These pages document my attempt at modeling the Chartiers Branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad in S-scale. Lots of prototype and modeling information is provided here. My motivation for modeling the Pennsylvania Railroad came about gradually. I was born in the "wrong" country to ever see the PRR with my own eyes. When I got back into model railroading in 1999, I was drawn to the colors of the PRR's engines (Brunswick Green and Tuscan Red); it really was just that simple. Later, as I studied and learned more about the PRR and its history, I became hooked. With the switch from N-scale modeling to S-scale modeling I decided to focus on a branch line. The PRR had lots and lots of branch lines. After some extensive research I decided to model the Chartiers Branch. See the Research topic below for more information about this branch.
Layout Milestones
- 07-21-2008 - The layout was officially started.
- 10-16-2008 - The benchwork was completed.
- 12-04-2008 - The subroadbed was completed.
- 04-14-2009 - Two scratchbuilt bridges completed.
- 04-27-2009 - Shingiss track completed.
- 10-15-2009 - Canonsburg track completed.
- 12-25-2009 - Track work completed. Total: 3,024 scale feet, 47-1/4 actual feet, 11 turnouts, one crossing.
Layout Basics
- 08-06-2008 - Introduction
- 12-25-2009 - Research
- 12-16-2009 - Designs
- 08-08-2008 - Room Preparations
- 01-05-2010 - Benchwork Construction
- 01-01-2010 - Utility Panel
Layout Progress
- 10-15-2009 - Canonsburg, PA
- 04-27-2009 - Shingiss, PA
- 12-30-2009 - Washington, PA
The layout is shaped like a "U". The photo below is a crude composite of three photos spliced together. These photos were taken on October 15, 2009 and show the entire layout (all track work is done now, which is not captured in these dated photos). On the left is Washington, PA, the center is the community of Shingiss, PA, and the right is Canonsburg, PA. The room's entrance is on the right, and a possible expansion into the room's closet would be on the left.
