The
in On2, Ca. 1919
By:
Al Churella
I have been involved in On2 for more than 15
years, but since 1996, my goal has been to model the SR&RL as accurately as
possible, as it existed during the summer of 1919. I am fortunate to have a large walk-out
basement, encompassing about 1,800 square feet.
Even so, 42”-radius curves and #8 turnouts will require that I
build the layout on two levels. I have
described several stages of the design and construction process in issues of
the Maine Two-Foot Quarterly. The track
plans shown below represent my initial planning efforts. I have made some changes, as you can see from
the photos. Nevertheless, I have been
quite successful in my goals, which include:
·
Modeling as much
of the SR&RL as possible
·
Modeling the
track layouts as accurately as possible, in order to permit prototypical
operation
·
Modeling all
major structures as accurately as possible with minimal selective compression
·
Arranging the
tracks so that viewers will see a scene that “looks” right –
i.e., they won’t have to look down the hill at
·
Avoiding duckunders wherever possible, allowing engineers to follow
their trains around the layout with a minimum of effort – not an easy
thing to do, with the railroad having what is essentially a wye
at Strong
So far, I have
completed much of the lower level, and the railroad is currently in operation
between Madrid Junction and Strong. I have finally completed all of the
necessary installation of drywall, suspended ceilings, lighting, etc. I am working as fast as I can on Room 4 (the
right-most room, on the plans below), so that I can extend track from Strong south
to
Click HERE for more detail on the lower level
Click HERE for more detail on the upper level