It was the first time that track authority was formally issued on this layout.
Since SACOM’s inception in the late 1990s, it has been a dream for the group to have a building and layout dedicated to preserving the essence of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway through the Kanawha Valley in scale model form. Today, we see that dream coming to fruition more than we ever have. With most … Read more
Editor’s note: This is the second part of a two-part series documenting SACOM members’ trip to Michigan in Oct. 2021. It’s quite difficult to describe the level of perfection Mike Burgett has achieved on his HO scale representation of C&O Clifton Forge Division, which is set in 1965. Burgett occasionally opens his layout to visitors … Read more
Editor’s Note: This replaces October’s “SACOM For Progress…” monthly update. This is also the first part of a two-part series on our trip to Michigan. A quintet of SACOM members ventured north to Michigan last month for a C&O history-filled weekend. The idea, however, started several months prior when Mike Burgett invited SACOM and its … Read more
November 1, 2021 marked our layout’s very first practice operating simulation, when we ran both the “Hurricane Turn” and the “Handley Turn” out of South Charleston, taking specific manifest cars from that yard to spot, both east and west.
This was the first step in discovering the many “fixes” that are needed in track, electrical, rolling stock and motive power. All were noted.
Mike Burgett “adjusts the board,” with wooden blocks bearing the names of the crewmen waiting to be called for their next train assignment. Stephen Brooks (seated) calls the crews and issues train orders.
We welcome you back to what has become our monthly layout progress update… featured this month is a new configuration at the eastern end of the layout, a weathered turntable for Handley, and mountains!
The new turntable pit for the Handley engine terminal takes shape, with Greig Goodall’s practiced weathering.
The sun’s just up, as Amtrak’s ‘Cardinal’ blows east across the Coal River bridge, closing in on its next stop in Charleston (7/28/21). This scene is being depicted on our SACOM layout, to include the Coal River at the west end of town, the bridge, and even the train… and in any number of eras.
