It has been
a few years since we last visited Ernie Little's "Northfolk Southern
Connector in Manassas, Va. Ernie had already built his 20' by
16' layout, which includes 200 feet of continuous main line single
track. He has incorporated a quarry with ancillary
operations, an intermodal service facility with overhead crane and an
oil depot with appropriate tanks, while passing by small town stores
and businesses typical of the Shenandoah countryside. In a
visit during 2015, Bob Rosenberg commented in his column how the layout
was uncluttered with just enough features to make it realistic and that
it offered ample switching opportunities spread nicely so as not to
overcrowd the space. Today, the layout remains a well crafted
work of art with additions made to enhance an operators perspective
without the clutter. He has updated the layout adding a few
buildings with LED lighting. (One of them, the Xavier Movie
Theatre, named after a grandson, is now playing "Star Wars The Next
Adventure"). Ernie has also added a new water scene which
lays an inch above his fireplace insert.
Over
the last few years Ernie has been concentrating most of his efforts
towards earning his MMR. Since our last visit he has achieved
his AP scenery certificate and has been evaluated for his car
requirements. He has already earned his Association
Volunteer, Engineer-civil, Engineer-electrical, and Chief Dispatcher
and is well on his way to completing the requirements as a Master Model
Railroader.