Layout Geography: Where in the world are you: Part 2

My fictional railroad, the Atlantic Inland, runs from Hampton, VA. To St. Louis, Mo.

For the first thirty years of its life, the western terminus of the MODELED PORTION OF THE LAYOUT was in a fictional city named Littlerock. 

During the time between the end of AIR1 and the start of AIR2, time spent moving from California to Virginia; building our new house; getting my knees replaced; and wrapping up a thirty plus year career in the studio business, I looked at a railroad atlas.

What I found was that the theory of the Atlantic Inland Railway would best be served if the western most point of the Modeled Layout was moved to Charleston WV.

This allowed me to accomplish the goal of modeling a railroad to river barge bulk transfer facility, and to be honest that was my primary goal in the move. 

But what I ALSO found out was that by making this move the ideas of safety valve transfers between the AIR and near-by connecting railroads (C&O, B&O, NYC, WM) not only became easier but nearly required. It brought logic and plausibility to my freelanced world.

So the west end of the layout is in an urban area I call East Charleston, WV.  I have kept the name Littlerock for the yard facility that anchors the west end of the layout. So while it might be confusing, Littlerock Yard is located in East Charleston, WV., along the east bank of the Elk River.

One last thing. Comments. I know there are some readers out there, “Stats” tells me so, but, and I think this is simply human nature, there are no commenters. I’m sure this will be a double edged sword, but if you read this blog, I’d like to hear from you. I’m always looking for new ideas and procedures.

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