A Switching Layout From A Real Railroads Operation

[extra7000south]

I've been wanting to build a switching layout recently and this one caught my attention.
It's small and it's dealing with the lumber industry...Right up my alley!!
I got some great ideas!!  ;D

Dawson Station is a 1x4 foot N scale inglenook switching puzzle based on a real railroads operations.
It's modeled after Hull Oaks Lumber in Oregon. One of the last operating commercial steam powered saw mill in the United States.

To find out about the railroad and the layout, see the link below.
Watch the video links to see how the real railroad operated then compare that to the layout video.

Here's the blog; http://www.dawson-station.blogspot.com/

Ken Olsen from Adair Village, Oregon is the layouts owner.
I have been in contact with him, he's a great guys and shares his modeling information with others.

Take a look and let me know what you think.  




For those who don't know about the classic inglenook switching puzzle, this link will explain inglenook principles and operations;
http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/Inglenook/inglenook-trackplan.html

[wazzou]

Problem is now, it's been a number of years since that mill has gotten rail service and won't likely ever again.  The rail is intact but the line has been embargoed.
The mill is Hull Oakes Lumber.  I'm sure if you Google it, there is plenty of info available.  It is on the National Historic Register.

[extra7000south]

Problem is now, it's been a number of years since that mill has gotten rail service and won't likely ever again.  The rail is intact but the line has been embargoed.
The mill is Hull Oakes Lumber.  I'm sure if you Google it, there is plenty of info available.  It is on the National Historic Register.

Yes Bryan the rail service ended in 2007, I believe.
Ken's site has videos, photos and tons of other information. He also sent me some information and photos on CD.

I just thought it was kewel to see a inglenook in real life!!  

[NorfolkSouthern9708]

This came at a good time. I was looking for an HO scale switching layout. So these are some great layout ideas, thank you.

[Kev1340]

Ken has done a great job on that layout -simplicity at it's best. I've enjoyed his lweb-site for a while.

Cheers,

Kev

[Philip H]

I am a huge fan of Ken's website, and a real admirer of his work.  The throttle interface he built to use a Wii controller is really techie cool.  And I agree with you - even if the rail line is presently out of service, its great to see a real inglenook, and it offers a ton of modeling possibilities.

If you do one, you could do it in an earlier era - I'd love to see what this place looked like under steam . . . .

[MichaelT]

That might just make its' way to my new layout plan. Having a lumber facility and the switching possibilities might be too much to pass up!