Set in the year 1929, prior to the Great Depression, this model railroad represents the Southern Railway mainline through Spartanburg, SC, and the line to Asheville, extending as far as Hendersonville, NC. Staging yards represent the "off-stage" cities of Atlanta, GA; Washington, DC; Columbia, SC; and Asheville, NC. At this time, diesel locomotives had not yet been introduced, so all of the locomotives on the layout are steam-powered. Passenger trains were still prevalent, featuring deluxe services such as the Crescent Limited. The Saluda Grade, known for being the steepest grade on a Class One railroad at nearly 5%, is included in this layout and is used to reach the second level.
The layout is currently under construction, with 98% of the track completed.
Scale / Gauge
HO
Size of Layout
31 x 23
Prototype
Southern Railway
Location Modeled
Spartanburg SC to Hendersonville NC
Era
1929
Style of Track Plan
Linear along the basement walls
Length of Main Line
320'
Layout Height
Lower 36 Upper 56"
Benchwork
Wood frame deck
Roadbed Material
Cork
Track Manufacturer
Peco
Turnouts
Peco
Minimum Main Line Radius
30"
Maximum Grade
3.5 %
% Scenery Complete
5 %
Control System
DCC - Digitrax
Car Forwarding System
Switch List
Train Authority / Dispatching
TT&TO
Operating Group
North Atlanta Rail Barrons
Direction Comment
Enter through garage, layout is in the basement.
Wheelchair Accessible
ADA Comments
Layout is in the basement down a flight of stairs.
