Category Archives: Prototype

Things to do with the Georgetown Branch prototype.

View of Georgetown, including a steam switcher!

History, Prototype
between 1909 and 1920
between 1909 and 1920

An alert fan of the website alerted me to an image on the LoC.gov website showing the steam switcher in action! These photos are so rare I just had to see. Wow! The photo is far away, shot from Rosslyn, looking toward Georgetown, but there it is. It’s making quite a good bit of smoke and appears to be idling or moving slowly. Can anyone identify the class of loco?

Here is a link to the site:

http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/npco/item/npc2008000741/

By the way, there are many, MANY fantastic images in and around this area to be found on the LoC site. Happy hunting!

Overlay of Proposed Yard Changes, 1940s

History, Prototype

I put together this quick-and-dirty overlay of the proposed changes to the easternmost yard in Georgetown from the late 1940s compared to the current satellite photo. As you can see, it’s quite a striking difference. Probably the only thing still in place are the bulkheads along the waterways and the Whitehurst Freeway. Fascinating.

http://gallery.sluggyjunx.com/railroad_and_industrial/georgetownbranch/gb_prototype_photos/misc_prototype_photos/Georgetown-proposed-old-yard-track-changes

Georgetown proposed old yard track changes

Bradley Blvd. Bridge On Film!

Georgetown Branch related links, History, Prototype

I recently discovered the most excellent Bethesda Chevy Chase Back In The Day Facebook group, which is loaded with memories from back in the day. A few railroad related photos and stories, which are fun, but I particularly enjoyed this dark, psychedelic film which ends with a sort of twisted murder rampage. It’s not that graphic but the music and filming style makes it pretty fun to watch. Anyway, what’s this got to do with the Georgetown Branch? Well, the final “scene” of the film part of this movie was staged on the bridge across Bradley Blvd.! You get some neat scenes (albeit short) showing the tracks and surrounding area. Enjoy!

Bethesda ’74-75 – featuring a short clip of the Georgetown Branch

Article about the Georgetown Branch in the Gazette

Georgetown Branch related links, History, News, Prototype

I was interviewed for an article recently published in the Gazette, a local Montgomery County paper. The article covers the tracks recently uncovered in Bethesda (old team tracks, I believe) and how they provide a link to Bethesda’s industrial past. I myself got to see some of the tracks uncovered a month ago and it was a really special sight.

The article is available to read here: http://www.gazette.net/article/20120829/NEWS/708299661/1123/construction-project-reveals-ties-to-bethesda-s-past&template=gazette

Another great shot, B&O S1 226 in Georgetown

History, Prototype

Found this neat shot on eBay and scooped it up right away. It’s an original 35mm negative showing B&O S1 226 parked in Georgetown in the “new yard”. Very excited about this one, as I have this model in HO scale and it will have a home on my layout. This image is similar to one found on G. Elwood’s Fallen Flags site, found here. Enjoy!

http://gallery.sluggyjunx.com/main.php?g2_itemId=71169

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