Touring the Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum

The tour of the Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum layout begins at the Wabash Bridge over the river in downtown Pittsburgh. The pride of the line, the Constellation heads eastbound. This Pullman extra fair train is powered by PA 220 and PB 221. The silver structure is the Smithfield Street Bridge. Next the trains move into an area that is unfinished. At Ohiopyle the ALCOs cross railroad rapids. This is a favorite resort stop for white water rafting. With this view from the observation, it is apparent why this is an extra fair ride.

Fort Hill features the first crossing of the Casselman River way down in the gorge. Just before Pinkerton Tunnel the B&O main appears and the Casselman River returns. Rockwood is a medium sized city where a viaduct passes over the river and the B&O main. At Sand Patch Tunnel two B&O ALCO RS1’s emerge and head towards Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. The PA’s pass over on Keystone Viaduct. This spot in Pennsylvania has a Y to turn the helpers. Savage Tunnel is the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Allegheny Station is the first town in Maryland. The Allegheny Coal Company is the biggest employer in the area. The Mount Savage Brick Yard lines the route into Brush Tunnel. Exiting Brush Tunnel, the ALCOs continue eastbound. Helmstedter Farm is named after the first family to settle the area. Helmstedter Curve leads to George’s Creek.

Ekhardt Junction is the route through the narrows along Will’s Creek and Cumberland, Maryland is the queen city of the Alleghenies and the end of the model portion of the railroad. Leaving Cumberland, the PA’s pull over the Potomac River Bridge and head for staging in Baltimore. For more model railroad tips and tricks, visit the Model Railroad Academy archives.