The monthly meeting of the South Mountain Division (SMD) will be held on Sunday, October 9th, at Division superintendent Bob Johnson’s home. This will be only the second in person meeting, and the first home meeting hosted by the division since February of 2020. Obviously, if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have recently been exposed, we would ask you not to attend. Otherwise, everyone is welcome.
Please email the Division at southmountaindiv@gmail.com for the street address and contact information. Activities are scheduled to start at 2:00 PM but reasonably early arrivals are welcome.
For those of you not familiar with Bob’s layout, the West Virginia Midland is a central West Virginia shortline that connects with the B&O at Holly Junction and the Western Maryland at Laurel Bank. The railroad started as a logging line in the early 1900’s and later expanded into hauling other bulk materials such as coal, coke and limestone. There is also a small industrial area located in the town of Webster Springs. In keeping with the origins of the railroad motive power is heavy on geared locomotives but there are also a small number of rod engines on line for hauling general freight.
The layout is completed in terms of track work and is approximately 90% sceniced. The design emphasizes operations and typically operates using TT&TO with a 10 person crew.
Following the business meeting Bob will present a clinic on the concept of increasing layout realism by viewing the layout as a series of stages utilizing concepts such a s view blocking, viewing angles, scene exits (exit stage left) and forced perspective.
If the weather is good (read dry) Bob asks that you enter the layout room through the outside basement door. If it is wet entry will be by the front door. Signs will be posted on the day of the meeting to direct you.
Let’s have a good turnout for our first live meeting of the year.
Bob Johnson
Superintendent, South Mountain Division
