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Prewar Steam Switcher Switching Layout- Testing A Concept

PRR8976PRR8976OGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I've been toying with the idea of starting another layout (my 5th, I think), utilizing my Lionel Pennsy prewar steam switchers (and lone B&O Dockside) and wanted to test a couple of things. As a sort of inspiration, I liked a photo I bought off of eBay a few years ago that showed two Pennsy steam switchers, operating on cobblestone streets in the Philadelphia area. I always liked the idea of the tracks being embedded in a cobblestone street. 

I also wanted to see how printed images off the Internet would look as a mock-up/diorama of sorts and for now without any track. I used glue sticks to attach the faux fronts to sheets of cardboard. I have quite a few more to use when needed. For this test, they are just propped up for now. The cobblestone sections are just loosely laid out as close to each other as possible. All of this combines my favorite traits...cheap and easy! 

Maybe later in the Summer I can try to put together an L-shaped switching layout maybe 8 feet one way 4 or 5 the other and have a circular section of track (or maybe two) cutting through the faux-front buildings allowing me to run a circle of track (or two) when I want, even though half may be hidden by the faux front buildings. 

I think with the faux-front building being properly/permanently mounted and the cobblestone sections being cut better to eliminate the white borders it could look pretty decent. 

See what you think.

Tom 

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Last edited by PRR8976
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SL Silver LakeOGR Forum Member

Exciting news from you Tom. I look forward to see what you end up doing. It seems like a really cool, fertile subject.

Here is a post that may interest you 

https://ogrforum.com/...ial-switching-layout 

His seems very influenced by British style switch layouts.

Congratulations on that announcement. Very exciting. If you are going with a prewar switcher theme an American Flyer 429 should fit in there somewhere.

PRR8976PRR8976OGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Andy/SILVERLAKE,

Thanks for the advice and the link. I had not seen that topic. I skimmed through it and it looks pretty interesting. 

As far as locomotives, I'll stick with the many Pennsy switchers and the Dockside for now. The Dockside loco purchase was already a bit life-altering in a way. I never got the urge for anything from American Flyer except for a few accessories, but that's just me. 

  Tom 

FM Former Member

I like the idea of a city street scene with tracks, other than those used for street cars.  The idea brings back memories of driving along Delaware Ave, dodging rails sticking up above the cobblestones, which were a driving experience themselves.  

I recall seeing diesel switchers on Delaware Ave and also on Washington Avenue.  Those days are long gone.  

PRR8976PRR8976OGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Thanks Dan,

Ahh Delaware Ave.! The picture that I mentioned as being an inspiration (that I have somewhere) is actually of 2 Pennsy steam switchers on Delaware Ave. Joe Frank, subway modeler extraordinaire, identified my picture and mentioned the EL (also in the picture) which was probably getting demolished at the time. I'll try to see if I can dig it up. 

  Tom 

FM Former Member
MNCW posted:

Thanks Dan,

Ahh Delaware Ave.! The picture that I mentioned as being an inspiration (that I have somewhere) is actually of 2 Pennsy steam switchers on Delaware Ave. Joe Frank, subway modeler extraordinaire, identified my picture and mentioned the EL (also in the picture) which was probably getting demolished at the time. I'll try to see if I can dig it up. 

  Tom 

That would be interesting to see.

EM Eddie MarraOGR Forum Member

I remember seeing the diesel switchers on Delaware Avenue, as well.  When I was little and my dad worked for L&I, some summer days I would go to work with him and some of his stops included places along the waterfront.  

Modeling that area in the time of steam for a switching layout would be amazing!  You aren't only using a point to point, but switching into the piers and back out on to Delaware Ave. itself!

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