Name: Manassas Junction, Va.
Scale: N (1:160)
Size: 34″ x 52.5″
Prototype: Manassas Gap RR and Orange & Alexandria RR
Locale: Manassas Junction, Va.
Era: July 1861
Style: diorama
Mainline run: 4′-4″
Minimum radius: 19″
Minimum turnout: no. 4
Maximum grade: none
Benchwork: 1 x 2 frame with 1⁄4″ plywood top
Height: 47′-6″
Roadbed: built into track
Track: Kato Unitrack
Scenery: extruded-foam insulation board
Backdrop: 18″ x 52″ photograph
Control: Set up for DC and DCC
The track plan initially appeared in the September 2015 issue of Model Railroader. Click on the link to download a PDF copy of this track plan.
This is not model railroading, its model townbuilding.
Hi Robert Muckey
Have you seen Bill Caloroso's book: Pennsylvania Railroad's Elmira Branch? There's also a yahoo group. I would love to see a track plan, too.
Having seen this diorama at Los Altos the photos really don't do justice to the field of depth or the level of detail. I was, for the record, there with Peninsula N-Trak. There is also a permanent diorama by Bob Brown of NG&SL Gazette fame on the first floor. Haven't heard about a train show this year. In passing the Hiller Museum has in years gone by had a 'Trains and Plane' show around spring break.
I wonder if there is a plan that can be used for the Pennsylvania Elmira Branch in HO measurements with the ship docks in Sodus Point of early 20th century set.
Love the idea. I have always thought the BEST all time Rail Road movie was "The General" (Buster Keaton) and this here diorama fits that perfectly! I wonder if there is a model of 'The General' locomotive in use on this diorama? I do wonder though at the height of the layout. Is it displayed in the open foyer of a shopping mall or something so that the folk on the top floor can see it easily?
Keep entertaining us with Civil War diorama any time…the troops and tents, horses and wagons, canon and support facilities makes a welcome change d=from the 50's era that seems to dominate and the 'modern' era that seems to require MASSIVE layouts to run (scale) mile and a half trains on 56 inch curves…
Thank you for something new and original.