Model Railroading > A Visit to the Indian Creek Valley Ry, Connellsville, PA

This layout now on display at the Connellsville, PA Canteen was the lifetime passion of Harry Clark. It was written up in MR in 1985, and in 2001 one TO poster thought it was the best layout he'd ever seen. But, I hadn't heard of it before this past week's visit to Connellsville. It deserves lots of publicity! Here's a few photos.

1) The former Connellsville turntable

2) The former B&O Station. Real one torn down in 1981.

3) Control panel

B&OBill

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Locomotives in engine terminal.

WM close-up.

Dome with floodlights on Capitol Limited.

B&OB

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The Capitol Limited

E units close up.

B&OB

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Waterfall.

Brickyard.

Coal dock.

B&OB

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Display area. The Canteen is located on Crawford St, just past the bridge. Great views of real trains are seen from the bridge.

A $2.00 admission fee is in effect.

B&OBill

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Wow!! A PFM sound system,Is it still in use?

$2 admission seems like a real bargain for a real interesting layout.

I was lucky enough to see this layout at Mr. Clark's home in the 80's. Me and a buddy spotted him outside in his yard on our way up to Ohiopyle and decided to stop and ask if we could see the layout. He was extremely gracious and led us up to the room on top of his garage, opened the door and.... I was just stunned. I had never seen anything like it. The scenery, the scratchbuilt structures, his B&O brass collection - it was all there and in pristine condition. From the pics it looks as if it has been a bit through the ringer. Years ago the layout was moved to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort for public viewing - and I recall it wasn't really being cared for properly. I'm glad to see it's been preserved.