The Highline

Modeling possibilities in TRAINZ are a bit different. While the scenery presented in this thread is well-done and awesome, there has been discussion on other threads that some of the rolling stock is not quite "Frisco" despite the skinning. The cool thing about this TRAINZ layout is that starting in Lowry City and heading north will take the diesel in the one photo (http://www.frisco.org/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=20382&d=1347765199) 45 minutes to get to Clinton, or 1:19 to get to Bolivar, depending on the way it is pointed. This is just like the timetable in the 1952 Official Guide. It turns out to be a completely different approach to modeling.

 

Each simulator platform has its shortcomings, bar none. There is no "perfect" sim, whether it's Trainz, or my venue ("MSTS"), or Railworks, etc. Each has its good and bad. It's not reasonable nor practical to think that ANY of them can be 100% accurate. Building a virtual (V scale) route is EXACTLY like building a model railroad layout: It takes a LOOOONG time to do it.

IF one wants drop-dead accurate rolling stock or engines, etc, then one must typically learn to BUILD said equipment by learning to do so in the appropriate CAD and paint programs. NOT quick or easy. As with all hobbies, we must determine the amount of compromise we're willing to accept to accomplish our intended goal. Thus, some of us V scalers prefer to use the "good enough" approach and utilize equipment that is as "close" as is practical to our chosen prototype.

However, be advised that typically we V scalers sim for different reasons than to attain complete "accuracy". That is, we get to climb into the cabs and actually run the trains, complete with the challenge of momentum, adhesion, tractive effort, and etc, that comes along with handling trains that weigh thousands of tons. As a bonus, we also typically get nice sounds to go with it... complete with proportional exhaust sounds, brake squeals, clickety-clack, chuffs n' hisses (if steam), etc!

Therefore, we typically have an entirely different set of "givens n' druthers" than table top layouts.

My current interest that I'm contemplating is recreating the Denver South Park & Pacific from Alpine Tunnel down to Pitkin, Colorado. (A severe grade, Pitkin being a helper station.) Though the line has been gone since 1910... I will be able to bring it back to life via V scale, and not only see it again (virtually), but also face the challenge of taking freights down that hair-raising 4+ percent grade that clings precariously to the sides of rugged cliffs with nothing but vacuum brakes or hand brakes to hold me back!

Yup, V scale has it's own "givens n' druthers" in comparison to table top modeling.

BUT...

It's all fun. Enjoy your hobby!

 

Coonskin mentioned "..I'm contemplating is recreating the Denver South Park & Pacific from Alpine Tunnel down to Pitkin, Colorado."

Off topic, yet somehow on topic, might I suggest the C&S B3 you use should look something like the attached.

 

Hi WindsorSpring:

Nice looking model.

IF (big IF there) I succumb and do a portion of the DSP&P... it would be the mid-1880's Thus, link n' pin, long pilots, funnel stacks, oil headlamps, so on... all the things that turn my crank in regards to simulating steam railroading!

And now we return to our regularly scheduled program (i.e. The Highline)...

 

Here's the Salem Baptist Church in Cliqout, Mo. This little church still sets just north of town off O Hwy. The Highline ran just east of the church.

 

These steamers might not be a perfect reproduction for the Frisco but I have to work with what is available for reskinning.

I still think they came out pretty good and are a blast to run up and down the Highline or for switching in the North Clinton yard.

 

Work work continues to amaze me.

I do have one question though - why the knee wall around the turntable?

 

Once again, nicely done.

Is the tall wooden trestle in photo #12 one the bridges near Wishart? I'm thinking the Salem Baptist Church would make a neat model kit.

Dale Rush
Blair Line LLC

 

The setting makes it fantastic. The passenger 4-8-2 came out very nice. How long does it take 1509 to pull its train from Clinton to Bolivar?
The only bone to be picked is about the 2-8-2's number, and that has been done in another post.
Inspiring work. Keep it up.
George Nelson

 

I doubt if the Frisco would have used an engine as heavy as a 1500 on the Highline. When president Truman came to Bolivar via Springfield in 1948, the 4501 heading the presidential special was pulled off at the Springfield depot and two 2-8-0's were coupled on and after backing the train up the west belt, pulled the train to Bolivar.

Tom G.

 

Finding a suitable roundhouse for Clinton was a bit of a challenge. I finally decided on this one. The ground texture of the model produced a very distinct, unnatural transition to the grass ground texture. My solution was to put a wall around the model.

Actually that's the long trestle bridge just north of Vista. If I understand correctly from some of Karl's notes this originally belonged to the SLSF. The Frisco decided to abandon this bridge for the KCCS trackage through Vista.

.
It's been awhile since I've ran a train straight through from Bolivar to Clinton. But it's over three hours at 35 mph

 

Years ago there was a discussion of the SLSF crossing over the KCCS (grade separation) north of Vista. I think there was a claim (by an individual in Springfield...not on Frisco.org) the large trestle had partially collapsed suggesting the consolidation happened quickly. New connections to allow use of the lower line by both roads happened early, perhaps 1920s, or even earlier. Are there photos of the original arrangement? One of Karl's depot sketches show what appear to be stairs which might suggest access to the other line.
John Sanders

 

John,
I am sitting in the Branson and therefore away from my documents. This segment of the KCOS was retired circa 1904-1906. I have heard either a fire or a structural failure caused the retirement of the Frisco. There were two bridges in this area. There was a shorter bridge over the KCCS and then a longer (500-600 feet) and higher (50-60 feet) trestle over a valley. This was the bridge that caused the abandonment. During the early 70 my brother and I did some field work, and we tried to locate any evidence of a large structure. We found none, but we did grab a few slides. I have posted a 1930's era USGS Topo map with the line and structures drawn. Search the site to find the map.

 

Thanks Karl.

John

 

Here's some pics of Coca Cola Bottling and Coffey's Grocery in Bolivar. You can see the the Bolivar MFA elevator in the background.

 

Does Anyone Recognize these Scenes in Clinton?

Here's some shots at E Ohio St and S Main St in Clinton. If you have a chance check it out in street view in Google Earth.

 

Deepwater, Mo.

Long time no see.

Here's some pics of Deepwater and the WS Dickey Clay Manufacturing facility. This facility was kitbashed from several other models. It's not perfect but I thought it came out pretty well from what pics are available of the facility. Again I appreciate any feedback.