I’m currently building a model railroad layout of the Southern Pacific Burbank Branch in N scale, set in the 1970s. The goal is to recreate the nostalgic atmosphere of the Southern Pacific Railroad as it operated through the San Fernando Valley in California, USA. This layout aims to capture the essence of that era while focusing on the operational aspects of the Burbank Branch.
Prototype or Freelance (or both)?
While staying true to the historical feel, I am taking a few proto-freelance liberties to make operations more engaging. In reality, this branch line wasn’t particularly busy during the 1970s, but for the sake of a more dynamic experience, I’m imagining a slightly busier line. This allows for more interaction and complexity in the operations, making the layout more enjoyable for operators and it’s a good excuse to buy a few extra cars.
Realistic Operations on the Burbank Branch
The layout is designed as a small switching shelf layout, currently under construction. It represents a portion of the Southern Pacific Burbank Branch and features several railroad-served industries. These industries are selectively compressed to fit into the compact space available, while still maintaining the key characteristics of the original locations.
Reliable operations, tidy wiring, and a realistic appearance are key components of the layout. These factors are crucial to creating an immersive experience that accurately reflects the spirit of the Burbank Branch, both visually and functionally.
By focusing on these essential elements, I aim to bring the Southern Pacific Burbank Branch to life in a way that both captures its historical significance and provides an engaging experience for model railroaders.
Southern Pacific Burbank Branch Layout Construction
Follow along as I build the benchwork, paint the backdrop, install the tracks, wire the layout for DCC, light the layout, create realistic scenery, and, in time, operate the layout. Join me on this journey and enjoy every step of the process as much as I do.
Prototype photos by Terry Guy