Neither snow, nor cold....

Here's another shot of our intrepid photographer Jake, proving that no amount of snow or cold will prevent him and the team from a thorough photo-documentation of the current state of the former PRR.



Now, as then; it takes a lot to stop a train.

First Train Running

The first train on the layout was a hopper train on Track #4, with engineer Leonard White, one of the regular crew, at the controls; May 20, 2009. With some scenery installed, this view is no longer possible. It does demonstrate one of the layout design objectives: that is to have trains long enough to go completely around the curve. It takes about thirty 40-foot freight cars.

Prototype Research

One of the advantages of building a Horseshoe Curve Layout is that the location is so well documented. Of course, that doesn't prevent dedicated modelers from paying a visit (the curve is about 3 hours from home). Here, Jake Brendel helps record the current state of downtown Altoona.

Early Benchwork

Here are a couple of shots of the early benchwork. The layout plumber and carpenter is Mark Andersen. Although he usually models in a larger scale, he managed to find some 1/160 lumber and has done a superb job of keeping the roadbed straight and level. Well, except for the curves and grades.

The first shot is the benchwork for West Altoona, from Slope to Brickyard Corner. The second is Horseshoe Curve. Both shots from early 2009.

Layout Space

Here is the layout space in its brief incarnation as a rec room. The room was built with lots of overhead lighting and a soft tile floor. Bernie's comment was "enough light for an operating room". That ought to do.

Getting Started

This site is currently very much under construction. I hope to add photos and commentary on how we got to where we are currently over the next couple of weeks and then keep the site current as we complete the layout.

Thanks for participating.

John

Test running the Broadway Limited

This video shows the Broadway Limited in two different scenes. In the first it passes a freight train on the westbound up hill slope. The second scene shows an eastbound Broadway Limited passing through MG Interlocking.