Preparation Car preparation to achieve standards is a necessary part of good operation. Here a soon to be painted Weaver offset two bay hopper has received necessary extra weight using lead shot and white glue. This brings the car to 14 oz. for a 36’ car (16 z. fpor a 40’ car). The hopper was paint stripped and pull rings, train line, and cut levers details added. In O scale- it’s noticeable. Wheelsets are by Intermountain and have one resistor added to an axle per truck for CTC detection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788736825-P3DUTPCHD75U5ATH1N1T/P_20171011_124744_vHDR_On.jpg Car Preparation The A&O CEO likes peaked hoppers, so a styrene master was made, molded in RTV rubber, and cast in urethane. Then .010” styrene is cut, trimmed, filed, filled as needed, and added to the hoppers. The styrene acts as a bridge plate for strength. The notched end allows access into the hopper from the ladder on the B end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788763795-WPO698GEB5M0CAJJYB28/P_20181015_103655_vHDR_On.jpg Car Preparation Coupler height is checked using a gauge Bob made on his mill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788765715-XRUAFGV4C78KWR7R6BFE/P_20181015_103735_vHDR_On.jpg Car Preparation While some railroaders remove the Kadee “Draft Gear” uncoupling pin, they are required on the A&O because of remote uncoupling, such as…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788750962-A5OWKNS5UYG5PR7480J1/P_20181002_110908_vHDR_On.jpg Car Preparation ….the 16th street hump where a string of permanent magnets uncouple the car as it crests the hump. Properly working couplers are not an option to make this whole operation work. Obviously nothing goes straight from box to layout on the A&O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788771961-O269CDTAH1N4TTWMYYMN/P_20181015_104046_vHDR_On.jpg Car Preparation I made a tank car cradle for inverted placement. The red straps are pieces cut from a square of rubber available in the plumbing section of the hardware store. Handy device. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788751960-XXFJ1T0Z1ZVZP49GO8BJ/P_20181015_102335_vHDR_On.jpg Car Preparation For cars that roll too frisky down the hump, even when the last retarder has stopped them cold, I added .005 phosphor bronze across the bolster in arc to provided resistance on the axles. They are attached with a small screw thru a predrilled hole. The phosphor “wings” can be tweaked to achieve the correct amount of resistance. For heavier cars I’ve used .008. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788759654-ZQPNR0BD4VIXSDD60LOG/P_20181015_102534_vHDR_On.jpg Car Preparation Time for a test run. Placards A -D tell me how they perform on the straightest track into the hump bowl. I try to make every car an “A” roller. That way an empty yard track can be filled from the end forward by any car that may present itself. This car needs “its wings clipped…tweaked.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788759705-XB05JA076HJ90TUXHFH1/P_20181015_102622_vHDR_On.jpg Car Preparation A little pulling upward on the phosphor bronze and now Mr. Richfield is an “A” roller. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788765420-09JL7Y8YH3VCUXDAHGKE/P_20181015_103011_vHDR_On.jpg Car Preparation Finally ROX835 is ready for service by circling “A” on the car card. This was previously done with a grease pencil, but now with a Sharpie as the grease pencil proved too easily removed by handling. The “Hump Rolling Speed” is a guide for the hump operator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607788767993-EQYGCBEH3MI0H2QLDEVT/P_20181015_104308_vHDR_On.jpg Car Preparation This tank car is getting some crud removed from service days on A&O 1.0 via a Dremel and wire brush wheel. It’s also a little sluggish so some fine Nano-Oil will do amazing things. https://www.aorailroad.com/trees daily 0.75 2020-12-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790616739-NM7ENQ20Z3M8IJEOF9JH/t20201127_145845.jpg Trees The vast majority of A&O trees are Golden Gypt a/k/a “Baby’s Breath”. I bought 10 boxes direct from the grower in the mid-90’s. They came preserved via glycerin. LOTS of trees per box. This preserved weed can be bought at craft stores, or perhaps ordered in bulk by them, or from the grower. These trees are intended as background/hillside trees, and not stand alone trees where branch structure is required. I’m looking for tree canopy, not tree copy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790621252-YXA7MDNALLYLXBJJ89DO/t20201127_145919.jpg Trees The first step is to separate out one stalk from the bundle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1608051636035-WVGO5KDPNL6NFN2KCLDD/t20201127_145307.jpg Trees Masking tape is cut into smaller width strips with a straight edge and then crosscut to make smaller “tape wraps.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790611366-OO98MKUXP0KRK5QAAIVP/t20201127_145323.jpg Trees A separated stalk looks like this. Break off the individual “branches” forming a bunch. I do this part of tree construction indoors watching TV, making up many many tree bundles to be stored in a box until time for outdoor work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790613826-MGZDZPASHI6DZPVMLTSJ/t20201127_145646.jpg Trees Here’s a finished tree with the masking tape wrap around their lower branches. Leave about an inch below the tape for potential later planting need. I trim it off square at the bottom to make it easier for standing in styrofoam pallets. I make some trees large, and plenty of small ones for “filler foliage” as well. Given these are background hillside trees, I usually build them with a front/aisle side. It should also be noted that since I model 1:48, these trees are generally vastly undersized. But planted on raised mountainsides helps hide this deficiency. And no one seems to notice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790622764-726ENF10JM3SEPRSSW84/t20201127_150419.jpg Trees Next I spray the tree bundle flat black, making sure to spray the tape too. I buy the Quick Color at Home Depot for $.98 a can, and I buy it buy the 12 pack case! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790580238-VI2A5UQ3XK1TKI0RXTKO/t20200722_093054.jpg Trees Upon an old plastic tablecloth sits the rest of the makin’s. Loctite spray glue. Cheap Superhold hair spray. A wide variety of spray paints. Woodland Scenics T65 ground foam bought in bulk. A few other colors of ground foam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790581881-QEJDLVRTCBQHDCV8RSX0/t20200722_093100.jpg Trees A closer look at the foam colors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790586858-J9QQWPSM9T52MCRIZQ4P/t20200722_102207.jpg Trees Note the latex paint glove!! First spray topdown the spray glue. Immediately dump the T65 foam over it. Drench with hairspray. Done. Alternately, now spray with one of the different greens and/or a light spray of yellow to simulate light. Or, sprinkle on some alternate color of foam, or…… The idea is to make your trees separate from one another when planted and slight variations in color and texture will accomplish this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790592799-D7VUEWG6E6R2M7GQ0YZW/t20200722_102222.jpg Trees The Golden Gypt buds will form small “leaf” clusters as this process goes along. Again, these are background tress so no need to be too fussy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790593614-KYCGVUX9BEUDEIXNPVHS/t20200722_102337.jpg Trees Styrofoam pallets fill up with a forest in the making. A good afternoon will yield a hundred trees or more. It goes quickly. Generally I’ll build up trays of small, medium, and large trees, and in various shades. When planting I can thus pick from a specific pallet to fit the need. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790572406-GE42XLBISUA1IM6RVS0P/s20160527_111816.jpg Trees Here a smallish tree is being planted onto a painted backdrop. Trying to make it blend in is a challenge! I glued some tree color foam to the backdrop before attaching the tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790574457-SOJG5PU94M8VR9J4AE9F/s20160705_072541.jpg Trees The trees grow, along with their foam halos. Note that some trunks and other branches were added below the canopy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790572492-HGTVRS2ESOQJERB4ZDEU/s20160705_072518.jpg Trees Initially I drilled holes into the backdrop to stuff the trees into. No need. A wiring staple gun that shoots a U-shaped staple around the bundle trunk makes it a quick plant. Notice how shallow the scene depth is, but the trees effectively hide this fact. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790576960-4WQE08ZNONPVGE70EGYN/t20180127_165452_vHDR_On.jpg Trees A string of empties passes thru Mt. Union. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790576442-3RXBXMS3WAC1LV8FRHPN/t20180127_170546_vHDR_On.jpg Trees A photo of three F’s crossing the St. George River gorge reveals a pair of techniques. 1) Where a distant valley scene abuts the trees, add a list mist line before planting the trees. 2) Access to trackage inside the mountain is accomplished by a removeable cardstock lid, complete with lid handle. Trees glued to lid leave it still removable, but hidden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607912792939-1IC9OQ82FZ9T12DB2U5E/20201213_182021.jpg Trees The hidden access hatch, now covered by trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790596419-N6I2D8I11ABEB2003PXV/t20200811_114346.jpg Trees Trees are being “panted” by stapling them to the backdrop/wall. The black paint extends well above the actual landform, thus expanding the scene. And planting smaller trees at the ridge line and increasing in tree size as I progress down the hillside adds to the forced perspective. The tree stems in the upper right are making use of the stems that extend below the masking tape. After a hole is punched in the rosin paper, I separate the stems in half, dip in yellow glue, and plant like they’re a clothes pin- half in the hole, and half outside on the surface of the rosin paper. This trick holds the trees in place upright while the glue dries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790603638-VTWJ6LR5T4UM5O4868H6/t20201124_133605.jpg Trees Here’s a look at the completed hillside above the Hawkins Loadout in middle Kayford. Smaller trees are planted/shoved-in under the lower larger trees to create a dense vegetation look. Hot glue to the tree stalk works well here. An occasional dead tree also adds interest. Once finished, I use a piece of cardstock to protect the backdrop and rocks from overspray and drench the forest from all angles with Superhold hairspray to prevent shedding. You’ll be glad you did this!! Note how the variation in color/texture separates the trees, catching the eye for just a moment, making the scene seem larger than it is. Also disguised is the absolute shallowness of the actual scene. (see Basic Landform page) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790623028-377NP4XTOD2A5VCG8BZO/t20201127_153324.jpg Trees Even though the front edge of the scene is intentionally lowered (see Scenery- Landforms), where width allows, an occasional foreground tree allows trains to play peek-a-boo. Fun for the crew and great for photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607903548052-X2S3Q7BD82IOBNCCLGPS/20201212_192710.jpg Trees Back at Kayford, the virtually non-existent horizontal space from track to wall is now disguised by rock face and hillside- literally created out of thin air. Compare to Scenery “Landform” pix of the same area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607903550990-UHUCSNTWLJCBGHZQXKP0/20201212_192757.jpg Trees Super Trees? Yes, I use them where I want a more stand alone tree. Can you spot the ones in this photo? They’re directly along the roadway/parking edge. https://www.aorailroad.com/tunnels daily 0.75 2025-03-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568472952-LCCL6H04E0PC9ADCSHHQ/x20201128_160014.jpg Tunnels Modeling in O Scale requires modeling tunnel interiors, thus they become models in themselves. And an Appalachian Road has them in abundance, so clearly I needed to devise a plan to build them at …scale. Here, I have determined that 1 3/8” on either side of the ties makes for a good width of the inside wall of the tunnel. Periodic pencil marks were made establish this distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568473237-G303S5XDLUFMKK2MYX7N/x20201128_160539.jpg Tunnels Next I connected the pencil marks with a black Sharpie establishing the tunnel wall location over the length of the future tunnel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568482785-UYJS739E6KDX130TD5G6/x20210217_095901.jpg Tunnels All tunneled areas are ballasted and track weathered before any tunnels were firmly installed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790948677-XFLPI628WTCVMKSI1HAP/s20201130_110321.jpg Tunnels From cardstock I made a tunnel arch in a rectangular shape. This formed as a template for making MANY such tunnel supports from scrap wood using the table and band saws. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790941550-3LL5TNFWC79I47K903QX/s20201128_141729.jpg Tunnels Using 90 degree builders blocks and the black Sharpie as location guide, the tunnel formers were lightly yellow glued to sub-roadbed- in my case, Micore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568474236-JTMNX9TNTS7IAJUTDLBE/x20201130_110630.jpg Tunnels Longer tunnels were worked from both ends at the same time to achieve somewhat of an even spacing of the formers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568475423-ISHNLFMTWJ6YYKNN02EP/x20201222_112622.jpg Tunnels County Line Tunnel is in process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790941239-O96RRSC3SD496LZEFQPE/s20201128_151132.jpg Tunnels Next, thin stripes of “lathe” were ripped from 2×4s and yellow glued and stapled onto the tops of the formers.. This held the formers in their original position once removed. Thus, curved tunnels remained….curved in the correct orientation. Speedy Tunnel made the process is tight! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790945194-VX5VFTXEYXBZQYFI4A2D/s20201128_151145.jpg Tunnels Next, the thin lathe was glued to the inside of the formers- https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568471884-38MOVR2DVY2V51EAVHKV/x20201128_145055.jpg Tunnels Various clamps and creativity help. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568477903-UEUSCP6ZKYYQ6KXBA3OQ/x20201223_094523.jpg Tunnels Ready for for addition of the structural lathe to maintain its shape. County Line Tunnel actually encompasses a long S-curve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568476506-WESZF01DUIEPZDHECFJS/x20201223_094358.jpg Tunnels Of note here, is that in areas where there is only riser-support for the laminated roadbed, width needed to be added to the sides of the roadbed to support the tunnel formers. In this case I cut and glued in place some strips of cheap Celotex I had laying around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568477622-YL245J8OSZRICR5NA1IT/x20201223_094511.jpg Tunnels Got clamps? Yup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568475201-HEU6N6E0PT96D0S5ASCV/x20201221_171046.jpg Tunnels One after the next. Here the N&W gets it tunnel at Rock Bottom/Mt. Union toward its staging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1607790946270-FTZ7BY8DYFOY5GTMKRMI/s20201128_151548.jpg Tunnels Once all is dry, the entire structure is gently rocked side-to-side to break the lightly-glued formers free from the subroadbed., allowing the whole tunnel to be removed. BTW, I write on the top of the lathe where each tunnel liner lives on the layout. Duh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568490998-FLKGEQ2J0VBDVFRBA2A7/xIMG_0006.jpg Tunnels Next step is to line the tunnels with screen wire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568479793-UQRK5YPCIXEUP2P63M6I/x20201224_122329.jpg Tunnels A staple gun is used to attach the wire to the formers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568478721-Q7M8WIS39S6V8GSMK2PO/x20201224_122242.jpg Tunnels Wire stapled and trimmed in place. BUT, it’s impossible to staple to the side lathe strips. What to do? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568481041-AGY001RZN8S2XGG7GALC/x20201224_122623.jpg Tunnels Hot glue gun to the rescue. Spread it liberally on the wire and lathes, using a paddle to work it in, and making the screen wire now affixed to the side lathe pieces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568480477-EVHC1HXV59KKP3ZYPWD2/x20201224_122430.jpg Tunnels This is a bit tedious, but necessary to ensure a secure U-shape of the tunnel interior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568490667-WOQDYPV57O75LTYLCENU/xIMG_0005.jpg Tunnels On a couple locations I used strips of art matte board in place of the side wood lathe., securing with hot glue the same way. [I think I’d run out of lathe:( https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568489842-AQ7XGRYASBLB6ZBBLO68/xIMG_0003.jpg Tunnels The top lathe has yet to be trimmed off. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568479273-6JF762NDR9XBXV32Z13X/x20201224_122301.jpg Tunnels Some of these tunnels were pretty long. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568489496-WAJ8DVOJSD5QGBJHLE53/xIMG_0001.jpg Tunnels With taped-covered track, Franklin Tunnel is test fitted once again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568491900-RADELLFDLM72WTQRMTAD/xIMG_0007.jpg Tunnels Drywall Joint Compound (“mud’'‘) was used for the interior wall, pressing it into the screen wire so it would self-hold. The backside of a scoop was used to help form the curved top of the tunnel. If the tunnel was to be of concrete/shotcrete, I made the sides fairly smooth. If it was to be a rock bore, I roughly sculpted to represent rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568482055-3EE2V5D9AHF9NHSZBRLO/x20210216_175444.jpg Tunnels The finished and sculped tunnels gathered in the crew lounge, ready for painting on the patio. Wuff. Of note is that tunnels which will receive concrete portals are taken to the belt sander and any sloppy extensions of mud or screen wire are removed to allow a smooth, perpendicular fit of the portal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568483266-HA86CYM5B28PYB9G17KW/x20210217_133226.jpg Tunnels Dilute gray latex paint was used for the concrete tunnels, and acrylic washes for the rock bores. White streaks were added for water stains, etc. Finally, flat black spray paint was added to the curved ceilings to simulate exhaust smoke. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568486612-OQPKARTIHKYPE3EPG094/x20210428_132935.jpg Tunnels Here the A&O’s Union Gap concrete double track Tunnel sit above, but alongside the much older Antioch & Dover Post Tunnel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568487243-8A66PZ40L5Z1ZBHI7982/x20210428_170915.jpg Tunnels This older brick tunnel has been lined with photo brick paper and awaits its bricked portal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568492066-WL2FV17ASTEMSAZWM8GY/xP_20180128_113610_vHDR_On.jpg Tunnels Concrete Apex Tunnel on the Kayford Branch has now been finished and yellow glued in place according to its Sharpie lines. Some interior ground at the bottom edge of the tunnel liner when the surrounding scenery is completed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742568481559-4OM8LXOVGDH3R5FKLFRM/x20210127_160913.jpg Tunnels Hydrocal tunnel portals are cast from home made styrene tunnel forms. https://www.aorailroad.com/coal-traffic-pattern daily 0.75 2020-12-17 https://www.aorailroad.com/cars daily 0.75 2025-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570060153-TKZDPDL7GNQM1Z2S1M4I/x20210727_152132.jpg Cars In addition to the Atlas 2-bay “fishbellies” shown on the A&O 1.0 rolling stock page, A&O 2.0 finally acquired many more hoppers to carry its black diamonds. Weaver ribbed 2-bays are in abundance, and they also feature custom heap shields on the ends as per management preference. Add cut levers and a train line and you have a nice looking hopper ready for rugged operation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570061063-SV1Z3USXUX6JZY4K3Z73/x20210727_160631.jpg Cars Weaver 2-bay offsets in 2 separate purchase orders also punctuate the fleet. The location of the small print road name with corresponding road # identify their particular purchase group. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570061562-SVADH8OTPV6FLHDLELUO/x20210727_160715.jpg Cars And some Weaver offset 3-bays. For ribbed 3-bays two styles, see A&O 1.0 page. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570066855-HLVH51CLYSA4BCIRATIN/x20240731_120612.jpg Cars Intermountain introduced an early version of the ribbed 2-bay hoppers. The A&O has a few of these older cars that are used for non-interchange service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570064768-S4PDLAGF541HP4KJGD2O/x20240709_135038.jpg Cars Bob Sobol has been so generous in providing Alps printed decals for the A&O. Here a proof sheet reveals that one print provides a lot of decal data! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570064162-D3Y92F058MDV87YO0CSA/x20240709_134954.jpg Cars Here I’m placing data from the Proof Sheet onto the car to establish positioning and eventual decal sheet cutting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570064940-L6CF1NE5B1ZJXMD3REND/x20240721_181034.jpg Cars A urethane peak is about to be glued to a .020 piece of styrene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570065546-CC4ON1UIGNVURYTJIO87/x20240721_182331.jpg Cars Clamps to hold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570063429-OSXP6686PVEC0UYRVU4I/x20240602_133743.jpg Cars The styrene sheet becomes the new interior end of the car with a snug side-to-side fit. This then becomes the primary strength for attaching the heap shield to the car. These are for Weaver 2-bay and 3-bay hoppers. The steeper sloped sides are for the brake ends of the car, allowing ladder access to the car’s interior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570065916-H6BOLSMSSSLDMIGFSH2T/x20240722_115250.jpg Cars Reddish-color tubed autobody filler followed by the requisite sanding makes the heap shields ready for gluing. I use MEK; just don’t breathe while using :( https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570066421-3KY7PE7P7UN1HAQL2YF0/x20240731_120529.jpg Cars Paint and decal. Ready for weathering and service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570080074-RZMEV940KB2BC8SY24Y0/x20250319_170057.jpg Cars To help satisfy the needs of several new coal loadouts on the Kayford Branch, the A&O acquired a couple dozen of these same Intermountain hoppers. They were from other railroads that were retiring these older units. Heap shields, still in their foundry red color, have been quickly applied and are held in place with welded angle irons. The original road car numbers have been “patched-out” and replaced with their new A&O reporting marks. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it. They make for interesting oddities in the endless strings of black hoppers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570072165-JUFFLAJ0LIFL1PERZL0C/x20250319_162712.jpg Cars A&O 2.0 has acquired a large array of new equipment. The following are some examples- First are 70 ton covered hoppers, mostly Atlas, which see service at the voracious appetite International Paper mill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570076405-202A7WE45KN11YVV1YSJ/x20250319_163427.jpg Cars Airslide covered hoppers likewise service the mill with specific contents stenciled on the sides of cars. These are old American Standard kits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570063261-XFQL4D5N8J41K53W0UEZ/x20240321_133028.jpg Cars This was a project. Here are three of ten Amer. Std. kits. Uff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570072583-DOQG7IW6HIY572UHACTV/x20250319_162814.jpg Cars The industrial park that is Fillmore Heights in Millport features an Owens-Corning fiberglass insulation and shingle plant. Weaver covered hoppers labeled “Glass sand loading only” shuttle in and out of the plant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570062211-VX1J62QZIE5IIR0G6MBV/x20240321_132934.jpg Cars Why do just one? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570073752-H8WNC4PNUJV02WDC47XA/x20250319_162859.jpg Cars Larger, separate compartment 4 bay covered hoppers provide various colors of shingle granules to Owens-Corning. Again, why have just one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570073832-A94YB6YWGSEZVNA9B3EN/x20250319_162954.jpg Cars This Atlas cylindrical covered hopper can usually be found at Port Plastics in Millport, dispensing plastic pellets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570075320-JNHAZ9QB0S329J5OWWOI/x20250319_163401.jpg Cars Older, Intermountain wood drop bottom gondolas serve as pickup trucks for hauling away scrap from the various online industries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742659834479-10P41UBII7VXDFGYHT14/20250320_145428.jpg Cars This brass steel gon of unknown mfgr. can often be found sitting at a pulpwood loadout for service to the paper mill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570076893-XQ8DROD6Y2GLQJIX5SFM/x20250319_163649.jpg Cars A Weaver 53’ flat looking for a suitable load. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570077691-UIHQQOUQ1Y5PKBMEVB3S/x20250319_163706.jpg Cars As anyone with a layout paper mill knows, you can never have enough pulpwood cars. This one is by Atlas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570078084-XZ64P7A79RQ9MW6IW4Y5/x20250319_163916.jpg Cars The same goes for wood chip cars- a Weaver product with added details. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742954606844-RW9JH9WIYH1KMUANLFVU/20250325_155319.jpg Cars A dozen 50’ double door box cars have been added to the fleet, all by Pecos River. This 3800 series has carried autos at one time as the end has opening doors. The moniker on these- “Moving Coal for America” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742954606829-4SDLH5OEVXA9VMRLQ8ZK/20250325_155702.jpg Cars The 3700 series double door box carries an advertisement for the Grand Floridian. (see Passenger page) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570078943-5371L5RRUJ6M3YTX31HT/x20250319_164007.jpg Cars Set in 1968, the A&O has acquired a fair number of the Evans, 53’ plug door box cars. The NYC Pacemaker Red color and modern A&O lettering give away its timestamp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570058536-XO22GNBZY9YHSH0SV1ES/x20201215_143446.jpg Cars Fillmore Heights also features a FORD assembly plant. Sooo, the A&O just had to have some modern, recently acquired Atlas 60’ Auto Parts box cars. Here is the double door version. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742659834487-RMKDIYWYGIW158B5UFXF/20250322_094840.jpg Cars And here’s the single door version. Both of these cars were the “Convention Cars” of recent National O Scale Conventions. I bought one, no painting/decaling required! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570080445-3H1E28OJL5UXW78RL1QF/xP_20190717_122605_vHDR_On.jpg Cars CABOOSES. I had many old, 80’s era Atlas wide-vision cabooses stashed away for future use. The time had come to strip them, carve them up and peel them like an orange. Then add etched metal end platforms, etched walkways, etc. and paint into the A&O mid, black-diamond scheme. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570080999-NXSR6Q494875PPQG05V8/xP_20190831_104753_vHDR_On.jpg Cars End blinkers were added using a combination of ESU Lite-Its and a custom Keep-Alive PC circuit designed by Bob Sobol. Selecting the caboose # acquires the Lite-It allowing you to turn on the blinkers, change direction, and/or turn on/off an interior over-the-conductor’s-table light inside the caboose during night ops. Gotta love O Scale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570083045-99MSMKQGEMG5XIP4D12S/xP_20191016_133919_vHDR_On.jpg Cars Several older, straight sided cabooses handle assignments on specific coal turns. Note the “Open” A&O diamond. All A&O cabs are by Atlas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570082217-INT47WO2CXYUM0Y4A48D/xP_20191016_133627_vHDR_On.jpg Cars Got cabooses? Yabetcha. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570081578-TJB3GHC9FFT4R7SLJZYN/xP_20191016_133532_vHDR_On.jpg Cars A modern style (‘68-ish) cab was completed at the same time as the other group. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570083309-BJON2LYHLKFK4MB3RLIA/xP_20191016_134036_vHDR_On.jpg Cars A side-swipe tore up the end of this one. So, it was rebuilt to 1968 standards, with final painting yet to be done. Nah. This cab handles the 3 cyclical Glenn Forge, OH turns (Bay Switch, Appliance Job, Donut Run). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570070455-EFZ0XXSDYIXYXY0I8IV5/x20241004_164730.jpg Cars A bit of weathering- Before- https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570070931-PANXM1ZSS3UXN5N6SYZ7/x20241004_164749.jpg Cars After. I use oils, Pan Pastels, ink washes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570062619-9JJH094MDI3GYIE12T2V/x20240321_132959.jpg Cars A Quality Craft (Gloor Craft) 70 ton cement hopper. Before- https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570079572-1ULBKU0VKELONB7WXBQY/x20250319_164240.jpg Cars After. Not all cement hoppers have been spilled on this much, but it’s obvious that this one has earned its keep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570069644-DPYP1IOIHJYQ27PKMELP/x20240923_163909.jpg Cars A bright yellow, shiny CB&Q wood reefer of unknown origin was given to me. I wanted the wood boards to look separate, and dirt filled to reflect its age in my era. Black oils to the rescue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570070095-G3B1J5ON2900HIOBIYNR/x20240923_164701.jpg Cars Wiping off the black oil with mineral spirits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570068766-QYWLM2JW89DEH0SU4IUG/x20240923_163858.jpg Cars Still in process of cleanup, but the desired board separation has already been achieved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742570068217-9QM74K6KHG4Y0L8JQJJT/x20240906_085858.jpg Cars Someone gave me two identical Lionel meat reefers. After conversion to 2-rail and adding couplers, the weathering made it fit in with the rest of the fleet. Anybody want the other one? https://www.aorailroad.com/motive-power daily 0.75 2025-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569660018-EG1VFRSCHVL53IZ5L74C/m20240412_163100.jpg Motive Power A Car & Locomotive Shop Alco RSD12 was painted in the A&O Black Diamond scheme (‘54-’62) and serves in pusher service on the south end of the Coal Ridge Sub, from Ricksburg to Linnwood, West Virginia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569661781-T6O0N0JX6JVIDZJ5BFKP/m20240412_163412.jpg Motive Power Shoving hard against steel framed cab 180, #321 is literally helping to hoist 35-40 pounds of coal train up the twisting 2.5% grades from Ricksburg. Pushers are NOT cosmetic on the A&O. Nor are the coal drags infrequent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569661214-NKTQOABM05O83E1TSEVD/m20240412_163405.jpg Motive Power Weathering on RSD #321 was carefully done with oils, pin washes, and Pan Pastel powders. And of course, it’s tricked-out with LocSound, a gutsy Tangband speaker, and all the lights of its big brother. As a good portion of it’s operating territory is a chest-to-chin level, in-your-face experience, it’s a visual/visceral treat…..for those who like Alcos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569659030-IDEBLJ9J7R6GRZJWQ3VL/m20231023_155650.jpg Motive Power The EMD F3 B unit of the Kayford Coal Company on A&O 1.0 is about to get a significant redo on A&O 2.0. With the construction of the actual Clinchfield Coal Company flood loader where the Haysi #1 toiled in RC service, a change was needed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742954642929-CXSO5IBRXB18L6SQHU1W/20250325_155106.jpg Motive Power The Haysi RR #1 (and only) which switched out the Clinchfield Coal flood loader I replicated. It’s greatly beloved by Appalachian modelers and is an icon to also be replicated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742569659211-0G01I83A2F3XYIP0IVA6/m20231127_100046.jpg Motive Power The yellow Haysi Railroad #1 is now the yellow Brookstone Coal Company #1. And with a new LokSound backEMF decoder it can slowly advance hoppers under the Brookstone flood loading chute. It’s sweet. (See the Brooks section on the Structures page for pictures as well as the videos section.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760244089-WDH77D4LJIRL0C8XLSIH/20250322_194032.jpg Motive Power F7 #241 and F3 #210from A&O 1.0 days have been joined by F7 B units #s 242 and 246. Units are kits by P&D. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760244816-3RP670LHEUVW9GLX188U/20250322_194129.jpg Motive Power With each unit sound equipped, these guys literally roar into whatever area they occupy. Plans call for them this lash-up to eventually be halved and each remaining set to be joined by an A&O GP9. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760243747-5RNNET6XDSLUOWCL6W52/20250322_193541.jpg Motive Power With Mars Light rotating and washing the concrete walls of Cathedral Tunnel, it makes for a fun experience, and picture. It appears fireman Georgie has turned on the cab light to recheck their train orders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760245946-EKHQ6OVUTMSBJZ27Z06I/20250322_195319.jpg Motive Power Atlas F2 #213 assists #212 with the Grand Floridian. Both units have gutsy sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760245198-5OBLRYLV0NHHLSAPWEFU/20250322_195251.jpg Motive Power Looking to somewhat mimic the CB&Q F unit paint scheme, Atlas A&O F2 #212 sees service on the point of the ““Grand Floridian.” The GF operates like the famed CZ, but using the Tennessee Southern, the A&O, and the Greenfield Southeastern to link Chicago to Miami. https://www.aorailroad.com/passenger daily 0.75 2025-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760301802-SFLGFDCP0K6LOFQGO6JZ/20250322_195454.jpg Passenger Like the California Zepher which had cars owned by the three participating railroads (CB&Q, D&RGW, WP) across its East-West trek, the Grand Floridian likewise has cars by the Tennessee Southern, the Appalachian & Ohio, and the Greenfield Southeastern for its Midwest-Southeast (Chicago to Miami) trek. Likewise, the RR’s initials are located on the ends of each car, and car names reflective of their home road. Bob printed the decals in the CZ font. Cool. The A&O’s baggage car “The Buckeye State.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760303629-CSFMLE76Q2OZUVGK44MH/20250322_195553.jpg Passenger The GSE sleeper - “The Crescent Moon".” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760303827-6BAWWF02RQT84NML5YMP/20250322_195633.jpg Passenger The TS chair car - “The Volunteer State.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760305226-J1MU8851VWOT9769UBQY/20250322_195712.jpg Passenger The TS dome car - “Gulf Shores Escape.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760305387-DKGCSHQEMQNZHQ8Z59QU/20250322_195804.jpg Passenger The GSE steps up to the plate with its diner - “The Georgia Peach.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760306756-IB8C71UMOZ6B2GAST12M/20250322_195832.jpg Passenger The A&O’s sleeper car - “The Shady Rest” (for those who are old enough to remember TV’s Petticoat Junction.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760306938-FOO8D2X23TYHZIKO7VLJ/20250322_195858.jpg Passenger The A&O’s dome car - “The Queen City” (Cincy). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760308042-T1DF7RXYSZQ9H8YJ7Y8V/20250322_195933.jpg Passenger Bringing up the rear is the GSE’s dome car - “Flamingo Point.” https://www.aorailroad.com/whiting-rotaside daily 0.75 2025-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759807278-PQWK25JX69GHADSFJ3J1/w20220101_190942.jpg Whiting Rotaside A reinstall from A&O 1.0 is the scratch built barge loading Whiting Rotaside dumper. It has been rotated 180 degrees on 2.0 and is still missing its storage hopper-lift-conveyor-discharge chute, not to mention the barge and tow boat (sigh). But it has undergone some significant improvements and continues to be a very fun part of A&O coal operations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759807425-IJV9Q524YLG1BKHDB9HH/w20250319_134616.jpg Whiting Rotaside https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759808683-KD165G4ITR0NJL2OS897/w20250319_134624.jpg Whiting Rotaside https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759808809-EJJGAH946PQSF6Y495FC/w20250319_162530.jpg Whiting Rotaside For use on 2.0, the roll-away track had to be reconfigured and recessed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759809855-LKJUBSCYJXUCYNSNR53I/w20250319_164933.jpg Whiting Rotaside Once again I imposed upon Bob Sobol to help in remotoring the dumper, using a silent stepper motor with belt drive. And, he was able to record off the internet the sound/cycle of an actual Whiting Rotaside in action. He choreographed it all together beautifully. To say it is pretty cool is a gross understatement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759810059-6ZTNCIGMQYM7738TJ0C6/w20250319_164948.jpg Whiting Rotaside The entire process is controlled by the push of a button. The ring around the button changes color to indicate any issues. A press of the button when in operation for Emergency Stop (ESTOP) turns the ring color Red, and Homer Simpson can be heard- “DOH!” And why - “Formerly Arial Hamm and Sons”? When I told Bob, many years ago, I was going to build this thing, and that it would work, his response was simply- “When pigs fly.” They’re flying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759810874-UUF63UFEYCHOX0EQAMPD/w20250319_165045.jpg Whiting Rotaside Another addition to the equipment safety of the dumper was the cross track sensor beam. No more will we have half of a hopper than didn’t get pulled back clear of the lift table being hoisted in the air, dumping coal everywhere. The control button shows Blue, and won’t work. Whew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759811183-B798GMP1BHOA0TANIN7N/w20250319_165052.jpg Whiting Rotaside A small operator’s shanty now hides the sensor, and certainly looks as though it’s been there all along. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759812110-Y6G4RPD9CCDMYZ58Z145/w20250319_165152.jpg Whiting Rotaside All that’s left is to do something about those darn flying pigs. https://www.aorailroad.com/mt-union daily 0.75 2025-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759942748-YTHE6DXKFNUZ1ILZHKNT/m20241102_093201.jpg Mt. Union Master Seargeant Rick Bacon III scratch built the town of Mt. Union, WV on A&O 2.0. His own Class 3 railroad, the Antioc & Dover, passes thru Mt. Union and services several industries. The A&D was absorbed by the A&O some years ago, but the A&D still maintains its identity. Enjoy as we marvel at Rick’s artistry- https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759942280-XN7B1DQXSUVUVQ32P2BV/m20240812_210155.jpg Mt. Union As with many West Virginia towns, Mt. Union is built on a grade requiring building foundations to be plumbed accordingly. And as it’s situated on a convex curve, all sides of the structures are visible. Add to that, a state highway passes thru town making for some interesting street running. And, the lengthy passing track is a favorite of the Coal Ridge Dispatcher with meets being an almost constant event. Road crews get lots of opportunity to ogle the many details. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759932618-NXZQN81JGZ6C9NS695UH/m20220101_192343.jpg Mt. Union First we’ll take a look at the Valley Mobil Oil dealership. Rick’s A&D SW took first place at an O Scale National Convention. Imagine that. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759939887-DPSZGX97JST5YX4MNOHJ/m20240812_210019.jpg Mt. Union Space is extremely tight at Mt. Union, but the detailed tanks snuggle in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759941689-4MZOC6PIWW7KKJASCCS4/m20240812_210139.jpg Mt. Union Crates and pallets with 55 gal. oil drums are off loaded once the roll-up door is opened. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759936887-8B2XZBMMABX08ZBYNUH9/m20240812_203103.jpg Mt. Union Sorry, but O Scale is just plain cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759929852-XZIS3J6R8MJLV8J0UP71/m20210507_104816.jpg Mt. Union A V&O box is sitting on the A&D/N&W interchange track. I particularly like the open doors on the 1968-period tanker truck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759940332-0VZK1HTO7JM5HW8LULD6/m20240812_210056.jpg Mt. Union The Valley Petroleum & Supply Co. office. It’s a hot summer day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759939226-ASOVJV58HEPA0NUB9ECR/m20240812_210003.jpg Mt. Union Further into town we come to the Greenwood Lumber Co. It’s just plain awesome. I love the roof “painting” of the company name. And the carts, and the office half (Dutch) door, and the interior, and…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759937473-JBVCETS1XWF7GD1Q9YFH/m20240812_203123.jpg Mt. Union As was common back in the 60’s, you could buy lumber to size, so yards usually had a weather protected chop saw. So well done, Rick. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759928040-HQORUEU5HZNBF5GE27XS/m20210501_170717.jpg Mt. Union A loading dock also helped off-load the various Greenwood products. Rick converted a crude toy into a gorgeous fork lift. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759928038-ZOZCHUP2YNQ9W7S9STBI/m20210501_170727.jpg Mt. Union It appears that some brick has arrived by pallet from Ridge, WV and the Blue Ridge Brick and Block Co. The yellow plate on the dock is for forklift/pallet jack access into boxcars. Details. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759936262-XXP9PJMV9QKP1I65GEG0/m20240812_203045.jpg Mt. Union Moving on we come to Rick’s beautiful Texaco Gas Station. Now I’m sure I’ve gone back-in-time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759935714-VJUI4P9O75VUD8BK3K8F/m20240812_202958.jpg Mt. Union Pull right in and we’ll figure out what’s making that noise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759930880-6ITT9VQT8AH8YBZKILZO/m20220101_175245.jpg Mt. Union And they’re day and night. Yeah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759934940-JLFXRRTDJF381VOPM8UK/m20240812_202926.jpg Mt. Union Further into town there’s an ACE Hardware. Rick says he carved the Radio Flyer wagon on window display. I wonder what’s up the stairs? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759931098-1E019YKXYO41URZCOL5I/m20220101_175305.jpg Mt. Union I think everybody’s open ‘till 10 tonight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759932186-9IGBMWY252ZHGVW3AHYR/m20220101_175515.jpg Mt. Union It looks like it’s a good time to finally paint the house. Rats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759934669-EQH8BZSTUY2Y11XSH1YA/m20240812_202912.jpg Mt. Union Next is the United Mine workers hall and offices. A beloved photo of Jimmy Hoffa “graces” the wall. And Union Drug fixes what ales you. Love the phone booth. Use it quick before school lets out and the teenagers “stuff it." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759938702-ZQOZNLPW1SCDY7DBZW0S/m20240812_205939.jpg Mt. Union Dave’s Diner is classic for the ‘68 era, with its rolled aluminum siding exterior. Dave is holding down the counter himself since the help called in “sick”. Right. An adjacent outdoor cooler looks to have seen better days and is partially draped in kudzu. The step-up diner entrance features a gumball machine and an area attractions brochure rack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759933584-57ZKV4882G2B5QH6HKKK/m20240812_202848.jpg Mt. Union ALL the details for a small diner are present as the customers chow down. I long for those posted prices again, and particularly like the glass domed dessert display. Chocolate cake please. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742759929655-PCZXL63OR7UQ5FR974IX/m20210504_201208.jpg Mt. Union The switch crew lifts the street cover, exposing the switch throw. Crewing the A&D Mt. Union Turn is fattening- so much eye-candy. https://www.aorailroad.com/hawkins daily 0.75 2025-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760015355-RUHF5AHH97M2KO5HBQFX/h20200323_102207.jpg Hawkins A loadout location on the Kayford Branch had been drawn on the trackplan, but nothing specific was planned beyond that. The Covid shutdown motivated me to figure out what I wanted to do in this location, so I began scouring my Appalachian coal books for something suitable. The Cumberland Tipple on the Clinchfield just past Sandy Ridge Tunnel is an iconic structure, recognizable to most all Appalachian railroading fans. Would that work? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760017563-E7OTNG4Z9XLX6NY47C27/h20200402_094655.jpg Hawkins I studied the tipple from every angle I could find- photos and videos. If I was going to model it, it would have to be accurate! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760022622-ZSQ30SUOHU5MPHNX7KQ1/h20200410_092304.jpg Hawkins https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760017784-O03Q859BLGQ94U6FP14J/h20200402_094723.jpg Hawkins The structure itself seemed simple enough, and I liked it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760023350-7LW2XIH9UCN811NYMFIM/h20200410_092359.jpg Hawkins Plus, it featured one of the most recognizable of all coal loadouts in Appalachia, a covered truck dump. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760019045-3NJ3R3S5JC0SKPZ85N6T/h20200402_095028.jpg Hawkins A secondary office type building was nearby, with simple lines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760025796-8NNIDAXREHH9BEXX612O/h20200426_130048.jpg Hawkins The conveyor from dump pit to crusher was also a visible attraction, and screamed coal loading. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760025393-KTDUEZMEUCK5HL5IANIZ/h20200426_130014.jpg Hawkins Plus, the Cumberland tipple featured a signature elevated operator’s station, one unlike any other. Both shape and coloration just had to be modeled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760027048-OOTHRK8JUDMVNQSET65Y/h20200426_130152.jpg Hawkins Loadouts/Tipples can be funky, each unique, as if thrown together following a bad pizza. This one fit the bill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760018533-0Z7MYQEFU752WWI67V7M/h20200402_094942.jpg Hawkins It was now a quest. Make Cumberland fit my shallow location in the Kayford. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760013714-SL12X7NPW24MO83EJKUM/h20200321_150840.jpg Hawkins A view down the Kayford aisle with the future loadout to be on the right. Across the aisle is the site of the future D&K Dock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760013691-2TAMGEO6AE44LYVH9O5J/h20200321_150858.jpg Hawkins I had laid the loadout rails abutting straight into the backdrop wall thinking that would work out. Nope. To fit in the Cumberland, the tipple had to be angled, a much more visually pleasing design anyway. So, up came the rails and down went new ties, carrying the rails, and the imagined valley scene, into the aisle. Good. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760015062-ML4UJK8UTS70DASA0OCL/h20200321_171302.jpg Hawkins The branch line passes through the scene and needed a tunnel to exit the scene, so one was constructed. (See “Tunnels” page for this.) I glued the tunnel in place and evaluated it some more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760016195-YSJSYX3T26WG7C5QNK19/h20200402_093557.jpg Hawkins No matter how I tried to sketch/envision the scene, it wasn’t working out. I needed a road to rise up and service the dump pit. No fit’em. Harumph. Then it hit me, make the tunnel shorter and blend it in with rockwork such that it quietly exits the scene. All of a sudden things were falling in to place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760022295-9ZNZA6XA8MMT30WOS57S/h20200408_162905.jpg Hawkins Okay, time to build the structure. Styrene and spray it black, inside and out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760020089-I4PGLNUTZP2YUWAXWAID/h20200402_112754.jpg Hawkins The signature X-braced legs were made of various styrene shapes and painted to resemble the prototype’s funky mottled black/gray/whitish look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760023944-MQ23G8TMLZSR9C0VE0BN/h20200424_111226.jpg Hawkins Back to the layout to establish plumbness of the structure by making “concrete” foundation pieces where the prototype had them. Lots of cutting, sanding, redoing :( https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760020500-RMOGTMBLV08PBOISJGKU/h20200405_121336.jpg Hawkins Back to the structure building. The corrugated sheet metal sides was made of Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil laid over an Evergreen styrene corrugated sheet. A wide stick of soft balsa rubbed down the aluminum embosses the shape into the foil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760021196-0DJMCK2X1VG7GMA05H6A/h20200405_121600.jpg Hawkins You’ll discover that mistakes can be easily corrected by just repressing the foil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760021592-83AM0W15VBS02PCIG4FN/h20200405_122240.jpg Hawkins I made a few sheets and then sprayed them with flat gray autobody primer. It’s amazing how this seems to stiffen the foil. It can be good to spray both sides. Finally cut the foil into 4×8 sheets, or as needed. Rubber Cement is used to attach the foil to the styrene. Look at pix and copy what you see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760016343-2ZC3KLGZ3HTUWOEQWGRV/h20200402_094439.jpg Hawkins Commercial windows could have been used, but I happen to have some urethane cast windows on hand, some of which were built to be tilted open, as was the Cumberland’s. I also busted out many windows, just like the prototype. Fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760019510-D9P3O6CX6H5OSE7HRUJI/h20200402_101239%7E2.jpg Hawkins With two hopper loadout tracks, two coal chutes were needed. Some .010 brass was cut and soldered into shape. I just happen to own a resistance soldering kit (tweezers in pix), but that isn’t necessary. Several applications of Brass Blass takes care of the coloring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760027375-UR2TEWFM4M0XRIV9QDTS/h20200910_123049.jpg Hawkins I decided to name my loadout Hawkins, since it sits in front of Sadie Tunnel. (Corny, I know.) Once again Bob Sobol made up some decals on his Alps Printer from my sketched artwork, and the Hawkins Loadout became official. Many pieces of wood were crafted for the various concrete footings and retaining walls required. Then the truck dump, conveyor mechanism, and personnel staircase could be built and fitted in place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760028382-DFUO7GL76LOUI3GFVJ7S/h20201122_173523.jpg Hawkins The prototype features a car puller, so does Hawkins, of course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760028811-QJKGW1218679Y58EQWSL/h20201122_173541.jpg Hawkins The Craigmark (yes, that’s for Craig and Mark Linn) car puller has taken some abuse, but it has earned its keep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760029598-W04CVRWWQ1CHJKP8037J/h20201124_132517.jpg Hawkins Behold, Cumberland, er, Hawkins Loadout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760030143-EQEAPNUQBZ4YLSUQ5NY4/h20201124_132539.jpg Hawkins Hawkins is of course a “static” loader, meaning that between sessions I fill the set-out empty hoppers with coal, awaiting pick-up by #400, the Scarlet Shifter (part of a plum job on the A&O.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760030890-KIAI39TVZ3MC29LWRIFI/h20201124_132604.jpg Hawkins An outhouse and junk pile add some eye-candy to the scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760031618-NN4WBNHNAOQDBTOOTWBY/h20201124_132622.jpg Hawkins Note how the branch line quietly exits the scene, descending into the rockwork and behind the truck ramp to the dump pit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760032754-HJQEI9AEEFICYMK84C82/h20201124_132712.jpg Hawkins The Hawkins vignette begins at the right from the Seven Arches Tunnel and exits at the… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760034322-7MHJ7ZQHW925CNTQ6MN3/h20201124_133605.jpg Hawkins tunnel behind Hawkins. It’s another encapsulated scene of its own, the major design criteria for the A&O. You can only be, and see, one place at a time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760033161-EYZCCN26WXU76T4YB1T9/h20201124_133540.jpg Hawkins Because it rained during the night, there’s still standing water and mud puddles here and there. The lighting at Hawkins is diffused and reflects a pretty dreary, cloudy sky. (See Scenery page) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760040646-W919OMMF8V9X3TPG3JUD/h20210223_122713.jpg Hawkins Okay, just another picture. And the outhouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760035261-Q07WEAYD9WKK9VJIFQLJ/h20201124_144816.jpg Hawkins Night ops reveal all the necessary lighting to handle a second shift. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760035688-2ITKOV5EOLVYQRWFLZLD/h20201124_144856.jpg Hawkins The Craigmark car puller sits idle, but only for awhile, then Scotty on the platform will put it to work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760036265-HUIGWEFP23CP4UV0FRNX/h20201124_145045.jpg Hawkins A ground timber limits the backup of coal trucks, fortunately. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760036717-G2XXXZBIHVPAHT5VZDE4/h20201124_145322.jpg Hawkins The difference in color temperature of the LEDs is easily seen in this shot. The bluish white mercury vapor lamps on the light poles, so ubiquitous in the 60’s, and after, as opposed to the yellowish incandescents over tracks. Cool beans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760038605-773F598LS45VF91QHIQZ/h20201124_145638.jpg Hawkins Awaiting the night delivery of hoppers for the morning shift. I’m particularly pleased with the operator’s shanty as it captures the prototype quite accurately. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760038040-0CTCMQBAOFDUR6JAUQTI/h20201124_145500.jpg Hawkins And last but not least, my favorite photo, and also my computer’s screen saver. For those who love coal loaders, (largely Appalachian modelers), Hawkins/Cumberland rocks. https://www.aorailroad.com/brooks daily 0.75 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494364751-DVSQ38EE4WWXGJICXAT9/brooksframe.jpg Brooks Brooks, WV (so named for our late crew member Bob Brooks), began as some wood framing at the end of the Kayford Coal Branch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1516494387601-52YVBSUK4X6GYKQNXDP0/brookswye.jpg Brooks A look back at the angled wall which will come into play as Brooks gets imagined and its coal loadout considered. The tail of the TA Tower Wye in wall-adjacent Ricksburg is seen below Brooks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760117366-OLWLGF0YP6UM26I0O3J4/b20210916_175954.jpg Brooks Wanting a way to refill a coal reservoir above and behind a mountainside without the requirement of reaching high up and over scenery, and before any construction began, I devised a system for blowing the “coal” (black-dyed Harbor Freight course Black Walnut shells - i.e. sand blasting grit) up a PVC pipe and into the mountain reservoir. The exhaust side of my shop vac does the trick. A clay venturi at the PVC Tee speeds up the air stream to help with the push. A brass slide gate at the base of the funnel has since been added to cut off the flow of coal at the start and stop of each filling. It worked! Now what kind of working coal loader do I want to build? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760119031-UR6KV7JL13W70C2G0J5T/b20210927_172116.jpg Brooks From my Bob Helm “Clinchfield in the Coal Fields” book I’d long admired the Clinchfield Coal’s Crooked Branch flood loader on the Haysi Branch. With its long conveyor feed to the top of the load reservoir it seemed like it could be the perfect fit for Brooks. It was. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760121406-3VS6UGWIRXE25CHF53EN/b20211011_102534.jpg Brooks The tube enclosed conveyor comes from inside the mountain. Perfect! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760121195-5G4BRPWCHFBQQKKTPLDL/b20211011_101029.jpg Brooks Lots of visible detail to this loader as well. It looked like an explosion of an Evergreen Styrene rack waiting to happen, with hoppers to boot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760118514-KJVHPK87TMH48HVAW7RH/b20210927_124705.jpg Brooks With the model selected, it was time to construct reservoir first (working the scene from back to front). An internet search yielded a wide funnel for the planned reservoir and a small discharge port. Would it get the job done? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760117596-61UVII0ZWAU6QXJ9V3MQ/b20210927_124636.jpg Brooks Support framing was constructed to hold this industrial funnel, with a platform below for mounting the end of the conveyor and its drive motor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760120191-704NHEO1JXV41A7V14MO/b20211008_142642.jpg Brooks Next was the conveyor itself. A strip of leftover house trim (save everything) with styrene shields on each side formed the basic structure. A stretched black elastic waistband formed the conveyor belt. The drive motor went on this end with a knurled and beveled drive drum (thanks Bob). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760125919-AFBMKP8KMECQVF0U29FT/b20220815_122547.jpg Brooks A Sonotube (Home Depot- used for concrete pilings) serves as the coal reservoir. I secured it to the funnel and excitedly dumped coal in it, ready to fire up the drive motor and conveyor it out. And it did….for awhile. But… The funnel proved to be too wide such that the black walnut shell coal simply locked together and wouldn’t slide into the discharge port. DOH! Of note too is that a small PVC pipe is tucked into the wall corner, rising behind the reservoir. Its two-elbow bends direct the flow of coal down into the tube. To let the vac exhaust air escape and keep coal from sprinkling onto the entire scene, the waistband of a pantyhose (thanks Katie) was stretched over the top of the tube with the PVC passing thru one of the legs. A rubber band secured the leg around the PVC :) Problem solved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760124537-7E94TKVEFOXNHJ0B3GAE/b20220717_135912.jpg Brooks Back to the drawing board. An interior funnel was added to the inside of the Sonotube with poster board, and this with a steeper profile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760124753-CM8K143YLRYBZ1FQW2XC/b20220717_135855.jpg Brooks Is this the discharge side of a jet/rocket engine? No, it’s the poster board funnel being firmly supported and secured on all sides by triangular pieces of foam core hot glued in place. Now, let’s try the flow again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760125686-RGSJ8RQJ98FJ5RBR4XVT/b20220815_122517.jpg Brooks BINGO! And up the conveyor belt it goes….on and on. Mountain forming webbing is starting to enclose the reservoir. The tracks along the wall that abut the funnel are C&O staging from the adjacent room and the town of Linnwood. How to keep them accessible? You’ll see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760127191-PIIVXQNLA5P6ZA2O6LV3/b20221107_132935.jpg Brooks The mountain side now encases the reservoir. Of note is that the discharge end of the belt has a ball bearing drum to reduce friction. An aluminum painted PVC pipe with styrene details added as per the prototype now encases the conveyor. A temporary wood support stands in place of the eventual steel support. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760129639-YM2QDWV1JRU3P98V75Y8/b20221107_133125.jpg Brooks We’re already a long way from that wood framing we started with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760132349-U1EY57CISQZELPJ1O2RA/b20221115_165943.jpg Brooks Hydrocal rockwork has been added and trees are starting to populate the hillside. Just barely visible on the lower left are the new controls for flood loader. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760129762-S7GEYB858I2U1IAI8IWB/b20221107_133229.jpg Brooks Time to make the removable panels that hide the drive mechanism. Two matte board pieces meet at the conveyor. Trees will be added to them to make them invisible to anyone but ME. Note the concrete footings for the loader have now been located spanning the front track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760127144-9F0O5QPG9RBWEAYV7J82/b20220923_124411.jpg Brooks Two tracks come into Brooks thru a 3’ tunnel. Switching crews will need to access this space frequently enough that it seemed prudent to add lighting to the tunnel interior (oh shoot). This is the visible interior tunnel wall with its 5 spaced LED lamp-shaded lights is under construction. The lamp goosenecks carry the LED wires to the backside for power attachment. The wall is styrene (I buy it by the 4×8’ sheet) and the random holes are for anchoring the tunnel “concrete” drywall mud to the styrene. Small hooks were added under each lamp fixture to eventually hold looping wires thru the tunnel. Details. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760128409-ZWVMORO6KQSIJ8OLIXM2/b20221107_133102.jpg Brooks A distant shot showing the now lighted tunnel entering the hamlet of Brooks, WV https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760128254-MWPUOZOAFZ4PEMONO58O/b20221107_132944.jpg Brooks The tail tracks from the loader curve out of view behind a future hillside festooned with a small town and company houses- Brooks, WV. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760130829-5JDE7YBWY8Y1J42Z3URA/b20221110_105013.jpg Brooks Glue still drying, more trees! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760119935-TQKKHSKHLJ2ZY8DVCLNQ/b20211008_142607.jpg Brooks Time to build the loader. 4” PVC Perf pipe formed the cylindrical reservoir. .010 styrene was embossed with rivet detail and glued on, with the mating seam facing to the rear. The prototype’s funnel became a 4” kitchen funnel; a perfect fit! A Chute was made, H-beam legs, cross-bracing. etc., etc. At least I had pictures to work from. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760122608-0RLWFSYFMA25P74TPKZU/b20220128_110012.jpg Brooks Many hours later, the finished product. I decided to name this loadout Brookstone Coal Company- in honor of Bob Brooks as well. Roughly following the prototypes lettering, Bob Sobol printed up decals to mimic the real thing. Sweet. Compare this and the next photo to the proto pix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760122876-5BXEV6EPAVNQ7MOWC8G2/b20220128_110024.jpg Brooks A fun project. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760149242-T03PHT99AS2XRLZOZNEE/b20230502_130452.jpg Brooks LED lighting in the misty, dimly lit Brooks scene really adds to the operator experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760144070-OZSXKZ59CEG1F5CF5OPJ/b20230502_121146.jpg Brooks Flood loader Seymore watches as each car passes beneath the chute, dispensing the coal in proper amounts. Not quite visible here is that he also has a couple jugs of Moonshine near his desk. That must explain the spilled coal I find after operating sessions. Hmmm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760133585-HVJS35DMCCK6PXQYZZYI/b20230204_153520.jpg Brooks Twice a day a doodlebug visits the town of Brooks as it services the Kayford Valley hamlets. So, a small station was needed. It also serves as the location for the Kayford Dispatcher who issues track warrants for the train crews. The Kayford is “dark” territory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760134550-3YW4H4T2N5VGLCOZ9R35/b20230204_153646.jpg Brooks Kayford DS Jim Bob sits by the phone and looks at this time sheet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760147706-S1OLTKITFA30A2QP12X9/b20230502_121827.jpg Brooks The wall clock says #400, the Scarlet Shifter should be about here. Hmmm. Who was on that crew today anyway? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760151764-K2NQP0DJXXKKPCG67CD8/b20230502_130845.jpg Brooks Billy Bob sits with his cousin Bonnie Sue, making time with her until the Bug arrives. He just couldn’t make himself wait for the family reunion to find a date. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760137054-5KELWYJ9JU9AUVSFTGOH/b20230414_111335.jpg Brooks A now out-of-service scale house sits on the approach lead to Brookstone. Siding is by Clever Models, a paper print over styrene, and windows by Grandt Line. Imagination by David Stewart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760137718-EM1KH0DP4LNNZBV9W7XI/b20230414_111418.jpg Brooks What the engine crews see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760142465-OCE8EGHPQNZICBZCZZ5H/b20230502_121013.jpg Brooks What the Brookstone/Kayford DS sees during an op session. The old switch points for this bypass scale now lay behind the scale house. No need to have them still mucking things up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760130952-7DUKXH1ZL5XOZHW1BN8A/b20221111_195931.jpg Brooks Brookstone isn’t the only coal game in town. It also features the “K.O. Dorff & Son Coal Company”- courtesy of Kirk and W. Kirk (Jr.) Orndorff A&O crew members. As with so many Appalachian coal loadouts, it is also unusual in its footprint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760136162-DJCOXJ8DCDN0PJSWCT9R/b20230314_103648.jpg Brooks Based on a loadout in Pikeville, KY, an old coal hopper on stilts and serves as the dump pit for the stream of K.O.Dorff & Son trucks dumping their diamonds. Personel access to the Dorff loadout was a challenge, but they got it done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760145247-QZOSOWO48GLBJUG8MHDG/b20230502_121414.jpg Brooks The rain is still misting on this late August early morning as a truck approaches, headlights still on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760138432-DVSLUZBC5C61MS4AL67P/b20230502_120302.jpg Brooks A car puller winches hoppers under the Dorff chutes. Dorff is a “static” loader- the hoppers are loaded either between op sessions for pickup, or more often, they are loaded at Brookstone and placed under the chutes for later pickup. This particular coal turn is numbered 911, and is referred to as “The Dorff Dash.” :) The “White Trash Co” also pays a visit here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760132295-5J06YNWJTE87U772ELHK/b20221121_183742.jpg Brooks Oh yes, the C&O staging track. It turns out they are accessible, if need be, behind the tree covered hillside. In fact, the Dorff Coal truck sits on a cross-track piece of matte board. Who knew?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760150568-1GWDVR1GSQ70QZLICLYI/b20230502_130537.jpg Brooks The Bug station track ends at loading dock, providing an “industrial” spot for the Kayford Local. Styrene construction, of course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760144827-G54RRRSCV51H4V0HNCK3/b20230502_121210.jpg Brooks A Lionel 32’ curved nose van with opening doors provided a customer for the Team Track. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760138884-BPUVS9F1UGY7HMCOLPIG/b20230502_120448.jpg Brooks Bubba has grand expectations for his trucking business, better than his spelling grades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760146950-76JLHSXE3VEFSSO9ALHJ/b20230502_121610.jpg Brooks Steel cable lays on the ground at the Dorff car puller. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760139847-VIX51PZCKIPU9CCB4KTS/b20230502_120606.jpg Brooks Scattered mercury vapor lights help to navigate this darkened scene. Here are the two tracks and tunnel mentioned earlier than lead to Brooks on the Kayford Branch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760141274-QAXHAORRKJTW90JX1D5L/b20230502_120907.jpg Brooks And some mud puddles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760135856-TJ5PWAA8IDOOYD89YUNQ/b20230314_103606.jpg Brooks An embedded blackened brass rod protects the chute from anything but hoppers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760136823-9ZZ7GCV4GPQ3VCCYWVIF/b20230401_175807.jpg Brooks Uncoupling is this darkened scene is made easy with a penlight attached to a special A&O uncoupling tool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760145739-2SCR3R6GTD7DAQ7FX7S5/b20230502_121518.jpg Brooks It only took three (!!!) tries to get the misty backdrop painting I desired. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760152101-B3C01W651DOVDF4WRQJY/b20230502_131045.jpg Brooks The room lighting at Brooks is provided by a dimmable LED strip. The nod-under entrance into the Kayford Branch is at the constant thunderstorm town of Linnwood. Therefore the sound of distant thunder is always in the air. The storm that has moved down the Kayford valley has recently passed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760150754-J46IG2EMDTPDIFH1MIMI/b20230502_130559.jpg Brooks Mud puddles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760140061-L5K13JJ9T7Y7MMU4MJYQ/b20230502_120830.jpg Brooks See the “Hawkins” Scene/Structure for how to do puddles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760149071-7PWAT37RG8USCJ1XHKSS/b20230502_124126.jpg Brooks The A&O version of the Clinchfield Coal Co. -” Brookstone”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760143772-MT9QSQKTSV5GAZJTOGV9/b20230502_121055.jpg Brooks Another baby picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760148130-Q5MEIWMLHPBBVOBGNUTZ/b20230502_124102.jpg Brooks The controls for Brookstone are in view on the fascia. The conveyor belt speed can be adjusted to suit operator preference. And the DS telephone calls the town of Kayford, some 70 angled feet away and the midpoint on the branch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760153320-WAB7NK3JS160JJUETDJ9/b20230502_131453.jpg Brooks A bird’s eye view of Brooks as completed minus hillside town, unseen here, but to the far left. Compare to the first two pictures of this all-to-narrow/shallow scene :) https://www.aorailroad.com/ta-tower daily 0.75 2025-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742657244119-LU8HW2VWC4CSMHOF04PH/sx20210328_182317.jpg TA Tower The north end of the Ricksburg, WV yard features a wye for turning coal power for the Morrison Prep Plant and Arrival/Departure yard. The tail of the wye pokes thru the backdrop wall and presented an awkward scenic challenge. What to do? We’d long been bantering about our work crews being really just- “Tres Amigos” (Three Friends), so I decided we needed a “TA” Tower somewhere. And this was the Where. After drawing a sketch, I laid out the footprint of the Tower base using cardstock. This became my template for the wood base. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742657244017-HMYC1ZVEJKXX0Y0W549C/sx20210328_182124.jpg TA Tower Some left over flooring and other scraps soon formed an insert into the ugly hole in the wall. Side abutments were also constructed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742657245257-Y121NYE9FITQQ50PH14I/sx20210427_120815.jpg TA Tower Jumping ahead a bit, .o4o styrene was glued to the sides of the wood using contact cement. Evergreen styrene strips were MEK’d as shown to create a poured concrete look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760191199-0RXCB8AJQUUQFAR7PP5M/t20250319_133946.jpg TA Tower The concrete stairway was made of Hydocal cast in styrene form. I’m sure I’ll find other places to reuse this! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742657245535-4JGOCK88HMUQDL9TNLBM/sx20210427_120823.jpg TA Tower Once the stairway was installed, the entire structure was painted with Woodland Scenics Concrete color. This was followed by oil washes of Brunt/Raw Umbers, etc,. followed by mists of flat black spray paint to blend it all together. Note that as the track recedes toward the wye tail, the walls are darkened to help the disappearing illusion. Finally a handrails were made of .032 brass wire, holes drilled, and the handrail mounted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742657246810-4DBG28HPD6ESZQQI0YSN/sx20250319_134526.jpg TA Tower A cantilevered signal bridge was built of brass and styrene to direct departing northbound traffic. Note that because one (unsignaled) leg of the wye passes beneath the bridge, a “Doll” signal head is added for this track, helping avoid confusion for A&O train crews (good luck with that). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742657247522-UG02O2O9T1Q0E0JSKSIK/sx20250319_134542.jpg TA Tower The base of TA Tower is now complete, including its CTC signal. Next up, the tower itself which will sit atop, and of course some scenery. https://www.aorailroad.com/misc daily 0.75 2025-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760409889-0PJ4RD40HSAF3KYFHLE2/misc20210609_160834.jpg Misc An old Revell kit, modified to a Hi-rail weed truck. I wonder if he’ll do lawns? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760410021-0DH092H4EN3YBA5LPM7S/misc20210610_101213.jpg Misc Sitting next to TA Tower, #45 waits for Butch to finish his coffee and yacking with the towerman, get the wheels down, git ta work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760411515-YCBV1VTSLP6Q07AMKX03/misc20230608_123429.jpg Misc Situated appropriately next to a clear stream, moonshiner Pete’s shed has been churning out some of the area’s best corn squeezens. Notice that he keeps the location quiet by setting out jugs now and then on the battery box next to the track. (“I know nothing.”) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760411983-PFO0Z146DCF2TOO10B9G/misc20230911_154025.jpg Misc The “Still” was a 3-D printed item I picked up at a Train Show. All it needed was some paint and a secluded location. Perfect. https://www.aorailroad.com/twin-creek daily 0.75 2025-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760810903-KAAOQZMV0VI0C4POSH0V/7IMG_0128.JPG Twin Creek Time to finally complete the Twin Creek Viaduct scene. A 1.5” sq. aluminum tube carries tracks across “nature’s” gap. 1.5×1/8” lathe was contact cemented to the top for gluing ties. I would have liked the gap/gorge be deep all the way across this 500’ viaduct, but a necessary cross-basement duck under prevented that. So, Timber Creek divides into two channels before it gets to us. It also allowed me to honor my twin daughters :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760810907-N4PT1BR5QJISW5UUUC87/7IMG_0162.JPG Twin Creek Scenic Express sold girder plates that when appropriately cut and sectioned, worked perfect for the viaduct. I contact cemented them to the aluminum, sprayed them black, the added A&O lettering. Would the lettering be seen by anyone? You betcha. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760813710-5H3UYQ8CLROYILOE00RD/P_20180127_170024_vHDR_On.jpg Twin Creek The viaduct had been in service looking like this for several years as other projects took priority. Even though the aluminum tube is stout, the weight of O scale produced a slight sag when crossed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760575666-A45M19UXNVGG2UY2YDQU/v20240411_172641.jpg Twin Creek The original plan was to construct the viaduct towers out of brass shapes, but alas, Special Shapes went out of business before I placed an order. So I decided to construct “temporary” towers out of white pine/basswood with cardstock gusset plates. After painting and weathering, they work, and who knows if they’ll ever be replaced. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760575818-ISZT3BI8PSPK7598ICC6/v20240412_175007.jpg Twin Creek Now for the concrete footings. Here the towers are held in place against the underside of the bridge using a piece of wood and clamps. This enabled me to locate and measure the height of each footing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760579465-97V5S2CZGDV191OZFP39/v20240429_140222.jpg Twin Creek At each marked location I drilled 1/4” holes and tapped/glued dowels in to the corresponding height for each leg. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760576688-LI25T9UVA3ABGWPD7N4G/v20240413_084406.jpg Twin Creek I used Sculptamold to then fashion concrete footings around each dowel, leveling off at the height of dowel. Shazam. When dry slide the towers in place and check for fit and adjustments. The Sculptamold can be carved, sanded, cut, added to, even torn out tried again. Ahem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760576974-B21USI42THTNIKJKSLX7/v20240413_114738.jpg Twin Creek Four towers, 16 footings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760577995-O1KA0VW030OAV1R78J86/v20240413_114758.jpg Twin Creek Here it can be noticed that the deck plate ends meet at the top of each tower leg, as per the prototype. The spans across towers are shorter than between the towers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760578159-XWTB9RD5SFP28QJQXCPX/v20240424_134331.jpg Twin Creek Goodbye viaduct; we’ll see you later. We’ve got some landscaping to do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760578980-GJVXMBG3BRSQ9HH6UVCA/v20240428_223131.jpg Twin Creek 1. Paint distant mountains. I kept the height of the viaduct in mind, not wanting the mountains to rise higher and thus diminish the sense of being high in air. The black is where the trees will eventually be added. 2. Glue some pieces of rock castings to the gorge wall. Okay then- https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760580398-L9B7HAUJ2A1Z5WIWJPAG/v20240430_120453.jpg Twin Creek Using plaster (Gypsolite), I brought the roughed-in scenery base up to desired contours. Note that a portion of the new plaster heads off toward the water bowl. We’ll see that later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760580674-YPAAHPV1ULSYVAJLEKXP/v20240501_110450.jpg Twin Creek The raised area over the viaduct duck-under (??) is to be a campground scene. The timber steps had been implanted into the plaster during earlier rough-in. Here I’m sanding the plaster for smooth finish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760581620-PV1OCXXJY9WTMR51WX9L/v20240501_113708.jpg Twin Creek Campgrounds have parking, so with the cliff right next to the site (!!) it seemed appropriate to place some posts along the edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760581922-2CN0TGKGP9GWE29N1WMX/v20240501_181321.jpg Twin Creek The entire scene has gotten a coating of (real) sifted dirt- and it’s still wet. The area under the smaller towers have become a montage of greenery, soaked with 50/50 water/white glue. The masking tape is the futile attempt to preserve the fascia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760583091-IUHFFRLDFY99RDGYP22Q/v20240502_111017.jpg Twin Creek The rocks glued to the wall have been painted to match, and the creekbed is getting rocked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760583463-OXCMF1WNL0K4ADB1X486/v20240502_111036.jpg Twin Creek Finer rocks and branches have been added and a small firepit as well. The diluted white glue is still drying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760584288-3U39M7MUNNKVJC3PI77X/v20240502_111146.jpg Twin Creek The hillside is getting white glue full strength in preparation for ground cover. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760584636-5A8E80Y9DLF2D63RBPW9/v20240502_112138.jpg Twin Creek Blended together and applied to the previous hillside. It’s one of favorite base mixtures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760585337-7FCZ2YI8J8R97YUY5NO5/v20240502_112924.jpg Twin Creek Woolah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760585671-1V00L8CI3C3KLGRHOKIY/v20240502_113029.jpg Twin Creek You can never have too many colors and textures. These came from a driveway. Shush. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760586596-270HJP8SR9DNWB44E5EH/v20240502_113317.jpg Twin Creek And, they were glued alongside the creek. Barely visible on the lower right concrete footing is the aforementioned top of a dowel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760587137-AEZDALTYSRIIXZNS4I1B/v20240502_113415.jpg Twin Creek This is great stuff for adding that final random debris look to creek area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760587956-8M6CJALO6VK91C33USJK/v20240502_113940.jpg Twin Creek North Timber Creek is getting there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760588617-XJ4W4JQHM5L2F7GU7HNV/v20240502_114009.jpg Twin Creek Lastly I sift some fine real dirt over everything. Not to much, just blend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760589292-JVQTB5WCQ4XZG1MHBAVC/v20240502_114238.jpg Twin Creek Then brush the painted riverbed clean. Time to glue it all in place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760589661-9SHHIQ88Q2MD97UXMBVS/v20240502_145246.jpg Twin Creek And time to start stapling some small trees in place on the backdrop, covering the black (shadow) paint. Note that a campfire ring has been built at the campsite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760591070-TOTRVRXQQPGPZGSQVMEP/v20240502_155543.jpg Twin Creek Trees have now pulled both sides of the scene together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760591419-SM3UW5QT9KNKL9DUAULX/v20240502_160254.jpg Twin Creek I cover the joint line between backdrop and landform with small trees shoved up from below. It simply looks like dense woods meets the clearing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760592944-XWQM6ID6JAOOUNI4170O/v20240502_211335.jpg Twin Creek An awl stabs the plaster hillside for planting trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742954680221-FG0P1EBE9OUWUCFCNKFC/20250325_185544.jpg Twin Creek Greenery added to the rocks, shoreline, Mod Podge for water, and white acrylic for the current. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742954676954-WAIGPCH8C2FID4L1I6AN/20250325_185418.jpg Twin Creek North Timber Creek https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742954681471-DFGRBXKR1H7P658FEZNT/20250325_185704.jpg Twin Creek A path leading down from the tent area provides an opportunity for a splash, and maybe a campfire at the firepit later in the evening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742954676917-ERUXQZM5SPILBCYN5WSL/20250325_185401.jpg Twin Creek South Timber Creek https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742954677971-FZ2UI2UUTGH5EHRYCZIB/20250325_185432.jpg Twin Creek The finished Twin Creek Viaduct (steel trestle) Compare to the first photo on this page! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760592476-3TCFDE9HQ7OYM6TF8Z9Q/v20240710_192909.jpg Twin Creek No campground is complete without a picnic table. An easy scratch build. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760594148-8PG3LGIY2482C6F661PW/v20240712_173500.jpg Twin Creek Now we can see why the A&O management thought it worthwhile to paint its name for all to see. Telegraph/phone/electrical cables have been added. The tree line creates the illusion of the bridge being higher than it is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760593654-28HNEUN1S6DHSE1JLG0Z/v20240712_173045.jpg Twin Creek Remember that disappearing plaster into the water bowl? That was the road to other areas of the campground, or to site 20 as the post reads. The White Trash Company needs to do a pickup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742760594852-FUXIT0A5TDM1C2L2PPYH/v20240712_173557.jpg Twin Creek The campground mercury vapor light comes on during night ops, of course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742954678218-1WX9J9JCO07HGBF6CXXW/20250325_185503.jpg Twin Creek My suggestion to hiker Hal- Don’t stop, and don’t turnaround. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a63776ed55b41389953da26/1742954680729-TJU04BQN7NKCJ531AXRW/20250325_185600.jpg Twin Creek Ah, those (dusty) country roads, West Virginia. https://www.aorailroad.com/video-shorts daily 0.75 2025-03-26