Don’s HO Scale layout is based on the coal hauling Interstate Railroad located in the southwestern tip of Virginia. It is centered around the large yard in Norton, VA. Several other railroads connect here including the L+N and N&W. Staging tracks provide a space for trains to run west to Corbin, KY (L+N) and east to Roanoke, VA (N&W). Another destination out of Norton is the Clinchfield Railroad’s Miller Yard, modeled as a medium sized yard with engine service facilities. Clinchfield trains run from here to staging representing Spartanburg, SC and Elkhorn City, KY. Control is provided by Digitrax Simplex and Duplex throttles as well as smart phones or TCS UWT-100 throttles through Wi-Fi/JMRI communication. The single decked layout, started in 2014, is about 90% complete and uses car cards and waybills for car movements. About 14 trains run in a typical OPs session including Way Freights, Turns and Unit Coal. Eastbound: https://youtu.be/JZ0gCQrd4J0 Westbound: https://youtu.be/bUpvnKydgJw Flyover: https://youtu.be/QzPNe4dJmQA Slideshow: https://youtu.be/7E3Oey4FHfk
Fun that so many units are in actual Interstate colors. I don't recall seeing anyone else modeling more than perhaps one or two.
yeah, it's definitely an interesting subject. There are probably more NS Interstate heritage units on people's layout than actual Interstate Railroad modelers. I like modelers who tackle interesting subjects and railroads that not many other people model. It may be more difficult to find RTR models, but I think the end results are a lot better than cookie-cutter layouts that just end up being Athearn and Walthers Scenemaster product displays.
