My new N Scale layout (DC) is built using standard Atlas Code 80. It measures 30" x 72" and built on a platform allowing it to swivel and store in a vertical position, a space-saving idea pulled from Model Railroad. The platform is on casters and is stored in the garage.
The layout concept is based on the New Orleans-Great Northern RR, a predecessor of the GM&O. THis railroad was built in the early 1900s to take advantage of the Southern Yellow Pine which was abundant in the South at that time. The company was headquartered in Bogalusa, La, where the primary industry was logging, lumber then paper in its later years.
The Bogalusa Southern Railroad Company was created on December 20, 1898 to serve the needs of the growing South. Although the original charter was written with a larger railroad in mind, the end result was a short line serving the newly-formed town of Bogalusa along the banks Bogalusa Bayous and Bayou Sale. The railroad is an interchange point between the St.Louis-San Francisco Ry. (Frisco) and the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio RR. (GM&O). The company has never owned any locomotives and is jointly served by the Frisco and GM&O. Both of these railroads do all of the switching for the local industries.
Bogalusa’s small yard (South Yard) predominantly handles Frisco’s East-West trains and GM&O’s North-South trains. Typically, business moves from/to Frisco’s Memphis-Birmingham stations in the East, and Tulsa-Oklahoma City in the West. GM&O’s business is from/to New Orleans- Jackson in the South, and St.Louis in the North. Bogalusa’s major industry is the Great Southern Lumber Company (GSL), which handles both inbound and outbound logs, pulpwood and lumber. The GSL operates a logging operation and lumber mill. In addition, there are inbound and outbound shipments of grocery products, paper, building products and merchandise. Bogalusa is also served by both Frisco and GM&O passenger service.
Layout Progress
The track is laid and the 8 blocks (DC) are up and running. I will begin wiring the 13 switches this weekend.