interested in creating Mad River Navigation Ry (MR mag May, 1973)

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I’m interested in knowing if anyone has ever tried to create the Mad River Navigation Ry that was designed by James Spencer in the MR May 1973 issue (page 54-55).

2

Also was wondering what people thought of this plan - pros/cons?

3

Wouldn’t you know it. In my archive I’m missing the box that has 1971-1974 issues. I’ll see if I can find them and give them a look. I remember the Mad River Navigation, I don’t remember the double cross, so now you have my curiosity piqued.

4

I always thought the plan was a good one if you have that size space and you like the idea of shortline railroading with only a few locos and cars. Be a good narrow gauge line in S or O (On30 would be a good scale here). On the other hand if you like long trains or big engines this isn’t going to do it.
Enjoy
Paul

5

Was this plan inspired by the Arcata & Mad River Railroad, a logging/common carrier railroad located in Humboldt County, CA? Probably one of the weirdest narrow-gauge setups out there, although they converted to standard gauge later on.

I think that line also inspired an Iain Rice plan, the “Loleta & Mad River”, that was in MRP 2002 or 2003…

6

The Mad River Navigation Railway was designed and built by my Dad. I still have some of the rolling stock & engines. Loved that railroad. He passed away in the late 80’s. I would love to chat/share about the MRNR to anyone interested.

7

So your dad was James Spencer? He wrote a number of good freight car articles for the NMRA Bulletin back about that same time. A fine craftsman.

Dave Nelson

8

My version is about 20 X 30 and I have dropped most of the hidden trackage. The upper town is now being redesigned to look more like the original design. The log site is now a coal mine.

9

Well, I will continue this discussion of a 17 year old thread.

The Mad River Navigation RY that I see is from the July 1977 issue of MR…by Jim Spencer and the MR Staff. That article and trackplan was memorable for me and is one of the issues that cemented model railroading as a life long interest/hobby (and the RMC V&O series). Its also a original source of fondness for timber industry focused layouts.

At age 14, I loved the around the walls, peninsula, operations designed plan. I will always remember the name Mashoogenagh Junction.

Maybe there is an eariler trackplan from 1973? I’ve never seen that one. Looking at the 1977 version as I type. BTW, its only 98 pages long…most of it ads.