www.Cottonbelt9290.com

Mel's Model Railroad Blog

Progress not perfection

Welcome to Cottonbelt9290.com. My model railroad is about the many memories I have of the Southern Pacific and what the ESPEE meant to me growing up in the San Fernando Valley in the 1960's & 70's and as a young Adult in the 1980's. It's my interpretation of what it was for me back then to be trackside watching what was to me the Greatest Show on Earth. No Fancy graphics or Elegant presentations here, just me having Fun with Trains.

My layout was designed by Doug Smith, the very first Master Model Railroader of the NMRA. The design of the layout and my intention is to separate the different scenes and Towns from each other, giving a feeling of distance. 

Operations being a main focus of my layout, the addition of staging along with 2 Interchange tracks gives my layout a connection to the outside world and has helped immensely in giving my Trains a since of purpose. I didn't realize how much staging would add to the operations of my layout but it is a game changer!

So it's Mel's Southern Pacific Railroad with lot's of first and second generation motive power and Trains with Cabooses and an emphasis on the Southern Pacific in the 1960's, 70's and 80's. Having Fun with Trains is what it's all about for me. 

I hope my journey inspires you in some way and Thank You for visiting my Blog.