The Layout |
| ||
The layout is a fictitious "what if" layout that roughly incorporates a section of the old Michigan Air Line that ran from Jackson Michigan to Saint Clair via Pontiac. The line was purchased by the Grand Trunk Railroad (GTW) in 1883. Some time during the 1980s the rails were pulled up. In the 90s, much of the right of way was converted into bike trails. The Macomb Orchard Trail, Clinton River Trail, and West Bloomfield Trail all have segments built on the former right of way of the Michigan Air Line.
|
The layout is supposed to simulate the railroad as if it had not been abandoned by GTW and was still in operation today. The layout centers around the Pontiac Yard which takes up the entire one side of the layout. Heading west is a line to Jackson and east a line to Saint Clair. An outside yard located across the main line from the Pontiac Yard is used to simulate the yards in Jackson and Saint Clair. Three tracks run the entire perimeter of the layout. The two outside tracks are used as mainlines while the third inside track is used as a local track connected to the various industries on the layout. (See diagram below.)
|
During operations, trains originate in the Pontiac Yard. After coupling to a consist of between five to ten cars, trains are sent east towards Saint Clair or west towards Jackson. Along the way the trains swap car-for-car at industries along the layout. After conducting a run around, trains return back to the Pontiac Yard where the train is dissembled by a switcher. The layout also has a maintenance of way work train and plans are in the works for constructing several depots for running passenger trains (right now there is only one station located on the mainline across from the Rockville modules).
