Hey all. Has anyone made an O gauge scale model of the horseshoe curve? I am thinking about it; however, I know it will take a lot of space. What are y'all's thoughts?
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An O-scale model of Horseshoe Curve in true 1:48 would be 40 feet across. A local N-scale modeler had one built to true scale on his layout and it was a little more than 10 feet across.
I built a severely compressed version that does capture "the look" under a 10' wide by 12' deep breakfast nook. It has 4 tracks, has the correct 1.8% upgrade westbound and curves a little over 180 degrees like the prototype.
Click on any of the photos to see a larger version.
I model the early 1950's and I worked from numerous photos to get the amount of foliage, height of the flagpole relative to the big tree in the park, etc. right. There was no locomotive on display in the park until 1956.
Here is a photo of scenery installation that gives a good size reference.
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In TM's 3rd part in their Great Toy Train layouts of America video series, Phil Klopp modeled the Horseshoe Curve - his version had 3 tracks like it does today, rather than 4 tracks when Pennsylvania RR owned the line.
VERY nice work Bob.....I don't even have the room you do.....but love your work as I am going to build 50's era PRR style RR.
John, my email address is britton89@bellsouth.net.
Bob, I don't know what to say. You have an awesome model even if it is not to scale. My biggest concern isfrom which time period to model the curve because now the foliage surrounding the curve is not maintained as well as it was in its heyday. Furthermore, I want to be able to run my Lionel heavyweights around the curve and I do not believe that is possible with four tracks. However, I love the fact that you modeled the curve as it was in the 50s/60s. It looks awesome and I am jealous.
Originally Posted by Mikado 4501:
In TM's 3rd part in their Great Toy Train layouts of America video series, Phil Klopp modeled the Horseshoe Curve - his version had 3 tracks like it does today, rather than 4 tracks when Pennsylvania RR owned the line.
Pennsylvania Railroad did more than own the line, they planned and constructed the entire route through the mountains of western pennsylvannia.
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ed rapp[keystone ed] hangs out on the 2-rail forum -he has a horseshoe curve on a huge basement layout that, if it isnt, its close to the prototype.i think he had a 75" min radius on the entire layout. do a search -theres some video posted on it .-jim
Is it real or is it Bartizek's?
What, me worry?
Robert, your model of the Horseshoe Curve has always amazed me. So real.
