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by Bernard Kempinski
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Bryan chose to model Alleghany as a set of HO modules. He initially built the Alleghany Tunnel module in 1989, along with the station and M of W shed. In 1990 he completed the framework for the next three modules, creating a 16 foot long rendition of Alleghany. "A" Cabin was constructed and basic scenery work progressed over the next two years. In the last 5 years he has added details and improved the foliage. Bryan chose to model the diesel era for the same reasons the real C&O bought diesels; it's more economical. Selecting this era conveyed several other advantages. First, the turntable was out of service at this time and the pit filled in. There was not sufficient room for the 115 ft. turntable in a two foot wide module. Including the turntable in the design would have required an extension to the back of the module. Secondly, in the diesel era, the west bound siding was removed so there was (and still are) two main line tracks and the east bound siding. This track layout was easier to model than the steam era four track layout with crossovers for helpers etc. |
| The module design really captures the feel of Alleghany in the diesel era in spite of the compromises required to fit a 1.4 mile stretch of railroad into a scale quarter mile. The most noticeable concession is the single bore Alleghany Tunnel. While the prototype tunnel is actually two separate single track bores, Bryan just didn't have room to model the widely spaced portals. Bryan's scratchbuilt tunnel portal looks right because of the accurately carved letters in the concrete and the faithful rendition of the peculiar strata in the rocks above the portal. He was able to incorporate both Lewis tunnels, while, again, capturing the unique rock strata at that location. In addition to the tunnel portals, Bryan scratchbuilt the cabin, station, and M of W shed from plans in John Paton's book, "Alleghany With An A". The signal bridges are plastic kits manufactured by Oregon Signals. A simplified polarity switch provides control for the lighting. Bryan has plans to convert to the steam-to-diesel transition era but might have to wait until he builds a permanent layout. He probably will not incorporate the Alleghany modules in his home layout. He's particularly fond of the plan Allen McClelland designed for the 1996 MRP. It would easily provide a generic C&O setting. As an alternative to that, he would like to build a layout based on Waynesboro, VA, where he grew up, or Charlottesville, VA. C.
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| Bryan Kidd lives in Dumfries, VA, a suburb of Washington, DC. He is head of the composing and arranging staff of the U.S. Navy Band. He also serves as Secretary of the C&O Historical Society board of directors. |
