Recently a friend of mine and I decide to build a project layout as an add on to an automobile project on which he is working. While working on the graphics and plans for the buildings of that project (30 or so I need to scratch build) I have decided I want to build a layout of my own in HO Scale. After alot of consideration I have decided on Fallen Flag as my subject, specifically the Tennessee Central. The layout will be an L shaped main bench between 65 in x 137 in and 30 in deep with a second level approx 15-18 in deep. The lower portion would be two of the main cities which anchored the railroad, probably Nashville on the west and Harriman on the east. The upper level would depict selected areas along the rail line where either coal mining or logging occurred. In the center of the L would be a helix, more than likely hidden inside a mountain, to allow trains to move between levels. I would like this to be as prototypical as possible but I am willing to deviate a bit if needed. This is an open call/request for any information anyone may have on this railroad, specifically the late 50's to early 60's timeframe (steam to diesel conversion). I have combed the internet for information and found some but not alot. I have also ordered a book which was written about the Tennessee Central in hopes it will answer some of the questions. Information dealing with the coal and logging is what I am searching for now as well as an photos of coal and logging facilities which would have been involved with or tied to this rail line in that era. Thanks for any help that anyone can provide.
The Tennessee Central (c. 2005) book by Clifford Downey is excellent -- you'll love it. You might also wish to pick up a copy of the Summer 2015 issue of Classic Trains, as he has a nice 3-1/2 page all color article on the TC. I think you've chosen a wonderful prototype!
Thanks for the reply. I have the book on order from Amazon and it should be here in the next week or so. I will have to find some place local to me that carriers Classic Trains mage.
If you want a more modern look, you should find the Nashville & Eastern that uses most of the route. You could do a what if with a PA pulling a short 4 car passenger consist. You could have a FA set & RS 3's. No EMD or GE unless you do the N&E. You may also find some Music City Star video for the Nashville to Lebanon section.
There must be some fascination with the Tennessee Central. Through the years I have sold nearly every train order spare I ever acquire.
Boxcab, I think the fascination is the perserverance of a little regional railroad with all the cards stacked against it. Btw, if you get any TC stuff please let me know. Glenn, I am kind of loving the 50's era but I may look at the N & E.
I turned that model into a KCT loco to use on a friends layout. I only had to change the lettering is why I used that particular model. Feel free to use any images I ever post on here.
I was thinking the same, much like the NYO&W. It's been gone for 58 Years and very little of its track remains, but its fans are legion.
Unbelievable numbers, and a seemingly unfading interest. Kind of like the Milwaukee Road out west, and their electrification.
When looking at everything the TC went through from there very beginning it is a very compelling story. From the early death of two owners to going into receivership on no less the 4 occasions, I believe, they always found a way to come back. The line never made a significant amount of money and actually lost substantially more than it ever made but it persevered. The coal industry in the Cumberland Plateau was a big key to that survival. They did try passenger service for a short time but financial woes ultimately killed it.
Very true! A knew a fan who said "The deader the better" and enjoyed locating old rights-of-way more than anything else. This is such a diverse and fascinating hobby. The other day I was driving along a rural highway and my TomTom GPS showed a right-of-way paralleling the highway to my right. "Cool", I thought, "that SOU line has been gone for over 30 years!"
Thought I would provide a small update. This past week I received a copy of Cliff Downey's excellent book on the Tennessee Central. I have also been in email contact with Jason Duke who has written a book about coal mining in the Cumberland Plateau, which includes information about the Tennessee Central. In addition I have changed the layout I am planning to a larger area which will allow for a better looking overall modeled environment. I again put out my call for anyone who may have information about the Tennessee Central it would be greatly appreciated. Specifically and information of the transport of coal from the Cumberland Plateau mines to the Kingston Coal Fired Power plant which was built between 1951 and 1955. The Tennessee Central served this facility with coal for quite sometime. The only information or images I can find are most recent and modern. If anyone has any information for the time frame 50s-60s it would be greatly appreciated. Thank
Check out TCRY.org lot of good info here. Also if you're, local the Monterey Depot Musuem has a good collection of TC memorabilia and a good layout.Exits 300 or 301 of of I40.
On my web site there is some interesting TC paperwork: http://www.train-orders.com/TOUR/T/TCR/TCR.html
