RF & P Yard

Vital Statistics

Owner Name:	Fred Obermeyer
Date Built:	1991	Status:	Complete
Module Type:	POFF Pair
Length:	8 ft.	Width:	2 ft.
Passing Sidings:	Yes	Additional Lines:	No
Industrial Spurs:	Yes	Yard Tracks:	Yes
Engine Servicing:	Yes	Crossovers:	No

Gallery

An overview of the yard complex, taken at Landmark Mall.

A coal-loading operation underway at the east end of the yard.

Staging for freight operations at the west end of the yard.

An aerial view, showing just how cluttered and busy things are!

Another view that gives an impression of the overall business of these modules...

Description

by Fred Obermeyer

History

The South Alexandria module pair (also known variously as the Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Yard) was first exhibited at the Lions' Club in Gaithersburg, MD at our very first NVNTRAK exhibit, way back in 1991. This set is a pair of 4' modules attached together by the back drop and a front 1" x 4" strip so I don't have to assemble the yard tracks in the middle portion areas every time I set up. However, they can easily be pulled apart into 4' modules, separately displayable.

South Alexandria also has a Blue Line setup track / passing track and staging tracks in the yard that can be used for Blue Line operations. Power for the Blue Line is routed via a separate power pack for the yard and is isolated at the front rail yard with a set of plastic joiners, a power- routed switch, and then the South Alexandria power pack. A rear switching area for industry to fuel in is behind the Alexandria Station and RF&P Headquarters (which is on fire - I told those guys "No Smoking!" but doesn't anybody listen?)

On the other half of the rear of the module pair is a concrete plant and coal Loading dock for Steamers, a gas bottle company is opposite that, and a neat looking picnic area is on the knoll of the yard facing the highway. Rush hour is quite obvious because not much landscape is available due to all the cranes, cars, and trucks that cover the entire module. A water tower blinks at the REA stop and warns off low-flying aircraft.

The ModelPower street lights around the station and in the yard areas work well, adding a touch of life to the already-busy modules. Tower searchlights are an excellent choice for yard visibility. Many small details can be seen such as smoke coming out of truck and building exhausts and smokestacks. The Walthers backdrops are glued to the backboard and add a nice bit of 3-D effect to the modules.

This pair of modules was my most fun to build and it always has something new being added to it. In earlier years the pair had corner modules at either end, a front Red Line staging yard, and a 12' x 8' Staging yard on the modules' back side that accessed the fronts of the modules through the two corner modules. At one time it was pretty big but I think I'll stick with 8' for now. My next adventure will be the Port of Alexandria - I can't Wait!