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Glen Frazer Free-mo Module - West Switch section
The West Switch section is where the passing siding diverges from the main track. The cantilever signal
bridge is a highlight of this section. It also includes the western portion of the maintenance-of-way (MoW)
spur and a short switchback stub track to the upper level of the loading ramp (on the adjacent Ramp
section). The switchback turnout and the loading ramp track are non-functional, as the stub is too short
for any practical use on a model railroad (at the real Glen Frazer, this stub was used only by small track
maintenance equipment). One of the more intricate utility poles is also found on this section.
The West Switch section is where the passing siding diverges from the main track. The cantilever signal
bridge is a highlight of this section. It also includes the western portion of the maintenance-of-way (MoW)
spur and a short switchback stub track to the upper level of the loading ramp (on the adjacent Ramp
section). The switchback turnout and the loading ramp track are non-functional, as the stub is too short
for any practical use on a model railroad (at the real Glen Frazer, this stub was used only by small track
maintenance equipment). One of the more intricate utility poles is also found on this section.
Below: A cut of boxcars traverses the West Switch section. The wooden shelf on the right was added to discourage operators from
setting throttles, uncouplers, drinks, etc. on the scenery. At the far right are DCC throttle jacks (an operator is using one in this photo),
and a recessed DPDT pushbutton to control the siding turnout. Oval handholds are used to move the section during transport and setup.
setting throttles, uncouplers, drinks, etc. on the scenery. At the far right are DCC throttle jacks (an operator is using one in this photo),
and a recessed DPDT pushbutton to control the siding turnout. Oval handholds are used to move the section during transport and setup.
Below: The West Switch features a distinctive NJ International brand cantilever signal bridge, a scenic
highlight providing great photo ops as trains pass below. I modified the cantilever kit to match the
prototype found at the real Glen Frazer. The signal head is Sunrise Enterprises (no longer available).
highlight providing great photo ops as trains pass below. I modified the cantilever kit to match the
prototype found at the real Glen Frazer. The signal head is Sunrise Enterprises (no longer available).
Below: This complex utility
pole was custom built
from parts in the
Walthers utility pole set.
pole was custom built
from parts in the
Walthers utility pole set.
Below: An abandoned utility pole hides among the
dense forest typical of north-facing hills in Franklin
Canyon. Most of the model trees were made from
Scenic Express SuperTrees and foam foliage.
dense forest typical of north-facing hills in Franklin
Canyon. Most of the model trees were made from
Scenic Express SuperTrees and foam foliage.
Below: The newest scenic feature on the West Switch are piles of track "junk" stockpiled by the
maintenance-of-way crews, a common occurance at the real Glen Frazer. I call it "tetanus alley".
The stack of random rail is actual metal rail, a mix of codes 83 and 70, painted and chalk weathered.
Elsewhere, I added bits salvaged from damaged Walthers turnouts - frog rails, point rails, and guard rails.
The junk pile closer to the tracks is hand-made from all sorts of stuff gleaned from my detail
parts boxes, plus more bits of rail and Central Valley track detailing parts such as joint bars.
maintenance-of-way crews, a common occurance at the real Glen Frazer. I call it "tetanus alley".
The stack of random rail is actual metal rail, a mix of codes 83 and 70, painted and chalk weathered.
Elsewhere, I added bits salvaged from damaged Walthers turnouts - frog rails, point rails, and guard rails.
The junk pile closer to the tracks is hand-made from all sorts of stuff gleaned from my detail
parts boxes, plus more bits of rail and Central Valley track detailing parts such as joint bars.
Below: The other signal on the West
Switch is another Sunrise Enterprises
product (no longer available). The spring
switch hydraulic is fashioned from an
Athearn semi-truck exhaust pipe.
Switch is another Sunrise Enterprises
product (no longer available). The spring
switch hydraulic is fashioned from an
Athearn semi-truck exhaust pipe.