Modeling the Model -- Thanks Vicki and Steve

The B&OCT in N Scale has been in the benchwork stage for as much as three years. That seems like a long time. To be fair, the project has dragged because of a design re-set. 

Steven Cox (collaborating from the Toronto, Ontario area) and I have worked on this layout design for maybe half a decade. I had started to build some of the benchwork for what had been the lower level. Before I got too far down the road, I asked for help from those who were likely to build this layout and eventually operate it. What did they see? What did they like? What did they not like? Any other suggestions?

Thanks to those who came over and gave thoughtful input. The main takeaways: the mainline could be longer, make sure there’s enough on-line switching and one staging yard occupied valuable real estate that could be repurposed as active layout. Steven and I created a “new” lower level to hold this staging yard — representing Barr Yard and the rest of the Baltimore & Ohio RR operating system. Moving the Barr staging yard opened up several opportunities. I got more mainline running length on what now became the middle level. The Brighton Park industrial area was moved from being under the active throat on Robey Yard on the upper level, the 49th St. interlocking tower was added (this one fully active on all legs). 75th St. tower was moved and has a better track arrangement. Last was the addition of a prototypical third main between 75th St. tower and 49th St. tower.

View of entering the layout area

According to Steve's track plan it looked good. But, I wanted a more three-dimensional view (rather than two-dimensional computer views of each level). A model would give me a better perspective on the space.

A view around the corner

I asked (conscripted) the Tuesday crew to help. In 2019, I decided to hold mid-day work sessions, rather than in the evening. Regular attendees included: John Sutkus, Ray Freeman, Steve Van Meter and Vicki Newcomer. I got a bunch of foamcore board and work started in November 2019.

Steve uses tomatoes as stand ins for operators 

The model showed me ways to build the triple-level section underneath the Belt Railway of Chicago’s 16th Street yard. It revealed in context the location of electric outlets, cabinets and windows. The model gave a chance to visualize operating crew placement and management. That’s what Steve Van Meter is doing in the nearby photo. He and Vicki were the primary contributors to this project.  

Not to understate anyone else’s contribution (thanks), but Vicki came over every time. 

Vicki Newcomer

She is a late convert to model trains. Originally a dollhouse builder, Vicki joined our model railroad build- and operating-group a number of years ago. She had a real talent for building structures. She built a small N-scale layout representing her hometown, Alameda, California. (The layout was sadly destroyed in a garage fire in 2019.) It was a fantastic showcase for her work. She shared her talents by taking on structure and scenery projects on other layouts. She was not single-minded. She had interest in all aspects of the hobby -- including operations. 

I got to know Vicki as we carpooled to work sessions hosted by other Tuesday crew layout owners. She decided to return to college to get an art degree. (Completed) She was building a glass (Crystal — as she called it) cottage in her backyard. (Completed) She rebuilt her garage after the fire, including a custom painted garage floor and pegboard wall. I helped with the wall. (Completed)

And she came over to help me build a model of a model. I had my ideas of how this would go, but I didn’t have the skills to pull it off. Vicki and Steve showed me the way. They deftly cut the foamcore boards, track plans that were glued onto the foamcore and we started to assemble the garage and each layout level. 

Vicki was more than a match to the task. Her artistic skills were barely challenged. She came up with an easy, inexpensive and creative solution to represent the layout's helixes. The layout will have four of them. The model only shows three, however. She got a couple of deli containers and cardboard coffee cups. We cut them to height, pulled out the hot glue gun and put them in place. 

Vicki and the completed model

I just reviewed some of the pictures of this project and found some that included Vicki. As I looked at them, her contribution became apparent. The whole project was more enjoyable because of the good conversation, patient teaching and a successful outcome. (See nearby pictures.)

Vicki died in January 2021 of a brain tumor. Because of the pandemic, the last time I saw her was in early 2020. 

Vicki, you really touched my life. You were a great friend. You demonstrated a great attitude. It was fun to spend time with you. Everytime I saw you, I smiled. Thanks for being a part of my life. I will miss you a lot.