Don Ball’s Stockton & Copperopolis

The Stockton & Copperopolis is a timetable and train order operated railroad running through California’s agricultural country in the mid-1890s.  The Moraga Springs Northern, a first class railroad, has trackage right over a portion of the S&C and interchanges freight and passenger equipment with it. 

There are through first class limited and local passenger trains as well as through freights and local freights working six major towns plus three minor areas.  Many trains are regular and carried on the timetable but extras run as needed.  Peninsulas break up the view of the railroad and encourage crews to make decisions based on timetables and running orders. 

There are two locals working the length of the railroad plus another working the branch line.  The daily grain train services the various warehouse and flour mills along the railroad.  In Stockton, the yardmaster not only makes up and breaks down freights but has several industries to switch. 

HO Scale

One room – 35 x 35 ft.

1895 California short line with some main line traffic

Stockton , California to Oakdale plus a branch line to Copperopolis

Walk around – linear design

Layout Height – 48 inches – single level

Main Line 172 feet plus a branch line of 85 feet.

15% scenicked

Digitrax Wireless.  Most locomotives with sound.

Car Cards and Waybills plus switch lists

Timetable & Train Order Operation

Basement stairs and outside entrance access

10 Operators

Jobs:

Stockton Yardmaster – makes up trains & works local industries

Dispatcher in adjacent crew lounge.  Communicates with crews via telephones at each open stations.

Operator/Agent (Copies train orders and acts as station agent and tower operator)

Seven road crews operating three to four local freights, through freights and passenger service