I'm modelling a condensed version of Madoc Junction Ontario with a spur line to a freelanced Madoc or something(I haven't planned that far yet) on the now abandoned CN Campbellford subdivision/Madoc subdivision/spur. I've been told to never model scenery flat especially for my section of Ontario. But from your video footage, apart from the trees, it looks pretty flat.
I'm still working on mine but I've been debating doing Brinkley, Arkansas as it gives me access to the sp and rio grande during 1989 to 95 and I can back date to rock island in 1974. I'm still debating on ideas and places as there are so many lines that I really like!
Not necessarily active or abandoned, but a proto-freelanced secondary line off of the SP's Cascade sub. originally built by a smaller, primarily lumber-hauling railroad from Medford to Chiloquin. Taken over by the SouPac in the 20's or so, layout is set in the late 70's to late 80's. Now it's essentially used only by lumber haulers, locals, the occasional grain train, and a tiny Amtrak connecting service. It's a bit of a glorified loop, but it's definitely still something:)...
Great progress compression is the biggest blocker of our hobby. The must have's and AHH it doesn't fit, re-draw. Looking good Mike, coming a long nicely.
Thanks so much! Yes, I have spent more than a few nights racking my brain with the planning process! Maybe one day I’ll get a mansion with a basement big enough to have it all. I’ll keep dreaming. Haha! -Mike
Hey Mike great to see your making progress and your track plans are coming together , space always seems to be the Devil , never enough... always look forward to your updates. Have a great rest of your Sunday and so looking forward to your next installment on The Main Track , cheers Mike .
Hello! Thank you…it feels good to be making some progress! I agree with you about the space issue. I have so much more to work with now, but the could always use more! Ha. I appreciate you tuning in to watch the adventure! -Mike
Envious of the space you have there. In regards to the power plant, perhaps you could do a photo print of it on your backdrop. Then place a siding for coal cars that would feed the plant. Empties are picked up at the same siding. Magnetic removable loads create the illusion.
Hello! That’s certainly one option I’ve considered. That could also make a good stand-in until the day I can build the plant. I’m glad I was able to snag those photos before it was gone. I’m hoping to incorporate photo backdrops into this new layout…perhaps the plant will make the perfect starting point! -Mike
I like MKT. I grew up in Central Texas, and I was always fascinated with the Santa Fe trains that ran through this area coming to and from Temple. I remember when the H1 scheme BNSF engines first started to show up on trains… they have a Santa Fe railroad museum in Temple at the old train station that has or use to have an MKT caboose on display. Looking forward to seeing the new layout!
Hi! I appreciate you watching! I’m a lifelong Katy fan, but I also enjoy Santa Fe stuff after seeing so much of it through Missouri in the years after the BNSF merger. I also lived in California for a few years after college and learned a lot about the ATSF while out there. I wish I could find examples of Santa Fe run through power on Katy trains…I would definitely recreate that! I do have several Santa Fe covered hoppers on the layout. Thanks for staying tuned! -Mike
Thanks, Shaun! It’s fun to see stuff coming together finally. I’ll look forward making headway and sharing the updates. I appreciate you tuning in! -Mike
Thanks, Andrew! It’s coming along finally. Rebuilding the room took a little while, but it’ll be worth it having a nicer train room for the long term. Appreciate you tuning in! -Mike
I have an m-k-t athearn genesis gp39 and I use it with my shortline that’s connected to my CSX/ns 80s/90s layout. Love the Katy and enjoy your channel man.
Hello! Thank you…I appreciate you tuning in! I have several of the same engines on my layout and love them. It’s is my favorite type of unit from the MKT roster. I’ve thought about getting an early CSX unit or two to run as foreign power. I recall seeing some of those originals- and some Chessie and Seaboard ones- back in the later 80s! -Mike
Thank you!! Yes, putting up this small section has been enough to stoke my imagination some more. There are a few things I hope to do differently this go around. I figure this little bit could serve as a testbed for lighting, valances, facia, etc. which I hope to employ for the rest of it. -Mike
Dear Mike my brother and I go to booneville every weekend so she’s a question I have for you when did you go to Boonville and took a photo of the Katy Bridge because I know that the last train cross the Katy Bridge was on May 23, 1986 I hope you have a great time making your own layout. Your layout is wonderful.❤👍
Hello! Thank you! I have been to the Boonville bridge a few times, but unfortunately never while it was active. My first time time there was around 1991 when I was a little kid- and a few years after the last train. I’ve been back for visits several times over the years. It’s pretty cool! The video here of the train crossing the Truman Lake bridge was from 2020…thankfully that stretch of track is still in service! -Mike
Hi! I’m actually still debating how I might work that in. It’s possible I will have a lower level down the line representing Parsons and/or Saint Louis for staging. I will likely include Saint Louis underneath the portion I’m showing here with the La Due power plant scene. If I included Parsons, it would be on the other side of the room- which I’m still planning out. We will see how it works out! -Mike
Hello! I agree…no need to rush- no matter how antsy I get. Haha! It does feel good to see things coming together. I want to get it right during my planning, so I’m making sure to think things out plenty beforehand. -Mike
Hi, John! Likewise, the abandoned parts of “my” line were converted into the Katy Trail. That has allowed the general right-of-way to be preserved and provides easy access to stuff for research purposes (I’ve put a lot of miles on my walking shoes). I’m sure it’s harder for guys who model abandoned lines that have reverted back to landowners and/or nature. I would much rather see trains…but I suppose a trail is a distant second-best for historical purposes! -Mike
In your space, could you put your power plant on the branch and come out into the room a little bit ? New subscriber I remember you had a good space to work with just a thought. Looking forward too it.
Hello and Happy Sunday! I wish I did have the space to model the full branch…maybe I’ll be able to find a way to make it work. The middle of the room will eventually be taken up by a long peninsula with the return loop. But, it’s possible I can make a change before it’s all said and done. I’ll be sure to keep everyone posted. I appreciate you joining us and tuning in! -Mike
main track and friends, i want to invite you to operate a locomotive on my layout (remotely) just see my live stream, and instructions are in the description. Enjoy
