Friends Weekend at the Arborway TT & Northwestern 2016

Описание: Started in 2000 by investment banker John Woods and originally designed for family gatherings, the Arborway TT & Northwestern Railway (ATT&NW for short) was an extremely rare case of someone's dream railway turned into reality. Hands down the elite grand scale railway in the United States, and maybe the world, the ATT&NW was essentially a full-scale operation in everything but track scale - 15 inches, roughly 1/3 scale. The railway features an automatic signal system and switches, full machine shops and facilities, and over 5 miles of track, including a 3.5 mile double track mainline encompassing 2.0% grades, 2 tunnels, and several loops and wyes. Even with all of that, the ATT&NW was just phase 1 of a truly staggering vision John Woods had for the railroad. Phase 2 included several more miles of track including numerous tunnels and high bridges connecting the bottom of the railroad to the upper loop and a spur line running to a new house built on the roughly 2000 acre property. The 2007 Grand Scales Convention held at the railroad was the first major exposure for the line and showcased the quality of the existing line and the potential it had. John had even explored the possibility of purchasing an abandoned Frisco branch line running through nearby Steelville, MO - a 30+ mile stretch of track - to turn into a lengthy 15 inch gauge railway.

Tragically, John Woods passed away as a result of a motorcycle accident shortly after the 2008 Convention. Fortunately, a support group had been formed in the preceding years to act as a volunteer group and keep the railroad running. Every year, this group - The Friends of the ATT&NW - met up at the railroad for a weekend of trains, socializing, and fun.

I was fortunate enough to attend the meet-up in 2016 and 2017. I wanted to document the line more in 2017, but I spent the day working as a conductor instead. I figured I’d get my chance in during the meet in 2018. However, this wasn’t to be the case.

In somewhat shocking fashion, the railway was abruptly shut down in late 2017 and the entire property was put up for sale. The line is out of commission for the time being.

This video showcases much of the railroad, including the shops and equipment. Take a ride on a work train around the upper loop, where smaller visiting engines would run around Bell Pond (named after Taco Bell founder Glenn Bell, a huge rail fan and previous owner of several pieces of the equipment) behind SW-1 #17. Next, get a good view of the majority of the double track main line to Meramec Loop coasting downhill behind ex-Bell Gardens F7 #216. Finally, turn up the speakers and enjoy as we ride point back uphill behind the crown jewel of the railroad, 4-8-4 Northern type #801. The powerful engine makes a good show of lugging the heavy train up the 2.0% grades at 15-20 MPH.

The sound clip at the end comes from this video:    • PRR Steam Audio Recording: I1sa Running Li...  . If you enjoy classic clips of trains, check out this channel.