Modules: Club Loop - West End
The West End module depicts the largest town on the loop layout and is completely freelanced, following no particular prototype location. The West End module provides several important functions. First, it has wye trackage and is the only way to turn a engine, car or train while on the loop modules. It provides a connection point to add more modules to the loop for a larger layout than what the loop otherwise provides for. The module also has a freight transfer point with the standard gauge D&RGW.
A view looking down main street at some of the businesses taken from the hotel across the street.
![West End [220207] _c.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7f4237_4dfcbd16711048bfb2cc2a21eb179e78~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_558,y_518,w_6897,h_2326/fill/w_979,h_330,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/West%20End%20%5B220207%5D%20_c.jpg)
Our fictional West End module with it's standard (blue) dual gauge (orange) and narrow gauge (black) trackage.
The view from across the tracks looking back at the rear of the buildings on Main Street. The standard gauge diesel switcher is working the freight house while the narrow gauge 461 is switching the team track platform.
The passengers have a nice warm depot to wait in on those crisp fall mornings. The size contrast between narrow gauge and standard gauge box cars at the freight house is apparent in this scene. Note the dual gauge trackage the box car and refer in the foreground are resting on.
The front of the freight house. Between the narrow gauge and standard gauge, the yards in town were a beehive of activity.
It's the rear of the freight house where all the action is. In addition to handling LCL (Less than Car Load) freight, it is also a transfer house to swap loads between the standard and narrow gauge routes.
West End is a freelanced town where both standard gauge and narrow gauge meet, as a freight transfer point. It is also part of the Gato wye and it is the beginning of a branch line off the St Louis loop layout. The railroad facilities includes a depot, a freight station with both standard and dual gauge tracks, a team unloading platform and two section houses. The town has 8 businesses, including a saloon/pool hall and a jail, as well as two homes. Most of the businesses face the back of the table (although both table sides are viewable), so the more interesting rear of the businesses face the tracks – as inspired by modeler Harry Brunk.
When just the 9 St Louis tables are on display, West End represents a terminus for train operations. When additional modules are included in the display, West End is the start of a branch line off the loop.
West End depot built by Chuck Graham
West End freight house built by Greg Poth
Section houses built by Paul Kraegenbrink
Town structures built by Greg Poth and Chuck Graham
West End dual gauge track laid by Chuck Graham