Central Indiana Division - Midwest Region - NMRA
Updated 3/7/2007

Set in September 1956, the S.R.N.R.R. is a point to point, freelance branch route, running from North Samuels PA, south of Bedfofd PA., to Shadowton ridge WV , which makes up the 90 mile long Lost Ridge Division.(modeled portion) From here, Found Point Division continues south to Hollis VA. just outside ROANOKE and interchanges with the N&W.

Heavy steam & first generation diesels, move coal and mixed freight through the rugged Appalachian mountains. More and more N&W hoppers and motive power is showing up on the rails with the Ridge equipment, as the N&W took over controlling interest of the S.R.N.R.R. one year earlier. The railroads new location and more room (aprx.800 sq. ft.), has allowed the S.R.N.R.R. to now have a min. radius of 32', long passing sidings, and ample freight sidings.

[CONSTRUCTION] The benchwork is L-girder with risers, mostly 2x4 framing. I also use a lot of 3/4'' O.S.B. because of its stability.

[TRACK PLAN] Point to point, with one loop for continuos running during an open house. This is also a double level layout with a 36'' helix. The helix room also has two additional transfer loops and the connection for the continuos run. The main line run is aprx.350'. The road also has staging at both ends.

[SCENERY] Tried and trued old fashion methods , and as you can see from the pictures they work nicely. I use screen wire, cardboard strips (free), as the main superstructure, covered with either floor leveling plaster, white glue and paper towels, or rosin paper and hot glue. If the area calls for it I use it. On top of this anything and every thing goes. If it looks worthy, I'll sweep it up from the floor and use it. I grind, crush, and sift natural things like dirt, leaves, gravel etc. I also use free sticks from the yard, I sure hope no one is buying sticks. All the trees are hand made using many different methods.

[TRACK & CONTROL] Handlaid, flex in staging, #6 turnout minimum. I cut all the ties, from real 2''x6'' white pine. I'm using a DIGITRAX system, and sound is starting to fill the room. I.S.S. signals are built and should start going up in a few months.

[OPERATION] In following John Allen's lead, I always try to move something with a purpose, just not picking a car up using my hands, but moving it using an engine. On my first layout a small group of four operated using car cards and some switching lists. The new layout will need six to seven to get the job done. I plan to use the car cards, but would like to incorporate a computer built random switchlist. I think this would take away repetition, and add a more realistic approach to an operating session.

[VISITORS] If you're in the Anderson area, come on by, I would love to share the'' Ridge'' with you.

Being a scenery and scratch building NUT the new layout is allowing me to be able to create some of my best work yet. I hope you enjoy the progress on the ''Ridge'' through the pictures, as we all enjoy our hobby for a lifetime

Original Shadowton Ridge
See some of the original Shadowton Ridge in the original slides - Photo Slide - Photo Slide 2

January 3, 2002, I stopped by Matt's to get a couple of shots to show off the newer construction.
Click on the thumbnail view to see the larger photo. - rph

     
   

Matt's layout was dismantled due to a move. The new Shadowton Ridge North is now under construction and will incorporate many of the buildings and a few scenes from the old layout. Follow the construction with these photos.

Shadowton Ridge North
January 11, 2003

       
       

July 05, 2003 (A number of things are beginning to come together.)

   

November 29, 2003 Still more progress including the first photo of the Sawmill that was left behind at a GATS show and later recovered.

May 2004 - Progress? You bet!
1) coal from 'Carbon Creek' being readied to ship east. 2) The Alpine Inn, hot spot on Saturday night.
3) #287 works at Carbon Ridge. 4 & 5) Shift change at Carbon Ridge.

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

6) September at Clifton saw mill. 7) Time to work at the mill in Greensprings. 8) Gettin turned at Greensprings.
9) & 10) Eagle Fish Camp at Greensprings.

6) 7) 8) 9) 10)

11 & 12) It's the 50s, and true to form, we have a hot rod pick up!

11) 12)

September 2, 2004 - Greensprings WV, is virtually finished. The following photos combined with those above will give you the look and feel of Greensprings on the Shadowton Ridge North Railroad.

September 23, 2004 - Tony Koester visits. In town for James Canter's Midwest O Scale Meet in Indianapolis, Tony Koester dropped in to look Matt's layout over and was photographed at Greensprings.

November 5, 2004 - Look what just rolled into the Greensprings Depot !

   

December 30, 2006 - A visit to Matt's just to catch up on the activity.