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Tour Mark Preussler’s HO scale Soo Line layout set in the steam-to-diesel transition era (circa 1955). In this MRVP Exclusive video, you’ll see the full expanse of Mark’s 33 x 43-foot basement empire, highlighted by numerous signature Soo Line locations, structures, and trains! For additional information about this marvelous Midwestern model railroad, read the July 2009 issue of Model Railroader magazine.
It’s a real treat to see this area represented by another layout. My father grew up in Neenah on the shores of Lake Winnebago. His Wisconsin Central layout ran from Fond du Lac staging, through Van Dyne and Winnebago to Neenah Yard. Thence to West Neenah, Readfield, Weyauwega, Waupaca and terminating at the Stevens Point staging. I spent many fun op sessions operating the west end of the Neenah Yard. His layout never achieved the wonderful scenery yours has, but it hosted many op sessions over the years.
Hi Ray,Congrats on your recent modeling and layout(s)! I didn’t get any of John Proebsting’s Soo Line rolling stock. Only the Neenah roundhouse which was thanks to a deal set-up by the late Larry Easton. Larry loved that old building. Keep on modeling Ray!
Bob, The shower door plastic was ordered by Falls Glass in Sheboygan Falls, WI, though I would think any glass outlet should be able to get it. I have made good progress since this video was done about 4 years ago and will soon be sending in a story to MR on the branch line, which wasn’t completed back then. Thanks for the comments!
Hi Mark: You have a beautiful layout that is truly a “Great Model Railroad”! Your scenery is top notch and you have accurately captured the feel of the mid-1950’s. I am impressed with your technique for creating water ……… a really excellent idea. Thank you Mark and MRVP for an enjoyable video!
Mark…where did you buy the shower door plastic?
Mark, since i have a cabin in the Wild Rose area in Wisconsin, I visit Waupaca on a regular basis as well as Dale, Stevens Point and the other areas on your layout. You really nailed the feeling of Central Wisconsin with the creative work you did on your layout. Great work!!!
Mark, did you end up with any of John Proebsting’s equipment or rolling stock? I built and painted a number of locomotives for John back in my HO days.
great presentation, real nice looking layout
Mark, I remember visiting you some years back when John Proebsting brought me over to your place. I built several structures similar to yours, the two pocket McHenry coaling station was one of my favorites. I also had a number of the sawtooth boxcars on our layout. You have done a magnificent job on this railroad and it brings back a lot of very fond memories of my growing up in Glenwood west of Shoreham. Great work on your layout.
Thanks Mark for sharing and inspiring!!!!!!!
Nice attention to detail, prototypical scenes and operations. A first class layout. Thanks for sharing, and keep up the fine modeling!
Really nice job and some nice ideas as well.. Enjoy the RR and thanks for sharing with us..
Thank you so much for sharing your terrific layout with your fellow modelers. it was most enjoyable.
The idea to use a shower door for water is ingenious. Great stuff.
Hi Louis, The church in Neenah is a kit from Kibri marketed as “Roman Catholic Church” Other than a “cream city brick” color paint job, it’s a no-mods kit build. They used to sell a sound and lighting set-up for it as well back in the day, maybe they still do, but I’m sure with today’s sound chips it would be easy to add from several sources. Thanks for watching the video!
Mark,
Where did you get the church structure in Neenah? Very impressive, and very similar to a couple of churches in the area I will be modeling.
This video was way too short, what a great layout.
Wow, what a neat layout. Great models and it follows a prototype concept. This video was fascinating to watch anf was very enjoyable. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us.
I finally got around to watching the video of my layout a few weeks back. The MRVP team is welcome to come back anytime! You’ll not find a better group of guys to work with. I had a few questions from viewers about where to find/purchase the plastic sheet I used for the “quick and dirty” water. My suggestion is a glass and/or window and door retailer. I haven’t had luck with any of the Big Box stores stocking this product, but perhaps in other parts of the world that’s not the case. Thanks for the comments too! There’s been some good progress on the various unfinished areas since the video was shot. I find it’s easy to get “sucked in” to watching all the other vids on this site for hours instead of finishing my own work, but that’s a credit to the MRVP and Kalmbach again. Watching Cody, David, or Gerry work has given me some new ideas and techniques that I can use on the layout after all, so I feel less guilty… What a great hobby!
Very, very nice layout and great presentation in the video. Thanks so much for sharing.
Very Nicely done!
All I can say is WOW!!! Very nice layout.
very much enjoyed the tour and layout but the unexpected highlight for me was your master modeler friend’s shirt. My boyhood bedroom was highlighted by pillow cases and curtains made from that cloth.
Thanks MRVP for a really great layout presentation. Mark your modelling is exquisite and really conveys the feel of the Soo Line in the fifties. The towns really seem to be spread out and you model some very interesting industries. This model railroad illustrates how important railroads were to the lifeblood of smaller Midwest towns.
A great-looking layout that looks better in person.
I so appreciate your layout Mark. As a resident of the Fox Valley, it was a real pleasure to see so many of the area’s railroad features come to life on your layout. Your narration was great, and the video shots and angles were super. Best wishes on finishing your Manitowoc branch!