PRR's Pan Handle

Contact: William Neale.

I model the PRR Pan Handle where it crosses the Ohio River near Steubenville. Time frame is 1939; all steam, with DCC & Soundtraxx. I use a mixture of brass and detailed Bowsers for motive power. I have recently expanded my layout. I am now modeling the line both further east and further west than my original layout. The line now runs from Gould Tunnel on the west, through Mingo Jct., Steubenville, Weirton Jct., and up the grade through Burgettstown, Pa.

Mingo Jct. Yard is a partially exposed staging yard. Mingo Jct. Is married closely to the west end of Steubenville (selective compression). Steubenville is modeled reasonable accurately, but also shortened. The bridge across the Ohio River is about 9 feet long. Although this seems a long bridge, the prototype bridge would stretch 22 feet in HO. Across the bridge, on he West Virginia side of the river, is Weirton Jct. From the junction, the line to Wheeling heads south (staging). Out of the eastern end of Weirton Yard, the New Cumberland branch heads north, and after passing through Weirton Steel for a short distance, it also enters staging. Weirton Steel will be about 18 feet long, and only 1 foot wide in some areas.

As the mainline continues east out of Weirton Jct., the PRR begins a steady 2% grade that requires helpers on the longer freights. The prototype grade was actually 1% up through Burgettstown. Along the grade is Collier Interlocking at the Pennsylvania/West Virginia state line, and several large coal mines. At Burgettstown, the Burgettstown branch swings away from the main (and into staging). The mainline goes through a deep cut and also terminates in a staging yard.

Although it is my end goal, I have minimally attempted to operate prototypically (not enough railroad yet). I have done much research on how this part of the railroad was operated. However, I am always looking for more information about the 1939 era or the Weirton area.