Text & Photos by Rich Blake

John Marshall’s Garden Railroad Potluck

Over 20 enthusiasts and significant others showed up for the annual John Marshall garden railroad potluck event August 13th, 2016 in beautiful Coupeville WA. We were treated to his fantastic railroad, lots of social time and some great food prepared by John’s daughter. It was a wonderful time as usual with great weather. Thanks to all who participated. To see a video of the day click here.

Climax #6 Rolling along on John's garden railroad.

Climax #6 Rolling along on John’s garden railroad.

The crew of Climax #6 makes a necessary stop.

The crew of Climax #6 makes a necessary stop.

Dr. Nick Muff’s KCS Layout Tour

June 5th the SV&W, along with several Mount Vernon clinic members, were treated to an exclusive open house with Dr. Nick Muff (MMR) on his stunning Kansas City Southern (KCS) layout environment. I say “environment” because this is one of the truly spectacular railroad fan layout places in the country with a mock up Pullman car to walk through and a 1:1 scale EMD F7 cab with working headlight and horn. The amount of detail and the craftsmanship on the HO scale layout is simply amazing.

Through the windshield of Nick's 1:1 F7 cab

Through the windshield of Nick’s 1:1 F7 cab.

The Southern Belle is being serviced in the Kansas City Transit Railway coach yard. (The KCT was jointly owned by all railroads serving the Kansas City Union Station.) Diesel shops in the background.

The Southern Belle is being serviced in the Kansas City Transit Railway coach yard. (The KCT was jointly owned by all railroads serving the Kansas City Union Station.) Diesel shops in the background.

Independence Avenue Bridge and Blue Valley Yard Office.

Independence Avenue Bridge and Blue Valley Yard Office.

PNW On30 Modular Group Clamshell Railroad Days

SV&W members Rich Blake and Alan Murray participated in the Clamshell Railroad Days in Ilwaco WA at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum on July 16-17. For those who do not know, Ilwaco was the hub of the narrow gauge Ilwaco Railway and Navigation Co. from 1889 to 1930. (Click here for a UtahRails.net web page about this railroad, or you may Google it.) The PNW On30 Modular Group uses the IR&N scenery settings as some of their inspiration for the modules and operations. The Clamshell Railroad Days is an annual event and is a great excuse to go visit Washington’s southwest peninsula.

On30 modules at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum in Ilwaco WA.

On30 modules at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum in Ilwaco WA.

Close up of a scene on the modules of the PNW On30 Group.

Close up of a scene on the modules of the PNW On30 Group.

Prototype scenery near Ilwaco WA.

Prototype scenery near Ilwaco WA.

Pacific Northwest Region NMRA Convention

A few of the SV&W members attended the NMRA PNR Convention in Salmon Arm BC Canada this summer. You may see Rich Thom’s full report by clicking here.