Thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters, the tree looming over our layout building was removed recently and operations can proceed forth safely! Our deepest appreciation for those who quickly sent in donations to take care of this unplanned cost. Our next Regular Monthly SACOM Meeting will be Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022 at … Read more
Earlier this week, this tall pine leaned over and came to rest on the edge of our SACOM building, and it’s now our responsibility to get it removed.
It was the first time that track authority was formally issued on this layout.
Since SACOM’s inception in the late 1990s, it has been a dream for the group to have a building and layout dedicated to preserving the essence of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway through the Kanawha Valley in scale model form. Today, we see that dream coming to fruition more than we ever have. With most … Read more
Editor’s note: This is the second part of a two-part series documenting SACOM members’ trip to Michigan in Oct. 2021. It’s quite difficult to describe the level of perfection Mike Burgett has achieved on his HO scale representation of C&O Clifton Forge Division, which is set in 1965. Burgett occasionally opens his layout to visitors … Read more
Editor’s Note: This replaces October’s “SACOM For Progress…” monthly update. This is also the first part of a two-part series on our trip to Michigan. A quintet of SACOM members ventured north to Michigan last month for a C&O history-filled weekend. The idea, however, started several months prior when Mike Burgett invited SACOM and its … Read more
November 1, 2021 marked our layout’s very first practice operating simulation, when we ran both the “Hurricane Turn” and the “Handley Turn” out of South Charleston, taking specific manifest cars from that yard to spot, both east and west.
This was the first step in discovering the many “fixes” that are needed in track, electrical, rolling stock and motive power. All were noted.
Mike Burgett “adjusts the board,” with wooden blocks bearing the names of the crewmen waiting to be called for their next train assignment. Stephen Brooks (seated) calls the crews and issues train orders.
The season has changed, along with the weather, since we last provided an update about the layout. Several areas have seen some exciting progress.
“Persons on the streets were swept off their feet, hurled through the air, and smacked roughly to earth, many stunned and knocked breathless.”