Modeling Railroads of a pre-Depression Era
Personal experiences and preferences
First pre-WWII era layout focused on a mile of the Western Maryland in Elkins, WV, circa 1926.
While a familiar railroad, the look was far different from a traditional railfan view.
No Fireball emblem, or any logomark at all.
No steel cabooses, only wood 4-wheel bobbers.
Smaller locomotive power.
Black hoppers, some had the roadname spelled out, but many only carried the WM reporting mark.
Railroad was a vital to link Elkins with the outside world.
Interesting mix of local industries, many serving the local population; cold storage, wholesale grocer, freight house, foundry, planing mill, wood product manufacturing, brick works, plumbing and hardware supply, Farmer's Co-op, local power company, tannery, plus three branch lines meeting in one area and an interchange with another railroad.
W&LE East 93rd Street depot, Cleveland, OH, 1926. From the W&LE Collection in the Michael J. Schwartz Library of Cleveland State University
Second pre-WWII era layout focused on a few blocks in Newburgh, Ohio (metro-Cleveland) circa 1926.
Portions of the Wheeling & Lake Erie and the Newburgh & South Shore were incorporated into the design.
W&LE 27000 series box car, 1932. From the W&LE Collection in the Michael J. Schwartz Library of Cleveland State University
Charismatic railroads that are overlooked when reviewing the Cleveland rail network.
Interesting mix of interchange, heavy industry and local industry in an urban area that had more of a small town feel.
Local industries include: barrel manufacturing company, four coal dealers, fuel oil dealer, paint and varnish company, wholesale grocer, team tracks, stamping company, Newburgh Wire Works.
Traffic density could be managed for a layout in a small 11x11 foot room.
Streetcars on adjacent and crossing roadways.
Historic photo and document collections of each railroad are available for review in Cleveland libraries.
Looking north on East 93rd Street depot, Cleveland, OH, 1926. From the W&LE Collection in the Michael J. Schwartz Library of Cleveland State University
Let the prototype be your guide |
Embrace the opportunity |
The final W&LE passenger train at East 93rd Street depot, Cleveland, OH, 1931. From the W&LE Collection in the Michael J. Schwartz Library of Cleveland State University