My Previous Layout

My Laurel, MD layout attempted to portray a snapshot of the B&O during the period circa 1970-73. It reflected my most passionate interests in railroading: (1) the B&O's wide variety of motive power that existed during this period; and (2) heavy industry, particularly iron and steel manufacturing.

Thus, given the limited amount of available space (14' by 9'), I simplified it to two general themes: (1) pass-thru mainline action and (2) a steel mill showing each of the 'hot' stages of the steelmaking process, from the melting of iron ore to the stripping of molds off semi-cooled ingots.

The fondest railfanning memories of my adolescence include watching heavy freights tackle steep grades with helpers pushing on the rear, and touring the Ford Motor Company's River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan (hence my fascination with steelmaking). First-generation EMD locomotives were on the 'endangered' list at this time, so I tried especially hard to locate them, photograph them, and record their sounds. I was able to re-live these train chasing experiences whenever I operated the main line [with sound efects], while the steel mill provided opportunities for yard switching and point-to-point operation.

Layout Map

Color Key: RED = Main Line Track, BLACK = Other Track, GREEN = View Blockers

I created this map in 1997 using Atlas' Right Track^TM software (and as you can tell, I hadn't fully mastered it yet!). I numbered the structures and other points of interest to correspond with the list of links below.