Horseshoe curve idea

[FJ and G]

The Aug04 Trains mag is simply awesome, as we are accustomed to expect by now. The nice features on the Horseshoe Curve almost (not not quite), make me want to repaint my warbonnets to pinstrips and tuscan.

Now for the idea. Very very little is ever mentioned about the 2 spurs that lead off the horseshoe curve. I believe they go to mines. One closed in the 1930s but the other one may still be there; I don't know.

The spurs don't look to be more than 10 or 20 miles long. The idea for modeling, if you are one of the many Pennsy fans, would be to model one or both spurs as the primary layout, with the transfer track being the horsehoe curve.

Actually, I don't believe that trains transfered there but simply went from the 2 spurs straight into the curve and to the processing plant, whereever that might have been located.

The spurs could be pretty accurately modeled, even in O scale.

THe same idea of modeling spurs could be applied to other railroads as well. For example, the D&RG narrow gauge is frequently modeled but not some of the interesting spurs like the one to Pagosa Springs. These are not short lines because they are part of Class 1 RRs so they frequently get ignored.

[Don Gibson]

You COULD model the horseshoe curve at the bottom of the Tehachapi's. One can add 'spurs' anywhere or anytime. Those brown hills with sparse 'Live Oak' trees are interesting and unique.

There are enough pictures of that area that you don't have to travel there - unless you're a nut and want to see where the Pagossa Springs branchline was. If so, Stay at the Jicarilla Apache best Western, and take in the Toltec Gorge.

Fellow nut,

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FJ and G
Now for the idea. Very very little is ever mentioned about the 2 spurs that lead off the horseshoe curve. I believe they go to mines. One closed in the 1930s but the other one may still be there; I don't know.

Having been to Horseshoe 8 times (exact visit # is 15 to 20) I can say both are ripped up.

[Bergie]

Mildly off topic...

Check out today's Trains News Wire: click here to open in new window. There's an awesome photo from the 150 Anniversary celebration at the Curve that took place on the 4th of July.

Enjoy!
Bergie