Re: (erielack) Holiday Armchair Model Railroading

["David Green" <davandli_@_empacc.net>]

Alan:

In Vestal there was Vestal Lumber and a coal distributor across the road,
closer to the depot site.  I have a book on the history of the Town of
Vestal and will report what I can find.  Also, my father-in-law, a lifelong
resident of Vestal until recently moving across the river to Endicott, can
probably add to this.

Towrds Binghamton (near the Town Square Mall) there is a fuel distributor
close to the ROW.  Also a gravel pit or asphalt plant (never looked
closely).  I don't know if these businesses were around during your time
period, or if they ever had rail service, but you could ad-lib if you can
stand it.

- - Dave Green, ELHS #1366

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "A Samostie" <quahog_@_sprint.ca>
To: <erielack_@_lists.railfan.net>
Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2001 8:39 PM
Subject: (erielack) Holiday Armchair Model Railroading


> Dear Group,
>
> I haven't given serious consideration to building a layout in some time,
> as my current home cannot accommodate one.  However, the combination of
> idle hours during the holidays and the RMC article on Scott Lupia's
> layout set the gears in motion on some conceptual planning.
>
> I'm hoping to get some "expert" feedback on some dilemmas I'm facing.  I
> also hope y'all will share your own ideas for EL-themed layouts, either
> in the planning stages or under construction.
>
> Here is my "least ambitious" concept:
>
> OPTION 1: DL&W Main from Johnson City to Waverly, NY
> SCALE: HO
> TIME PERIOD: 1954-55
> DL&W Ithaca Branch (Susquehanna River bridge) is represented, but
> truncated at north bank of river (i.e., concept does NOT include
> downtown Owego)
>
> DILEMMA:
> Nice opportunities for modelling scenery, but I fear the layout would be
> operationally boring due to lack of industries.  The only ones I'm aware
> of are:
> -- Endicott-Johnson shoe factory(-ies?) in Johnson City
> -- NYSEG Power Plant in Johnson City
> -- Creamery in Nichols
>
> SO.... I hope you can answer these questions for me:
>
> 1. Was there only one Endicott-Johnson plant served by the DL&W, or were
> there several?
>
> 2. Did NYSEG exist in 1954, or was the power company known by a
> different name?
>
> 3. Were there any other major customers on the DL&W in Johnson City?
>
> Were there any DL&W customers worth mentioning...
>
> 4. ... in Vestal?
>
> 5. ... on the south side of Owego?
>
> 6. ... in Waverly?
>
> Depending on your responses, I will consider either sticking with what
> I've got, or expanding the scope to include downtown Owego, Binghamton,
> or points beyond.  Let me know your opinions!
>
> And, of course... Happy New Year!
>
> Cheers,
> Alan <quahog_@_sprint.ca>

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