Sylvania Central Railroad
Dave Renard, MMR #35, built the HO scale Sylvania Central Railroad to depict the Central Division of an eastern bridge road hauling mixed freight and passenger traffic during the mid-1960s. The line's other divisions to the north and south are represented by return storage loops stacked at one end of the system.
Sylvania is the main city and division point for the line, and through trains drop and pick up blocks of cars at the modest size division yard. Local trains originate here to serve industries along this portion of the mainline and on the branch line to Monequine where there is an interchange with another major carrier. Sylvania is located along a river valley and the double track mainline must climb out of the valley and around a horseshoe curve to reach an upland plateau at Alta and beyond to the northern division. A struggling narrow gauge museum is located between the horseshoe curve and Alta station, a local railfan's delight.
First and second generation diesels handle locomotive assignments with steam power relegated to fan trips, the museum, and static display. Rolling stock consists of some scratchbuilt cars and many modified from kits. Nearly all have been painted and lettered by the builder. Structures are mostly scratchbuilt with some kit-bashed. Digital command control was recently added. Now, three or more train crews can be kept busy when traffic is heavy.
Layout Gallery & Videos
