Well... been workin' on the Fort Smith Sub in V scale. The rails are now leaving Van Buren, and have already reached the first of many crossings of Frog Creek (Bayou), near the location of the early town of "Meadows". So far, so good. It's not perfect, but plenty acceptible for this FS Sub fanatic. Don't know how far I'll lay track before I'm ready for a break from it, but when I do, I intend to start populating some of the towns that are already in place, including creating FS Sub-specific 3D structures for placement. It is going to be so cool to be able to run Frisco freights powered by F's, FA's, and GP7's on it as it progresses! Parting shot: Below you'll find a schematic (that I annotated within a paint program) illustrating the track at Van Buren, Arkansas. Bear in mind that you're looking at a mile-for-mile replica. Andre Ming
Whoa I can't wait to see this program run. After spending most of the last year volunteering on the A&M's Van Buren to Winslow trains this will be most enjoyable. Be sort cool as well being able to see what land will be where my house will sit in the future. Hope your having fun recreating the Central Division Andre. Ship it on the Frisco!!! Murphy Jenkins
Murph: Bear in mind this is like building a medium sized model railroad layout: It takes a while. Plus, there will be diversions/distractions along the way. Someday, though, I hope to have enough completed (Ft Smith - Van Buren?) to start sharing it with others. I can then continue adding on until "eventually" it reaches a state that it could be "complete". Also, will you be helping on the winter passenger train due to start in a couple weeks or so? If so, I'm supposed to run it. Be sure to come up to the engine and introduce yourself. whizkid: Thanks! V scale modeling is fun... different than model railroading... but has its own rewards. Of course, it has its frustrations, too. But, overall, it has much to commend it. I've attached another annotated schematic (snapped from within the Activity Editor tool). This time you're looking at the Fort Smith yard area. I used Sanborn maps to build this. Admittedly, it is simplified somewhat, but overall the "feel" is there. The 1908 version of this route is illustrated in the pic, but already I've started modifying a copy of the original route to reflect the FS area from about 1964-1970 or so. When I get enough "done", one will be able to "virtually" railroad on the old FS Sub as it was on the prototype! Though MSTS (Microsoft Train Simulator) is dated, given the updates and hacks, it is still a very capable sim program! All for now. EDIT: The forum software says I've already uploaded the pic in question in this thread: http://www.frisco.org/vb/showthread.php?t=3659 If you desire to view it, look for the attachment "AE_FS8.jpg" and click on it! Andre Ming
sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you, Andre. In reference to the yard profiles for the central division, what I have are the yard platts from the MOW shed that is now the oil storage in springdale for the AM. I started working for them back in 86, and then, head of the shop, randy hanold was cleaning out the shed and was just throwing everything in the trash, these yard platts were all that I was able to save. The one for seligman is really cool, it shows the M&NA coming up the valley and how it joined the frisco and the interchange tracks. Anyway, if any of these would be usefull to you please let me know, I'm happy to share the info. Craig
Andre, I plan to make a couple of the runs out of Ft. Smith. I understand it will be a while before the program runs. I will make sure to say Hi to you as well when there. I haven't told the crew master for the Ft. Smith runs that I will be there but my friend Barry says I should just show up. Can't wait to meet you in person. Ship it on the Frisco!!! Murphy Jenkins
Hi All: Seein' as we had a busy Christmas Holiday... I haven't done much with my V scale FS Sub project. However, perhaps after I finish some tasks this evening I shall return to the Route Editor and further it a bit more. HWB: I enjoy updating about my projects. When others appreciate it too, it helps to motivate. Just like building a nice medium sized model railroad layout... it takes some motivation to make progress in V scale, too. I give more consistant updates and detail at my own V scale forum hosted by 3D Trains. If you would like to stop by and take a look, you can do so at the link below. If you want to participate, registration is free. Here's a direct link to my V Scale Creations forum for you: http://www.3dtrains.com/forums/index.php?showforum=52 Murphy: I was told last week that the Fort Smith passenger train will begin Saturday, January 15. Andre
Andre, I must agree with Keith. It's nothing short of amazing. Please, keep up the good work and continue to keep us posted.
wmrx: Thank you kindly. It's a lot of work... but if I can make reasonably consistant progress it will be worth it in the end. Craig: Forgot to tell you in my previous post... ANYTHING you think might be of help, I'm more than willing to receive! You can't have too much information when dealing with a prototype that has seen SO MUCH physical plant shrinkage and loss of history over the 40-45 years that have passed since my target era. A big THANK YOU for anything you can provide me with. Andre
