Current Layout by John Beck

Layout Name:

"The Kentucky Road"

Layout Status:

active

Track Type:

Layout Space:

19' x 29'

Layout Style:

Around-the-room, G-shaped, two-level

Track Manufacturer:

handlaid, Shinohara and Tomalco Track turnouts

Rail Size:

code 100

Min. Turnout Frog:

#8 (main) #6 (sidings)

Min. Radius:

42" (main), 32" (branch, helix)

Ruling Grade:

Track Height(s):

30", 60"

Mainline Track Length:

120'

Completed:

benchwork: 100%; track: 100%; scenery: 75%

Setting:

Kentucky, running north to Akron, Ohio

Railroad(s) Modeled:

freelance, NYC, B&O

Control System:

Featured In:

NASG Dispatch, May 2021, pg 11

NASG Dispatch, Feb 1998, pg 14

Notes:

The center of the room is taken up by an island-style G-gauge layout.

The upper level's track plan, from the May 2021 issue of the Dispatch.

The lower level's track plan, from the May 2021 issue of the Dispatch.

The mainline big bridge was made out of Walthers and Atlas HO-scale components, resting on scratchbuilt cast-plaster piers. The branchline to Cresson runs under the bridge at the town of Boston Mill.

Cresson, at the end of the branch line, is in perpetual winter. Passenger cars here are Train Stuff urethane and wood models. The coaling tower is an original Frank Titman Lehigh Valley Models kit.

This view is of Lexington Yard on the lower deck. The Warwick interlocking and control panel are on the upper deck. The distant signal bridge is scratchbuilt to PRR standard plans from plastic and brass.

This is life by the tracks; a typical farm house scene. Mom is carrying water, the coal pile is ready for winter, and the dog isn't too happy with the linemen working.