This file is: PhotoTour-NoWhere.docx; last updated: June 15, 2014 1

Railfanning the Layouts of NCR Division 3

The NoWhere Line

working to be

NearSomeplace

The NoWhere Line is an HO scale switching layout located in a 13 x 17 foot basement room. The layout

is built around the walls with an upper-level branch line and walk-in access. The double- and single-

track main line serves a generic Midwest region. It runs from Loop on the West (think Chicago Loop) to

Tunnel on the East (think Appalachian Mountains). Because of pass-through and originating /

terminating traffic, the most intensive switching occurs at Bigburg, which is loosely patterned after and

highly compressed from the Wabash track arrangement in downtown Fort Wayne. Smallville is compact

and busy. The town of Branch hosts the passenger operations in the form of the Hungry Hobo tourist

dinner train and train ride (Climax steam).

Welcome to this photo tour of the NoWhere Line. For further information, check out the layout website

http://div3.ncr-nmra.org/layouts/nowhere-line

Scheduled mainline freights are staged in Loop

to await their departure times.

The signals at CP Triple direct

traffic into the Loop area.

Our train will be crossing over to

track 2 as indicated by the

Restricting signal.

This file is: PhotoTour-NoWhere.docx; last updated: June 15, 2014 2

NoWhere Line operators find that Bigburg

can become quite busy at times.

The transportable Timesaver module serves as a

compact industrial switching district adjacent to

Bigburg.

The Midland Train Watchers Association has

adopted this old passenger platform for their use.

(Note: Both structures are cardstock construction.)

The Midland apartment residents enjoy the

open-air fruit market.

In the urban canyon of Midland, FEW-2 returns to right-

hand running in front of Extra 3797.

The city has provided a pedestrian bridge for crossing the

tracks and for watching trains.

This file is: PhotoTour-NoWhere.docx; last updated: June 15, 2014 3

The old mill pond is a popular place, although nobody

seems to be interested in the train passing in the

background.

Note: The prototype Indiana Northeastern is a local

regional line.

Smallville Yard services three industries on the

main line. Sometimes the trip is a challenge for

the crew.

Extra 3981 is waiting at Summit for UB-1 to climb the

helix and clear the signal on its way to Branch.

The Hungry Hobo dinner train is ready to leave Branch. The museum has an interesting mix of

equipment and is responsible for all local freight switching in the town.

This file is: PhotoTour-NoWhere.docx; last updated: June 15, 2014 4

2 b’ Firs Lumber also sells 2 by 6 boards.

Be sure to ask them about their “Tuba Firs”.

The branch line is kept busy with grain shipments.

The Hungry Hobo excursion train returns to

Branch and passes its namesake icon.

OK, a bit of whimsy – The merchants of Boxton are

sponsoring a pet parade today.