Category Archives: History

Items of historical interest and relevance.

Sharing some newly added photos and maps

History, Model RR, News, Prototype

I’ve found quite a lot of GB photos, maps and documents over the years and I share most of what I find in my Gallery. (only if I have permission, of course) These files are exciting to anyone like me who treasures the hard-to-find imagery of the GB and even harder to find documentation. Here are a couple links to some Galleries that have some of my newer finds:

Georgetown Branch maps, photos – including track charts, building plans and photos.
http://gallery.sluggyjunx.com/railroad_and_industrial/georgetownbranch/gb_prototype_photos/misc_prototype_photos

R. Pearlman collection – a few color slides from one of the railfan excursions!
http://gallery.sluggyjunx.com/railroad_and_industrial/georgetownbranch/gb_prototype_photos/rpearlman

My layout (basement) construction photos
http://gallery.sluggyjunx.com/railroad_and_industrial/georgetownbranch/modelrailroad/2010-11_model_rr

The R. Mumford Collection

History, News, Prototype

Finally! The legendary R. Mumford collection of photos is finally up and online! I contacted Mr. Mumford via the B&O Yahoo! Group and he was kind enough to allow me to share the photos I had scanned years earlier with the rest of the world. They turned out great and provide a unique look into the operations and workings of the railroad during the 1950s. Mr. Mumford was a native of Bethesda and had easy access to the area. He spent much of his youth in and around the railroad and, lucky for us, photographing it. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I have!

http://gallery.sluggyjunx.com/main.php?g2_itemId=65928

Another One Bites the Dust

History, News, Prototype
Building in Bethesda at River Road that has been demolished.

The building seen here which was located in Bethesda just North of the River Road crossing is no more. Nothing remains but the tracks in the pavement and a big hole where it once was. They’ll probably put up a Starbucks or a CVS. According to various maps and references I have, this was once an auto parts warehouse. Tracks served it on the right side.

Layout progress & a couple photos

Georgetown Branch related links, History, News

Well, it’s been a long, long time (once again) since my last update here. If you’re regularly checking the Gallery page then you know that I’ve been posting some progress photos of the layout construction. I’m about half way done with the helix but it’s slow going. Mainly due to the addition to my family- a new baby girl! Born on 7/5/06.

In the meantime, I’ve done a couple other things GB related. I was lucky enough to gain access to a wonderful collection of old GB photos and documents which has helped greatly in my research. I also took a tour of the Georgetown Waterfront to document all the changes that are occuring there. And, I’ve posted a couple photos from a site visitor in the Gallery.

The Wm. Duvall Collection

History, Prototype

I recently was lucky enough to scan the negatives of Wm. Duvall, a Chevy Chase local. He allowed me to post them to my site. They are absolutely fantastic photos and give one a really fantastic glimpse back to when trains once ran on the Georgetown Branch. His photos cover from the late 1950s through the 1970s, with a few 1940s (and earlier!) shots thrown in. They are in the Gallery.

I also completed installation of the fluorescent lights in the layout room. I have also been doing tests and planning on the helix which will go under the stairs to connect the two levels. I have tentatively decided on the heights for the two layout shelf levels as 36″ and 57″. I am 5’6″ tall. I continue to refine the track plan and hope to have an updated copy up soon. Pics are in the Gallery.

History & Gallery updates

History, Prototype

I picked up a “Car Service Circular No. 4” at the last B&ORRHS Sorting Session. There is a small mention of the GB in it, so I scanned and posted it in the History section. Matthew G. Vurek was generous enough to lend me 3 more photos of his! They are really great, so check them out in the Gallery. Work in the layout room is on hiatus right now as I am building a brick walkway in the front yard, a retaing wall in the back yard and a walkway ’round the side of the house.