ALONG THE STEVENS POINT DIVISION  

Welcome to my photo gallery of the Stevens Point Division.  As I continue to make progress on my layout, look for updates including another gallery dedicated to the Manitowoc Branch.  Unless otherwise noted, all pictures are credited to Marv Preussler.  I will include a bit about each model and scene for your information as well.  The layout I am building is inspired by the late John Proebsting. It features a single level design with 175' of mainline trackage with staging for Fond du Lac and Stevens Point on each end.   Neenah is where my branchline to Manitowoc connects to the main.  The branch is roughly 125' of trackage.  Neenah Yard is the hub of all freight activity.  The timeframe is 1954, but I am making a few exceptions (such as my Medina Jct. scene).  I am building the layout alone, but there are so many who have helped with information.  I am especially thankful for the invaluable knowledge of Larry Easton, Dennis Storzek and the Soo Line Yahoo! Group, S.L.H.T.S., and the late Carl Blahnik.

 

 

"NO ORDERS TODAY"

Soo No. 1017 hustles past the Dale depot while a passenger waits for train No. 2

This is a modified Trix 2-8-2 that features a new cab and walkways/steps. The depot is scratchbuilt while the familiar elevator at Dale is a modified Walthers kit.

"NEENAH ROUNDHOUSE- PRICELESS"

Thank to the generousity of Larry Easton and the SLHTS, the centerpiece of Neenah Yard found a home.

Look for an upcoming story on Proebsting's model and my layout in the Soo.

"Medina Jct.- Pit Stop For The Soo"

Located west of Neenah, Medina Jct. kept the trains moving across the system.

My Jct. is laid out opposite of the prototype. The structures are kitbashed (water tank and coaling tower) from Walthers kits. The pump house and engine house are scratchbuilt using Sylvan rough concrete block. (D. Rickaby photo.)

"WHAT A CATCH!"

The end of steam is near as No. 4007 works along the Tomorrow River west of Dale.

A "don't try this at home" kitbash of a PFM brass N-20 boiler mated to a Spectrum 4-8-2. The PFM model had sustained too much damage after a crash to the floor -BEFORE I bought it from a friend for $100.00! The result is what Spectrum should have built for us Soo fans.

"LATE LAKER"

No. 17 is stopped just west of the depot at Waupaca early in the morning. The train was scheduled through here before daylight.

Intermountain has made it much easier for me to model my favorite train. No, the depot isn't finished yet. (D. Rickaby photo.)

"LOTS OF CAR LOADINGS HERE"

A freelanced area of my layout is known as West Neenah. Here the Bergstrom Paper Co., Reliable Chair, Lake Street Siding, and Eggers Industries keep the Soo busy.

A lot of buildings were left over from my previous layout and I knew that if I wanted to have a layout that looks finished before I'm gone some freelancing would be required. A fun area to switch

"NO. 24 ROLLS THROUGH DALE"

Normally a set of "F's" are on the point but today it's 4007 again- maybe for the last time.

B/W images are neat!

"LAST DAY ON THE JOB"

The Sinclair dealer at Waupaca.

Need more details in this picture including the main building just to the left. I wanted to duplicate a shot as seen in the "Waupaca" historical book authored by David Leider. Next time.

"OVER OAK STREET"

No. 200 with train No. 24 flies over Oak St. in Waupaca.

The Genesis F-3's are sweet. I probably painted at least a half dozen sets for other people over the years. Saved me some work. The bridge is just the Central Valley 2-track girder and I fashioned some supports to somewhat match the ones in Waupaca.