Update on the N scale PRR/Conrail Juniata Division

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Haven’t been by this board in a while, so I figured I’d give a quick update. I received an appointment to the faculty of the Department of Physics at the Air Force Academy where I’m director of the meteorology major. It meant another move for the Juniata Division…this time to a custom-built basement in Colorado Springs. The move came just months after the GMR 2014 photo shoot. I’ve been very busy with work so haven’t been modeling as much as I’d like, but I still find time to steal away to the train room sometimes and relive the glory of the mighty Pennsylvania Railroad…America’s Broad Way of Commerce…the Standard Railroad of the World. Here’s a little video I made this weekend of a coal drag on the Juniata Division:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=futBCcApNLk&list=UUesH-EtruKrthiQVGuZ8I6A

Some folks who know me will know of my deep and abiding love of the Colorado narrow gauge (and its standard gauge big brother, the Colorado Midland). I have a beautiful view of Pikes Peak and the Front Range from my back deck and what amounts to a narrow gauge mecca within an easy drive of home. The Juniata Division was in danger of being replaced with an HOn3 rendition of the Rio Grande Southern. Fortunately, I found a compromise with the support of my wife. Now the Rio Grande Southern lives again in my backyard…in G scale:

2

Dave! It is good to see you again. Your video of the coal train is a real treat. Your G gauge looks fantastic.

Feel free to post in the form more often

3

heh, heh, heh [rubs hands together greedily]

Yes, the Dark Side calls. You can resist right now, but the need will only grow, especially so close to the gates of Narrowgauge Mordor and the Tower of Everlasting Steam…soon we will have it all, all narrowgauge, Colorado Standard Gauge.

[slithers back in his hole][:-,]

4

Dave, as a fellow Pennsy modeler, Ive drawn a lot of inspiration from your layout. I’m glad to see you back on the forum. The layout is looking great.

5

Dave, so good to see all is well – Never grow weary from your Juniata Division updates!

P.S.: I recall a Sunday AM Service at the Air Force Academy, and recurring goosebumps from unbelievable acoustics.

6

Great layout.