Santa Maria 3.5mm/HOm
Background
In 1909 the Rhätische Bahn (RhB) proposed constructing a connection from Zernez on line to Scoul out of the Engadine valley over the Ofenpass and into Val Müstair area and over the Italian border to Mals where it was to connect to the Italian standard gauge network. In reality, due to the First World War, the scheme never came to fruition. However, with the application of a little modellers’ license, the line was built and, despite a suspension of service for two World Wars, serves the Swiss National Park (est. 1914) to the east of Zernez and on to Italy.
Model
The model is of an imagined RhB station serving the settlement of Santa Maria as well as it’s near neighbour, Valchava. As well as the passenger service the station also sees some timber traffic loaded in the station yard and also a small rail served distribution point, based on a similar structure at Pontresina. To add a little more operational interest it is assumed there is a through freight service to Müstair and Mals.
The period of operation portrayed is between 2006 and 2008 (my 2 visits to the ride the RhB) with train formations based on the photos and notes I took operations on the Lower Engadin route.
Stock is BEMO with some D&R stock. Track is PECO with Tortoise point motors. Catenary is Sommerfeldt and signals are shortened Schneider models. Train and point control is DCC.