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Mark Bridgwater's Canton Southern
451 Epperson Rd, Canton, Georgia, 30115
Layout at a Glance
Scale: HO
Size of Layout: 60x50
Prototype: Freelance
Location Modeled: Prototype-inspired representation of many areas of the U.S.
Era: Modern
Style of Track Plan: Linear along interior and basement walls
Length of Main Line: 640'
Layout Height: Lower 46 / Upper 60"
Benchwork: Open Grid
Roadbed Material: Cork
Track Manufacturer: Walthers
Turnouts: Mainline #10 / Yards & Switching Areas #8
Minimum Main Line Radius: 42"
Maximum Grade: 2 %
Scenery Techniques: Cardboard webbing with plaster cloth, plaster of paris rock molds, painted and covered in ground foam, real rock talus, poly fiber bushes and a variety of trees
Backdrop: Painted Masonite
Control System: TSC DCC & LCC
Car Forwarding System: Switch List
Train Authority/Dispatching: Full signaling, dispatcher computer control using CATS and JMRI
Operating Group: Private
Direction Comment: Park in the gravel lot immediately to the left as you enter the driveway. Park diagonally against the right side railroad ties. Walk down the gravel path to the basement door and let yourself in. Overflow parking is on the dirt under the adjacent large oak tree.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
ADA Comments: There is a gravel path from the gravel parking area to the basement door, without steps, but it is not paved.
Layout Description
This HO layout is based on prototype design and operations. It features a modern BNSF mainline that interchanges with two short lines, which were previously BNSF branches. These lines have been sold to private investors and former railroad executives. The BNSF, in line with modern prototype practices, allows run-through traffic from various other railroads.
The short lines are well-maintained and efficiently operated, each showcasing a unique and visually appealing paint scheme. The BNSF will be fully signaled and dispatcher-controlled, while the short lines will operate without signals, as only one train will be running on the out-and-back line at any given time. Several large customers support the short lines, ensuring that switching crews will remain busy throughout much of the operating session.
The layout occupies approximately 3,000 square feet and includes a crew lounge, dispatcher’s office, and restroom. The BNSF mainline stretches about 640 linear feet, incorporating two helices and multiple dispatcher-controlled passing sidings. The staging yard contains 13 tracks, while the classification yard consists of 8 tracks plus 3 arrival/departure tracks, all supported by full engine servicing and maintenance facilities. Each short line extends over 200 linear feet, serviced by dedicated local turns in the mornings and afternoons.
The interior basement walls and initial benchwork were completed while my home was under construction, with formal layout construction commencing in early 2025.
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