Planning and Inspiration for the Cumberland Valley System

Most model railroad layouts are a product of much trial and error and evolution throughout both the design and building stages. So much research is required to build a historically accurate railroad that is also a pleasure to view and operate, it can be difficult to figure everything out before you begin the construction. Such was the case for Bill and Wayne Reid’s N scale layout of the Cumberland Valley System, the structure and scenery of which has changed many times since its inception in 1976.

In this segment, Allen Keller sits down with Bill and Wayne to hear about all that went into designing and building the remarkable CVS. You’ll discover how the brothers decided on Cumberland Valley in 1952 for their setting, and learn some of the obstacles that have stood in their way throughout the layout’s construction and operation. Bill and Wayne discuss the advantages and disadvantages of working in N scale on this particular layout and explain what allowed them to avoid using too much track on this spacious Appalachian railroad system. These are two lifelong railfans who have put together one spectacular layout!