Brewery Complex
coming next
TOFCEE Facility
completed January, 2014
TOFC - for "Trailer On Flat Car" - was the forerunner of today's
container trains. B&O began this service in 1954, and labeled
it "TOFCEE" service, probably to force correct pronunciation, or maybe
just to differentiate it from its competitors.
My TOFCEE yard shows a typical configuration early in its history, with
converted standard flat cars, truck trailers right off the road, and
loading via ramps at the end of a track stub. In short order, this popular service evolved through specially-built flats and truck trailers with removable underframes, and crane loading and unloading, up to today's depressed-center, double stacked intermodal trains.
Also now complete is a small but important part - the lift-out section shown in the last shot. This connects the main line to the next area I'll be working on. The TOFCEE facility is off to the right in this photo.
River, Viaduct, Small Industries
completed November, 2013
I consider the curved stone viaduct to be a signature element of the BASRR. It is modeled loosely on the famed Thomas Viaduct in Elkridge, MD. My version has 6 arches which span a river valley and a roadway.
This area contains 11 vehicles, 6 animals, 10 people, and 205 trees. The total count for the railroad so far is 15 vehicles, 14 animals, 45 people, and 453 trees.
Coal Mine / Tipple / Company Housing
Completed December, 2012
The coal mine and tipple (coal sorting and loading facility) are one of the primary industries that the BASRR serves. The main structure here is the coal tipple, which consists of a
headhouse, where the coal is brought in via narrow gauge tracks, and
inverted on a rotary dumper; a conveyor, which delivers the mined coal
up to the top of the tipple; and the tipple itself, where the coal is
crushed, sorted and dispensed to coal hoppers (and trucks).
Other coal-related structures are an abandoned powerhouse and utility
shed, an office / scalehouse, outhouses, and the mine opening. Railroad-related structures are the water tower and switch tower.
The company housing includes 5 homes, a fix-it shop, and a general store.
All told, this finished area includes 4 cars and trucks, 8 animals, 35 people, and 248 trees.
