I am currently modeling the Mt Vernon, Texas railroad Depot and adjacent buildings. I am having problems finding a accurate track layout and depot location during the year 1910. Other issues I am encountering is a authentic paint scheme for the UP 440 steam locomotive, which is what was used on this line. I BELIEVE Cotton Belt was the correct company during this time frame. This is my very first layout I have ever attempted. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
J&S: The line through Mt. Vernon was built by the St. Louis, Arkansas & Texas in 1887. That line went bankrupt and the St. Louis Southwestern Railway (Cotton Belt) took over the line in early 1891. There may possibly be Sanborn Maps (Insurance Maps) of Mt. Vernon, TEXAS. Those maps would show a track diagram. Check with local libraries and maybe TAMU-Commerce about those maps. If there is a local historical society they may have information on Mt. Vernon.
Sorry about the fuzzy photo. The station has been moved to its current location as its most likely original location was parallel to the tracks. There may be a story with photos in a local newspaper about moving the Mt. Vernon station.
There is a Cotton Belt Yahoo Group that has some steam photos. Joe Strapac's Cotton Belt Locomotives shows the Cotton Belt roster from early days up to 1977. There are various other websites online that show Cotton Belt steam locomotives.
Ed
J&S RR I am currently modeling the Mt Vernon, Texas railroad Depot and adjacent buildings. I am having problems finding a accurate track layout and depot location during the year 1910. Other issues I am encountering is a authentic paint scheme for the UP 440 steam locomotive, which is what was used on this line. I BELIEVE Cotton Belt was the correct company during this time frame. This is my very first layout I have ever attempted. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
There is a 2/27/64 photo of the Mt. Vernon Station in Steve Goen's Cotton Belt Color Pictorial on page 126. It shows the station was parallel to the Cotton Belt line. The Mt. Vernon water tower appears about a city block east of the Station.
As suggested I joined the Yahoo newsgroup. I am finding that the moderators have so many rules and regulations regarding this newsgroup, that the group itself appears to be very unappealing and difficult to navigate. Anyhow, I know how spammers, scripters, and rude folks operate on forums, so I suppose I can see the concern on the part of forum moderators. (I have moderated forums before and know the negatives uninvited guests can bring to the community).
Anyhow, I digress. I took your advice and have looked to the Franklin Co Historical Society, the local newspaper, and the museum for answers. Unfortunately, from the photos I have seen, two vital answers I have yet to find are:
The tracks run east to west
1. Was the switch (off the main line) to the north or the south? (lots of debate over this)
2. Was the depot on the north or south of the tracks?
I appreciate the help you have given me thusfar, your resources have given me a stronger network. I didn't want to guess at any of this because I want my model to be accurate and precise as possible. I have also seen that this community is not only friendly but eager to help. That really makes this enjoyable.
From the Dick Kuelbs photo in the Steve Goen book I would say the station was on the north side of the tracks. The water tower in the photo is on the same side of the tracks as the station.
Don't know this for a fact, but expect that the Mount Vernon house track had a switch on both ends.
I agree Ed
Yes, there was also a switch at both ends.
The water tower's location was different than the 1964 photo. In 1910 that was where the "wagon yard" was located. I believe the 1910 location of the water tower was a bit north of where it now. I appreciate the help you are giving because it is obvious you have more resources available than I do presently.
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