The layout design, which began in early 2017, went through numerous design phases before arriving at version 44A using for construction.
The HO model railroad represents a portion of the Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific – 2nd Division, (CNO&TP – 2nd Division) known as the “Rathole” due to its steep grades and numerous tunnels.
Dennis Cherry created the initial design from concepts by Ed Juaire, Jerry Holmes and Jim Thurston along with input from TVMRi members. Now at design 44D2, many scenic details have been added and a few yard changes.
In designing the track plan, many meetings were held. Ed’s initial design, using 3rd PlanIt, was essentially 4 peninsulas. Jerry suggested a minor modification to that plan and it was adopted. Jim brought an enormous amount of information regarding the “Rathole.” He used 3rd PlanIt which yielded the additional concepts of the layout, a few track changes and type of businesses, etc. AnyRail was then overlaid on the 3rd PlanIt design for the final (almost) design. “Sketchup” was used for the overall layout configuration, the bench work design and to generate the lumber bill of materials. To minimize warping, cabinet grade lumber was used on all surfaces.
Construction began in August 2018, with COVID-19 stalling construction for approximately one year. The track design was printed on paper at a 1:1 scale, then placed on the layout base. This allowed checking clearances; the track location was then transferred to the surface, cork roadbed was laid in place followed by track and turnouts (switches).
The model railroad is HO scale (1:87), has over 1,110 feet of track covering 18 scale miles with 146 turnouts and is fully signaled. It begins at Danville, KY, ending at Harriman Junction, TN, a distance of 141 miles. Switching opportunities include a cement plant, coal mine, lumber mill, wharf, two breweries, local warehouses and many other businesses.
Plans are being considered to extend the mainline to Chattanooga and its passenger station.