The Raspberry Branch ISL (MEC in Quebec)

[sailormatlac]

Question: any recommandation on a relevant book about Maine Central covering their canadian operation? Also, I know many railroads had track detailled track plans of certain locations. Is there some information of that kind for Maine Central?

I need to dig further because the more I check the few maps I have, the more I think the interchange was located in from of the station.

If you look on this picture, the middle track, suspected to be the interchange, seems to curve to the right toward the main line. But if you look in the background, there's a boxcar. This boxcar position doesn't fit with the left side track and can't be on the main line... in fact, this boxcar is located far front the small curve toward the main... Just as if it connected with the MEC mainline far away. Other this, the middle track curve, but not the one at left. It's as if this track never meets the CPR mainline. At some point, the insurance maps could be wrong and the interchange could be the left track. It would make sense because the middle one would act as a passing siding for the station and no need for a costly and useless crossing.



This is pure speculation based on the insurance maps and right of ways. Topographical survey from 1921 (before MEC quit) exist, but details are sketchy at best. But they don't go against my guess. Any second thought?

Matt

***EDIT***

According to the picture, I've seen a turnout from the left track and two from the middle track. The insurance maps is thus "exact". I think the following track plan is quite near from reality and simple enough to be believeable and easy to switch for both company without having to run over the others property. It would also explain why the middle siding was joining the main very, very far from the other siding. Making room for a entire MEC train to run around the interchange without running on CPR main line... Makes operating the layout much more interesting and give a purpose to the main line...



I'll redraw everything tomorrow, but yet, this little diagram give a good idea of the layout to be.

Matt