Large Scale Central

Operations on the North Powder and Western

General Discussion
#1

Saturday last, Joe, Devon and I had the opportunity to operate on the North Powder and Western RR, down in the Wheat fields of Southeastern Washington. The mud you see in these photos dries into a fine powder in the summer, hence the name.

I was more concerned about operating my train up and down the 2 1/2 to 3% grade along the 1200-`1300 feet of mainline, so I really didn’t take the opportunity to make many photos. The three that are usable are presented below.

A BNSF coal drag grinds through the “S” curves.

The coal drag on the high bridge, past the concentrator.

Devon and John try to solve a switching problem while being critiqued by a bystander.

#2

Steve,

Thanks for sharing looks like a very nice layout!

Don

#3

What is the debris along the track there?

#4

Cool!..(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

#5

David Maynard said:

What is the debris along the track there?

I dunno. We’re out in the middle of a wheat field. It could be anything.

#6

Steve,

I had to look to see if it was a model or a mountain scene. Good effect on western mountains. Scroll in to the picture from the top down, effective scene.

#7

Looked like a fun time, thanks for the photos. Real looking layout.

#8

Steve Featherkile said:

David Maynard said:

What is the debris along the track there?

I dunno. We’re out in the middle of a wheat field. It could be anything.

The one part almost liked like an airplane horizontal stabilizer and elevator section to me, so I was wondering if it was something reminiscent of the train wreck, where all those airplanes went down the hillside.

#9

I love it !!

Nice backdrop !!!

When does the Southwest Chief pass thru?

#10

Wow Steve, cool set up! That must have been a neat experience. Looks like he had some kind of road bed anchored in that muck? Looks almost shiny. Was that some kind of moss growing around on the “mountain” tops?

#11

Hi, Randy,

His roadbed is two inch steel angle, curved where needed.

Yes, some kind of moss, that greens up only in winter. There is no evidence of it during the dry months.

#12

Hi, Randy,

His roadbed is two inch steel angle, curved where needed.

Yes, some kind of moss, that greens up only in winter. There is no evidence of it during the dry months.

#13

first time i (knowingly) see pics from your layout.

i like your landscaping. (and i could stand more pics :wink: )

#14

That is a neat looking setup. The landscape is very cool looking.

#15

I also thought it was the real deal.

Very cool RR and at over 1200’ with grades approaching 3 degrees a fella could get some exercise following his train along.

The debris does look like bits from an airplane but could just be lumber left behind when work was done on the track.

Who wants to take the time and muscle to load up the junk when it is easier to dump it down the mountain?

#16

Todd Haskins said:

I also thought it was the real deal.

Very cool RR and at over 1200’ with grades approaching 3 degrees a fella could get some exercise following his train along.

The debris does look like bits from an airplane but could just be lumber left behind when work was done on the track.

Who wants to take the time and muscle to load up the junk when it is easier to dump it down the mountain?

I figure that I walked nearly two miles, up and down hill, during the four trips I made. At the end of the day, I was tired. When I climbed into the truck to go home, my quads were quivering. I think its time to hit the gym.

#17

Steve Featherkile said:

I figure that I walked nearly two miles, up and down hill, during the four trips I made.

Good practice in case you ever get to the mid west and visit Andy’s. He has a shuttle bus running now…(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)