O'Ryan & Webb Rwy
June
22, 2008
A
western United States railway hauling freight, minerals and lumber
during the late 1800s, Ed Stone has captured the narrow gauge look
using On30 equipment. Located in their former family room, is a
multi tiered railroad that climbs several steep grades in narrow gauge
style. Sharing in today's operations was Ed's son Randy. He
was driving a Climax locomotive hauling logs and bogies down a steep
mountain grade from the highest level. Meanwhile, Ed piloted a
Mason style early 4-4-0 locomotive pulling a loan passenger car
chugging along while making its run.
Combining the locations of an arid
mountainous climate, our host included California and Oregon logging
themes and Colorado mining in the operations of the O & W.
Happy Camp provides the miners and loggers the opportunities for rest,
relaxation, and living it up at the saloon. Sounds emulating from
the saloon were quieted by the sounds of steam locomotives coursing
their ways through town, up and down grades. Sitting peacefully,
was a large stamp mill, temporarily idled by the lack of ore. While
Ed's layout is in its infancy regarding scenery, the towns and
industries are well represented around the layout.
Suspending the track supports from the
walls, the O & W takes on a light and less complicated look
compared to that of a heavier L girder constructed layout.
Although yards are built framed in the L girder or module box style,
the homemade wall brackets stand out as further examples of Ed's
cabinetmaking skills. Designed to be disassembled, one would
never know. Several of the electronically controlled yards and
switching areas, had their control panels located in sliding
drawers. This facilitates out of sight out of mind neatness in
look and function for controlling switches. Many switches are of
Peco design, making hand switching mistake free. The trackwork
was flawless in operation.
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JAlbum 8.0