OScale Trains

Traction ActionRoger C. ParkerModeling The Washington, DC, Terminal of the Washington,Baltimore, & Annapolis RailroadIn the last issue, we covered the Baltimore terminal of theWashington, Baltimore, & Annapolis Railroad. The Baltimoreterminal was a large multi-track installation, capable of storingseveral trains at one time. It contained a return loop, coveredplatforms, passing sidings, several storage tracks, and a largefreight house.This time we consider the Washington, DC, terminal at theother end of the line, in higher-rent territory. In contrast to theBaltimore Terminal, the trackplan of the line’s Washington Terminalis considerably simpler. Here, reversing the cars for thereturn journey takes place on a loop located on adjacent citystreets. All trains enter from the same direction, stop to disembarkand load passengers, and depart relatively quickly.The Washington infrastructure consists of just three passingsidings, open platforms, and a relatively large waiting roomlocated on a roughly triangular plot of land.Advantages for ModelersThe Washington terminal of the WB&A, as based on photographsand drawings in John E. Merriken’s excellent EveryHour on the Hour (1993), offers modelers and module buildersnumerous modeling advantages.1. Simple Trackplan: The trackplan is relatively simple, thosreducing costs and speeding construction. There are relativelyfew turnouts to be built, and severalcan be spring switches. The single-slipswitch on New York Avenue does nothave to operate, but can simply existas a crossing. Likewise, the switchesand trackwork on Eleventh Avenue donot have to initially operate.2. Easier Overhead Construction:Since the trackwork is relatively simple,the overhead construction can berelatively straightforward. Perfect overheadoperation is only needed for themost commonly used routings.3. Freedom from Platform Canopiesor Trainsheds: The lack of platformcanopies will make it easier to manuallyraise and lower trolley poles andto make any overhead adjustmentsnecessary.4. Station Detailing: The terminal,itself, can be as simple or as complexas desired. The terminal interiors canbe completely detailed, or the emphasiscan be on making the trainshedand track areas as detailed as desired.The station courtyard, too, could bedetailed with models of period carsand taxis.5. Operation: Although the trackplan is relatively simple,there is space for continuous operation while showcasing twoor more trains (depending on length) at the platforms. Operationcould be automated so that the arrival of one train will beaccompanied by the departure of another.6. Variety: Depending on available space, the Washington,Baltimore, & Annapolis’ heavy interurban traffic could be mixedwith local streetcar service on the adjacent streets. The contrastin size between the city and interurban cars could be verypleasing.7. Scenery: The adjacent Hotel Annapolis, which would belocated along the bottom edge of the terminal plan, could providea large view-block, or background. This, in conjunctionwith the buildings along New York Avenue, creates a pleasingimpression of an “urban canyon” on New York Avenue.8. Comic Relief: Notice that, once again, the station areacontains an unfenced inspection pit that could cause anunwanted surprise for unwary passengers or pedestrians. I wonderwhat OSHA would say!What’s Your Favorite?Do you have any suggestions or favorite prototype trackplansyou’d like me to include in future columns? Send references, ordrawings, to me at roger@oscalemag.com and I’ll try to coverthem in future issues!uSept/Oct ’06 - O Scale Trains • 27