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.

A post in May for me is rare...

Well, I am just about done with school and coaching this year.  Only have 24 days left, but in all it's been quite busy the last few months.  I've been really trying to make time in the layout room but it has not happened lately.  I rewarded myself last Sunday with a trainshow over in the Shenandoah Valley.  I believe these small shows are the jewels of trainshows.  You can find a bunch of junk at them, but on the other hand, you can find some real bargains, if you look.  Talking down prices always seems to work also.  Last year at this show, I bought an Atlas Trainman RS32 that's now the yellow VC #106 for $30.  This year was no different.  Got a Proto 2000 SW900/1200 for $30, and 3 of the Micromark "Switch Tenders" for $24.  I've never tried the Switch Tenders but at that price, I had too.  These are under the table machines for turnouts.  They are brand new and sell for $16 each.

I also did some railfanning on the way back.  First stop was the Shenandoah Valley Railroad in nearby Staunton, VA.  Heard they had a Alco they were restoring and wanted to get some pics of their locomotives.  The SVRR is a small railroad paralleling I-81 and running north from Staunton.  It serves several industries along the way.  They are owned by Durbin and Greenbriar Valley RR, the same company that owns the tourist railroads in West Virginia.  I was in for a treat!

The SVRR #40 has been there work horse for years.  GP-9 I believe.

Believe this is there newest loco. Ex-KTR GP-9

The Alco I was looking for.  Lots of rebuilt stuff on this including trucks, fuel tanks, and pilots.  This RS-11 was Ex-Maine Central.

SVRR #8701 Whitcomb

the other end of #367

Closeup of the nose

Some sun on the #6512

Roster shot

The other side of the Alco

Cab view

Most shortlines have cabooses and the SVRR is no different.  This is an old faded blue "For Progress" C&O caboose.  

Spring Break, finally!

This week has been a much needed break from work.  It was needed to get a few things done around the house and spending time with the family.  I did get the chance to do some railfanning early on in the week and have ran some trains on the layout.  Did get some odds and ends done on the layout also. Not much but I enjoyed it and really need to get back in there.  I enjoyed running the trains the most.

One of my simple jobs was installing this backdrop on the lower level.  A printed background found on the web.  That my OK paint job on the right.  Trees will help it out eventually.

Doswell has always been is one of my favorite railfanning destinations.  Here are some of the pics I captured on my recent visit on Monday:

A Buckingham Branch side dump car in the Doswell yard.

BB #3 GP16

BB #8 GP16 in newer paint

BB #9 GP16 in the new paint

The old C&O depot now serves as BB offices.

Closeup of #3.  She's one of the original BB locomotives from the Dillwyn branch.   

Frogs anyone?

Here's a video of the infamous Rockrunner that orignates at the Verdon Quarry, just west of Doswell to Newport News, VA on the Ex-C&O line.   The video doesn't have much video quality but the sound is outstanding.  The power is all EMD: SD60M and a SD40-2 do the honors.  The train is 42 gravel loads in ortner cars. So turn it up!

No train time!

That about sums it up.  Beween my job, coaching and the family, my free time is just about non-existant.  No I have not dropped off the face of the earth with this blog but nothing really to post.  I have not done anything model railroading except look at a MR.  I have not been in my layout room except to get something.  That definitely needs to change!  I'm planning to slow down/stop the coaching aspect after this spring.  This will give me a lot more time for my family and I don't have the energy like I did when I started 16 years ago.  So, I hope to get backing into my layout room ASAP.  Stay tuned!