Rockville Bridge, a four track main, and Harrisburg with change from diesel to electric motive power form the reason for the principle level of the Susquehanna N scale layout. With three interlocking towers, the main line provides access to the upper levels at Rockville Junction, as well as connection to the Reading RR at Harrisburg Station, and to plant operated switching at Capital Scrap and Iron. Industrial trackage of the PRR occupies the aisleways of the lower level. The station and station sheds, electric motor service area, remnants of the extensive steam support structures with roundhouse, and large modern diesel house and fuel racks, Harrisburg yard, a separate Trailvan yard and load facility, and Rockville Interlocking, take the space in the main room. Rockville Bridge, scaling to 25'1" runs the entire distance of the corridor, and leads to Enola yard, which is a large staging yard, with diesel power at the west end, and electric motors at the east end. Loops are available for turning trains, or they can run through with an engine change. Passenger staging is provided in the same room, with connections to the bridge in one direction, and a four track electrified main traversing the crew lounge and library, at the other. Each direction is looped to return trains to Harrisburg station from the proper direction. Some additional steel facilities are located in a corner of the lounge, connecting to plant trackage from the main room.
Beginning at Rockville Junction, a helix lifts trains to the mid-level trackage along the Susquehanna River to Sunbury and Northumberland. Once double tracked, this is now a combination of double track, single track, and passing sidings. Numerous connections with the RDG take place on both sides of the river. Towns still maintain some passenger service and freight delivery. The rail is reasonably level next to the river, but mountains usually force a narrow right of way. Another junction crossed the river below Sunbury to Shamokin Dam and power plant via a single track through truss bridge, with industries and yards located as staging in the far room. Sunbury is a manufacturing and distribution center, modeled in great detail. It is also the location of the Shamokin branch and RDG interchange, which are important connections to anthracite coal, Bethlehem Steel plants, and LV connections to the Poconos. A passenger station provides a variety of connections to branch line trains.
Using the helix again, we come finally to the major junction at Kase tower, giving access to the Southern Tier of New York, and connections to New England and Canada. This route follows the Eastern branch of the Susquehanna River, represented by single track around the room to staging. The major crossing of the river here takes the Buffalo main through two double track, six span Pennsylvania Truss bridges on either side of an island mecca to Northumberland and yard, also located at staging. Connection with the Lackawanna RR takes place at Northumberland station.
Copyright 1996 - 2008
Last modified: November 23 2007.
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