Throwback Thursday for June 25th 2015

The orginal swing bridge.  This was something I added to have continious running for the layout.  It lasted a few years but was abandoned.  It was somehow reliable.  I added side to it also to make it a bridge.

Another view of the swing bridge.

Back in the early 2000's, CSX had many HLCX locos in their fleet.  Of all the different types, this Ex-MPI/MK leasing now Helm leaser was a favorite of mine.  It's a Kato SD45 body but rated as a SD40-2.  Sold this years ago at a show.

Getting back in the saddle with some modeling!

It's been a while since I've done any modeling railroading period.  With summertime here, my progress and projects will finally be moving forward.  As I said in my last post, I have two minor changes to the layout that will improve the operations.  First is the trackage from Battlefield Yard to   the helix to the lower level.  This little trackage has a "S" curve that's very unforgiving to 6 axle locomotives.  I could easily ignore it but it's something that will enhanced operations and is about a days work.  Six axle locos will not be held captive and the main reason I have them is to lug the bigger trains up the helix.

This is the trackage to the helix.  As you can see, the "S" curve in the trackage.  I plan on removing it and removing part of the wall on the right to making it into a sweeping curve out to the helix.

 My other layout change is the entire trackage on the Mine Run branch.  This is the trackage directly under Battlefield Yard on the lower level.  I want to make this more practical by adding a longer second track and add more room for the woodchip loading facility.  It mainly going to make it more practical and easier to operate.

Looking south towards the sand mine.  This section of trackage has probably had the least amount of coverage on this blog.  It will get some much need attention in the coming weeks.

Looking from the other end.  The double track "run-around" track will run from the other side of the canal to the bottom of this photo.  This should make switching this area more straight forward.  

Throwback Thursday

I'm hopefully going to do this new Thursday theme every Thursday.  I'm going to find a picture (or pictures) of the layout or model and post it on here.  Hopefully I can find one for each week!  I should be getting back into the swing of things in the coming days and weeks.  Got 2 medium size changes for the layout and will talk about them in another post.  So here we go with Throwback Thursday, VMID style:

Know where this is on the layout? This the corner leading into Battlefield Yard.  This is from Jan. 09 and on the left is the track leading down to the lower level.  Very steep grade and it was eventuall ripped out for an On30 layout.

This GP40 #299 that I still have.  She was was the first locomotives to receive the green and gray of the VMID.  This is the original scheme.  I put working front ditchlights that were an absolute pain in it.  After that I decided to "move" out of the ditchlight era.  It's sitting near Old Dominion Foods area with no scenery.  Jan. 2009.

611 steam excursion video

As you probably know, Norfolk Southern recently restored the 611 and it's been returned to Roanoke,VA last weekend. It's sat idle in Roanoke since the early 1990's. It's was restored at the NC museum of transportation to its working order. This weekend, it's doing several excursions out of Manassas. I had the privilege to see her yesterday on her way to Manassas. What an absolute joy to see on a rainy day.