Some modeling notes on abandoned trackage

[FJ and G]

Abandoned trackage seems to be everywhere, from entire lines to spurs not used anymore. Have you ever considered modeling portions of these? I think it would add some variety to a layout, even if it's nothing more than a short, weed-covered spur with a rusting steam locomotive or rolling stock.

I'm planning on building a broken down trestle to span this canyon and an abandoned spur line.



Last night I was out rabbit hunting with the hound and came across this flanged wheel in a dried streambed on an abandoned farm near Manassas VA. It appears to be a wheel from an industrial railway, but it might not have anything to do with trains.





I took some photos of abandoned spur lines, covered with kudzu, outside the window of my VRE train.







(posted on 2 forums; pls don't get angry)

[Dr. John]

Great shots, Dave! I've got a day off tomorrow so I'll try to get some shots of some of the abandoned spurs here in Prattville.

Modeling is fairly easy. You can go minimalist and just put down some roadbed with a few abandoned ties (or no ties) and cover with a mix of ground cover and ballast. Also, you can model partially paved-over rails in streets. I plan to model either an abandoned spur or an abandoned interchange with a boarded-up tower. I like your idea of modeling the remnants of a trestle. I'll post some pics of the remains of a trestle here in Prattville.

[lionelsoni]

I think it's an automobile brake drum, Dave.

http://qd-highton.en.alibaba.com/product/10316545/50006006/Auto_Parts/Brake_Drum.html

[cnw1995]

David, I keep on doing this inadvertently in that sometimes I seldom use the spur off a switch - it's there, like a siding, but I just don't use it... ;)

[FJ and G]

Gee, Bob,

See my knowledge of automobilies. Hmmmmmm. One could get 4 brake drums, build a handcar and go riding on abandoned tracks. But for purposes of this forum and so no one gets mad, DON'T do this, you're likely trespassing. There, put the mandatory warning in place!

Dr. John,
My trestle will be flood-damaged vice burned out. Looking forward to any pictures.

Doug,

Just add some grass and paint the rails rust brown and build up the area with dirt. If you still want to use the spur, you can push some cars into it in the future, w/out worrying about electrical contact. Maybe rust paint a cheap rolling stock you don't use much, you know, like the $9 K-Line specials with plastic trucks.

That's what I'm doing. I'm going to break it with a sledge hammer and throw the pieces in the canyon after rust-painting them.

[Anonymous]

This thread and the one about burned up trains on ebay have got me thinking....has anyone modeled any of the classic wrecks of the last 100 years?

You know like the wreck of the old 97? Afterall it was America's first record that sold over a million copies. Yep, that's right the first gold record was about a train.

[garyseven]

This abandoned tubular line near the hobo campsite is one of my favorite parts of the layout. Not quite up to your modeling standards... but fun none-the-less.

[Dr. John]

Nice scene, Scott!

[1688torpedo]

Dave ! You need to model BB sticking her nose in a Rabbit Hole complete with Barking sounds,A River nearby, & a Rusty Corvair in a Field[:)]...............Keith

[fievel]

I'm working on the Burlington Northern in Montana. I'm including former right
of way of Milwaukee Road. No rails,just weeds and an empty tunnel. It's kind
of sad to me, yet it is reality.

[Dr. John]

Here in central Alabama there are a lot of abandoned rail lines, unfortunately. Bridges and grade crossings still remain of the old Central of Georgia line into Montgomery. Part of the C of G has been turned into a bike and hiking trail near the Georgia line. Some kids from our church took a trip and biked it.

Dave, I didn't make it into town today to photograph the remains of that old trestle. I'll take the camera to work with me tomorrow. The church is only two blocks from Autauga Creek and the old Continental Eagle mill. I'll try to get some shots of some of the old street trackage (if I can do it without getting run over!)

[Dr. John]

Here are some photos I took around Prattville today . . .

This is the old Continental Eagle mill, which dates back to the 1830s. You can see the remains of the trestle pilings in Autauga Creek at the bottom of the picture.


Another view of the pilings and a glimpse of a newer part of the mill.


Remnants of the old GM&O house tracks near the Prattville depot.


Abandoned street trackage approaching the old mill.


Prattville's former GM&O depot, used for a while as a dance studio, now abandoned.


Trackside view of the depot. The signs advertise the Montgomery Ballet. You can just make out the siding for the feed mill down the former GM&O mainline to Tuscaloosa, AL (now NS / CSX). GM&O gas-electric "doodlebugs" used to provide passenger service on this line.

[csxt30]

Enjoyed all the pictures, now I may go and try to get some in my area. Dr. John, that abandoned depot could make a nice place for a model RR club!! Thanks, John

[FJ and G]

Dr John,

That's pretty neat. The factory and retaining wall with ivy look like something on a model train layout. I always like to see rails thru pavement. I lived for 7 years in Little Rock AR, and used to sometimes see old trolley rails in the pavement, esp in summer when the heat would make the asphalt bubble, often exposing the old trolley tracks. Interestingly enough, after I movd away from there, they rebuilt and started running one of the trolley lines.

-----
Bet there are some rabbits near that depot that BB would find.

[Anonymous]

Great pictures, everyone! Very interesting!

QUOTE: Originally posted by FJ and G


See my knowledge of automobilies. Hmmmmmm. One could get 4 brake drums, build a handcar and go riding on abandoned tracks. But for purposes of this forum and so no one gets mad, DON'T do this, you're likely trespassing. There, put the mandatory warning in place!

A friend of mine told me about a guy who lives somewhere near here that owns a jigger (what we call speeders here). Near his place, there are a couple of miles of abandoned track that he goes riding on regularily.

[Dr. John]

John - My understanding is that there were plans to turn the depot into a railroad museum. Don't know what became of the idea. There is an HO club in town that has a meeting place but not as big as this depot.

Dave - BB would love it around here. Rabbits, foxes, turkeys, and LOTS of deer! It's hound dog heaven! I flushed some quail while I was walking around the depot.

[Dr. John]

Amazing! I just received the new July issue of CTT and there's a trackplan article that features a missing bridge.