Station 8 - Shafer Prairie

WWSL 1st Subdivision

Location. Schafer Prairie is the first station on the First Subdivision.

Design. Schafer Prairie is the station name for the helix connecting the two decks of the WWSL. 

The helix is a single track main line, with a 21 inch radius, on a 2.38 degree grade, 6 1/2 levels. The helix is visible from one side only, and that side will have scenery and fascia.

Operations. Trains leave Brady Junction and head north on Division 1 trackage toward OPLC Camp 1.

Vignettes.

There are six levels to the helix. For an operator focusing on prototype operation, there is nothing worse than watching a train go round and round on a helix - it challenges the mindset. I decided to establish operational windows that I hope will enhance the operators operational experience rather than distract the operator from the un-prototype length of time the train is out of their immediate vision. Those operational windows I am calling 'vignettes'. These vignettes to will consist of the following right of way scenes:

• A road crossing. 
• An absolute stop (ABS) dwarf signal for entry into Brady Junction.
  
• A storage track(s) for the WWSL's work train.
• A cut with embankment to the back of the helix. 
• A storage track for ballast cars..

 Track Diagram. 

Roadway. This is the only location on the layout where the roadbed isn't foam. 1/4 inch cork roadbed will be used for the roadbed. 

• WWSL main line - Class B with relaxed standards
• WWSL passing track - Class C with relaxed standards

Scenery. Scenery is limited in both the horizontal (30 inches) and vertical (3 inches). 

• Mid scenery would be primarily cuts and fills with bushes. This scenery would be considered view blocks preventing operators from seeing the non-sceniced interior of the helix. Those view blocks would be removable from the inside for track access as required.
  
• Near scenery would be primarily detailed right of way, track and track fixtures, and ballast.

It is anticipated that the vignettes would look something like this: side views of the equipment rather than the traditional 3/4 view preferred by railroad photographers .

(pic)

Catenary/Signaling.  

(C) There is no catenary located within the helix. Catenary poles may be part of the sceniced vignette as warranted. 

(S). There will be an absolute drawf signal on the lower level to control access to Brady Junction.

Rolling Stock. I have envisioned having MOW cars built for operation and display. Those display cars (say 1930's WWSL) would be displayed on those otherwise inaccessible siding tracks. These cars would include single and double sheathed wood outfit cars, truss rod flat cars, wood ballast cars, etc. 

Structures. None

Resource.

 

Benchwork is Completed

 This week was the final week of benchwork construction. 

 I cleaned up the rough edges of the valences over the helix.

I purchased and cut to size the 2 inch styrofoam and masonite for the last 4 modules.

I painted the backdrops the two shades of sky. 

I started sorting the bits and pieces of styrofoam in my scrap pile to identify landforms for the WWSL version 3 right of way and toss the rest. Same thing with the lumber shorts. Alot of scrap to the dump. 

Now I have to reorganize again and get the layout room ready for right of way development and tracklaying.

Station 7 - Wickwood

Location

Wickwood (WK). Location of American Pulp and Paper Mill and the Saginaw Timber Company. Two track yard, RIP track, joint WWSL/OPLC/STC locomotive repair facility. Western Washington Power Company plant spur. Team track. STC engine servicing facility. Interchange with STC .
 

History



Operations



Vignettes



Highly Desired Elements



Nice to have



Roadway



Scenery



Catenary/Signaling



Locomotives



Rolling Stock 

 

Structures

 

Resources

Benchwork 10

 Benchwork construction is just about over and I'm glad it's coming to an end. 

Once the helix base was roughed in and emplaced, final benchwork can be completed. 

I installed the south wall upper level horizontal L-Girder. I then installed the east wall upper level horizontal L-girder - completing the upper level benchwork.

I then installed the lower level south wall L-Girder. Notice that I simultaneously installed the east wall L-girder. I had to do this to ensure that the east wall modules were correctly installed at the 8 foot length and whatever excess length of the layout room was reflected in the width of the south wall modules. I anticipated a 32 inch width of the south wall modules. The reality was 33 inches and I'm fine with that.

 

Not photographed but installed was a lower level leg installed along the south wall to hold up the lower module.