Central Indiana Division - Midwest Region - NMRA
Updated 4/4/2009

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