Dave Renard, MMR, built the Sylvania Central Railroad (HO
scale, 28 photos) to depict the Central Division of an eastern bridge road hauling
mixed freight and passenger traffic during the mid 1960s. The line's other
divisions to the north and south are represented by return storage loops stacked
at one end of the system.
Sylvania is the main city and division point for the
line, and through trains drop and pick up blocks of cars at the modest size
division yard. Local trains originate here to serve industries along this
portion of the mainline and on the branch line to Monequine where there is an
interchange with another major carrier. Sylvania is located along a river valley
and the double track mainline must climb out of the valley and around a horseshoe
curve to reach an upland plateau at Alta and beyond to the northern division. A
struggling narrow gauge museum is located between the horseshoe curve and Alta
station, a
local railfan's delight.
First and second generation diesels handle locomotive
assignments with steam power relegated to fan trips, the museum, and static
display. Rolling stock consists of some scratchbuilt cars and many modified from
kits. Nearly all have been painted and lettered by the builder. Structures are
mostly scratchbuilt with some kit-bashed. Digital command control was
recently added. Now, three or more train crews can be kept
busy when traffic is heavy. |
