L&N CV Sub track plan HO

  • Size: 28′ x 30′
  • Scale: HO
  • Minimum Radius: 30″
  • Minimum Aisle Width: 30″
  • Designed by Stuart Thayer and Dan Bourque

L&N Logo PlainThe L&N’s CV sub stretched from Corbin, Kentucky to southeastern Virginia where in short order it interchanged with the Southern, Interstate and N&W. The L&N also handed off a good deal of traffic bound for the Clinchfield to the Interstate at Dorchester Jct for the latter to run to its connecting with the CRR until 1973 when the L&N acquired rights to run over the N&W and connect with the Clinchfield at St Paul, VA. This area was full of coal loaders and interesting operations for all five railroads.

The Layout

This layout was begun in Stu’s basement but was dismantled when he moved. It is designed as faithfully to the prototype as space allows and represents the L&N’s Cumberland Valley Sub from Loyall, Kentucky to Norton, Virginia.  Other key players, such as the N&W and Interstate are faithfully represented and would play major roles in operating sessions.  Three branches, the Poor Fork, Clover Fork, and Lick Branch Spur, are fully functional.  The layout is designed to operate 16′ trains–roughly three locomotives, 20-25 triple hoppers, and a caboose.  To capture the feel of the CV Sub, the layout was designed as a series of scenes representing the major landmarks and areas of interest along the line.  Helixes are strategically placed to increase the mainline run and put distance between scenes.

Upper Deck

Track plan L&N CV Sub HO scale - Upper

Track plan L&N CV Sub HO scale - Lower

Staging

Track plan L&N CV Sub HO scale - Staging

Operations

Operations would concentrate on the movement of coal from loaders to interchange points. At least three mine runs daily will be needed to work the coal branches, and Loyall yard operators will be kept busy building trains and making room for all the coal.   Mainline trains will move coal in both directions with some coal going to Corbin, KY (staging), and other coal going to the Clinchfield via the Interstate at Dorchester Jct. (pre-1973 ops sessions) or via trackage rights over the N&W from Norton to St. Paul, VA (post-1973 sessions).  Besides L&N operations, the N&W and Interstate operators will be kept busy running their own mine runs and trains in and around Norton.

Colors: Louisville & Nashville, Norfolk & Western, Interstate/Southern

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