to Florida. CSX does try to move some trains out of the way at
rush hour, but hotshots like the orange juice train (a solid string
of expedited reefers from Florida to New York) and intermodal
trains get shuffled in with the commuters. More operating fun!
Both lines use some great historic stations along the way.
Trains to both Manassas and Fredericksburg stop at Alexandria
Union Station, built in 1905 and extensively refurbished at the
end of the century. At the other end of the Fredericksburg Line
is a former RF&P station built in 1910, now partly occupied by
a German restaurant. The former Southern RR station, built
in 1914, serves as a stop for VRE and three Amtrak trains in
Manassas. Coincidentally, the Manassas station serves as the
cover for a 1972 record album by Steven Stills.
8: A VRE consist passes a CSX single-stack train south
of Quantico. Fitting commuter operations into other
high-priority traffic can provide an operating challenge
on a modern layout. (The single-stacks are required
because of clearances in the Washington area).
8
Modern Commuter Service - 5
In addition to these classic brick buildings, VRE trains also stop
at 15 other stations, mostly modern “bus stop” type structures
consisting of a concrete platform and a canopy. A few of these
are more significant edifices, including the VRE/Amtrak station
in Quantico.
Modeling Options
As previously mentioned, Kato has released Motive Power
International MP36PH locomotives and Nippon Sharyo-built
Gallery Bi-Level car sets in several road names, including
VRE. Wheels of Time offers the former-Metra cars in VRE and
Caltrain paint, as well as the original CNW and SP schemes.
Con-Cor also offers both a smooth-side and corrugated version
of these cars in a variety of schemes. Some of the mostly-silver
9: VRE V53 carries passengers home from work. Readily-
available equipment can add commuter operation to any
modern layout.
9
MRH-Feb 2014
