Blacksburg Junction oNetrak module.

[Specter3]

I built a shelf layout long before I was into modular railroading. I converted it into a oNetrak module now named Blacksburg Junction. In fact the Carolina Coastal just leased this branch that runs down to Kings Creek from Blacksburg, SC. The module does not represent real trackwork, just uses the idea of a junction with a tunnel such as exists there. The time period for when the trackwork was aimed at was the 20s or 30s. That is what I am still going for with the structures that I hope to find.

Here is a MS paint overview of the south end of the module.



Here is the north end prior to a slight track revision in the form of eliminating the second spur under the white temporary structure.

[Specter3]

This module needed some love. OK so I finally got around to purchasing some of the planned buildings for it. First up is Hitzeman's feed mill by AMB. Turned out ok considering I have the flu and all.







Now with some structures this module starts to take a more definitive shape.

[Specter3]

Here is the second building. Finished today.

[Specter3]

The depot and general store showed up and I got the walls up and could not resist dropping them on the module for a picture.





Placement of the general store is not set in stone yet. I am wondering if it needs some more structures for a larger town feel or if I should just start planting trees and see what happens. A gas station of some type is still on the list but beyond that I am looking for inspiration.

Ryan

[Specter3]

The kids helped me with some mock ups of some buildings to have a look at what this would be set up a little more urban than I originally planned.

[Specter3]

The kids helped me with some mock ups of some buildings to have a look at what this would be set up a little more urban than I originally planned.

[Specter3]

This is the Blacksburg, SC area that kind of inspired this module.

The first bridge is highway 29. Behind it is a second bridge that carries the now NS main over the branch line.




From the hwy 29 bridge looking north to the NS bridge.


Looking south from the hwy 29 bridge.


Yeah, I know it's a bridge not a tunnel, but hey, it's my train and I will do with it as I please.

[Specter3]

Not a whole lot of modeling being done during soccer season. But recently got some time.

Putting together a Bar Mills Earl's Oil for the module and painted some old autos for that are destined for here as well.







Ryan

[Specter3]

I also picked up some rolling stock that was more appropriate for the period I am trying to model.



Ryan

[MichaelWinicki]

Nice module Specter... good trackplan.

Luv those laser-cut buildings too.

I'd consider taking an hour and doing a quick cover-up of the module with say Woodland Scenics Blended Turf, which would make a fine base turf for the area you're modeling.

That would make a huge impact on the overall look of the layout.

[Specter3]

Michael

I want to get a touch firmer in where the buildings and roads are going to be before I put down any more ground cover. I have changed plans a couple times so far with this module and I hate tearing up stuff I have done on a large scale. I am pretty close to being sure where the roads and buildings on the long end will be. I have made a drastic change in that is has gotten vastly more urban than my original plan. I am going to have to rip up a ton of scultamold to get the buildings and roads down where I want to. I have about half the buildings picked out and I am continuously looking for what I want to use for the rest. I really wish some of the manufacturers would stop coming out with such nice rolling stock that I just have to have. Exactrail just announced Southern Rwy waffle sides and since I model the Sou in the late 70s I have to have at least all 6 numbers and I should get a dozen or so. Anyway this module will be set in the 30s and in the area I grew up in all the buildings were wood and the pictures of the town showed few to no trees anywhere close to town except in peoples yards as ornamentation. So trees will not be a problem. Except that it looks weird. I may have trees that would not have realistically been there in that time period. From pictures it seems that most areas that were not a building, job lot, road, or garden, were mud or weeds. Not terribly hard to model, but aesthetically unhappy to look at. It will be a while before I get there though.

Ryan

[Specter3]

The road crew came through and it looked like it snowed. Didn't want to use the chisel on the module again. So a drill with a wire brush chucked in it kept the beating to a minimum. But the dust flew like mad.

[Specter3]

Some more time with the rotary and the town is looking a bit more level.







The modern buildings are stand ins. All of the buildings will be wooden. 

[Bobster]

Greetings,

The picture of the single track near the NS trackage,,,is that the line that crosses over I 85 on a trestle?  Where does that line stop and start.  I've been curious about it.   

Looks like you have a nice plan going.  Look forward to your progress.

Happy modelling,
Bob

[Specter3]

Thanks for checking in. The line is currently active down to kings creek and this plant:



abandoned and removed south of there. Here is the history of it.

http://www.abandonedrails.com/Wateree_to_Kings_Creek

North of there is the bridge across 85 and the line continues to Shelby where it merges with the CSX ex-Clinchfield main that runs from Johnson City to Charlotte.