My New Layout – Southern Railway St. Charles Branch

In addition to keeping up Appalachian Railroad Modeling, I’m a model railroader myself. A few years ago, I had to tear down my first layout [largely unfinished] based on the Interstate Railroad in Virginia in preparation for a move. My layout space in the new house is a bit smaller, so it gave me the opportunity to model something different. You’ve probably seen a few of the ideas as they’ve shown up in the track plans section of ARRM.

Just a couple weeks ago, though, I began construction on my new layout, a 12 x 16′ double-deck design based on the Southern Railway’s St. Charles Branch in southwestern Virginia.

The St. Charles Branch was a neighbor to the Interstate Railroad, and it loaded a lot of coal for the Southern and the L&N which had trackage rights over the end of the branch. The St. Charles Branch was home to some great track arrangements and classic tipples that survived into the ’80s. I invite you to see more and follow my progress on the layout’s webpage, https://appalachianrailroadmodeling.com/stcharlesbranch/

I look forward to sharing more!

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4 Responses to My New Layout – Southern Railway St. Charles Branch

  1. Paul Schmidt says:

    Great trackplan, Dan. Next to the Interstate, the St. Charles Branch is my favorite portion of the old Appalachian Division. You’ve done it justice for certain.

  2. Paul Schmidt says:

    Any updates on the new layout, Dan?

    • Dan Bourque says:

      I’ve been working on it slowly and steadily. I’ve almost got the subroadbed completed for the staging level. Next comes a bit of black paint and then the first rails! Should have an update post when I get to that point.

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