Hi, i have found a layout from model railroader mag that has everything (almost, but close) that i want in my layout. I have a pic of the layout that i found on line, but dont know the name, or when it was published. I am looking for more information on the layout. Would love to see a few pictures of completed layout or even video if available. Does anyone know which layout and even better which year and month it was published in model railroader magezine so i can try and find a back issue. thanks for any help.
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Google image search says:
This image is a track plan for a model railroad layout called the “Virginian Railway,” designed by David Popp for Model Railroader magazine’s 2012 Project Build.
The layout is designed to be built on a 4x8 foot board, a popular size for model train enthusiasts.
It is inspired by the book “The Virginian Railway” by H. Reid.
The plan includes features such as a large sorting yard, a coal mine (Rosston Mining Co.), and a power company (Joelberg Electric Power Co.).
The design allows for various train operations, including running trains on the main line and a branch line.
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Interesting layout, wonder how it would be in z scale.
Probably for me to small to work on.
thank you so much. kalmbach doesnt have this back issue, im not sure if i do or not, i have about 10 years of mags…need to check my box
Check to see if they have a trial subscription to Trains Unlimited. Gives you the opportunity to download the issue from the MR archive.
Unfortunately not all the photos have survived the move but I throughly enjoyed following this thread at the time.
https://forum.trains.com/t/the-virginian-build-thread/236530
Cheers, the Bear. 
Hello All,
Looks similar to my track plan…
This is an HO freelance pike based on a coal branch loop located near Paonia, Colorado, on a 4’x8’ base.
It relies on the vintage Tyco operating 34-foot hopper cars.
The live coal loads are represented by non-magnetic, black ashtray sand, while the rock dust is represented by non-magnetic, white ashtray sand.
Each track color represents a power block, with the wye being a reversing loop and a separate power block.
The blue section is a 3% curved grade, from the bottom edge to the coal unloading platform at the top edge of the pike.
A siding off the branch line (red) passes under the coal dock to fill the awaiting empties.
The coal dock is fed from the off-site mine at the top of the pike.
A bridge spans the main branch line (red) track below to a circular trestle (helix) down to it.
The orange wye is used to turn the excursion steam engines, with the steam facilities at the tail of the wye between it and the red spur.
On the red spur, there is also an unloading platform for rock dust used to line the mine tunnels.
The green stub-end tracks service the coal-fired power station and the maintenance facilities for the mine, located between the green stubs and the orange wye.
The yellow track at the bottom edge represents the mainline, which feeds the branch loop.
A “Time Saver” (“Inglenook”) puzzle is built into the bottom of the pike with the yellow runaround track, curved turnout, and mainline, along with the sections of red main branch line, and green spurs.
Good luck with your build, and as always…
Hope this helps.
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