Adler springs
In 1997, Barb and Hampton, with the help of several modeler friends, started working on the CVW. The first stage of the layout consisted of a 500 sq. ft main room with a 150 sq. ft. “L”. The track plan was created by CadRail and with the help of the “Train Guyz”, (which at that time consisted of Dave Dettman and Hank Brown), construction began. The initial layout design was envisioned by Barb & Hamp and interpreted by the Train Guyz. Dave did a wonderful job of drawing out the layout in CADRAIL, but as you know, original designs change.
The hub of this railroad is Adler Springs, a community with many rail served and rail supporting businesses. The main yard now provides rail service to 7 additional towns, including 3 another yards. The main room features a lumber mill “community”, farms, rivers with trestles, several other towns, and many interesting scenic areas and hidden track. The main yard also features a unique overpass, built to scale, by the Dave Dettman. Dave used to work for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, so creating a scale bridge over dual tracks seemed like a breeze.
Adler Springs Locations
Adler Springs Yard
Adler Springs Bridge
Adler Springs Bridge
Adler Springs, named after Hampton's oldest daughter's last name, and is the main yard for the layout. All trains going East to West , and West to East, must pass through this yard unless they take the CornField bypass that runs from Bradley Yard to above the cornfield at the entrance to Alexander Station before entering either Larsh Mill Pond or Detown. It is equipped to be run by 2 Yard Masters or 1 Yard Master and an assistant.
Adler Springs Bridge
Adler Springs Bridge
Adler Springs Bridge
Off in the distance, you can faintly make out the bridge that goes over the tracks. It was constructed by Dave Dettman and was constructed according to the standards set by the State of Wisconsin for roads and bridges.
Bridge Action
Adler Springs Bridge
Bridge Action
Please note that the police car that is chasing a car over the bridge is not a representation of any police department. [Lt. Chris Larsh, please do not take offense, we couldn't find a Dane Co. Sheriff's Dept car that would have been appropriate.]
Ross's Ridge
Corn Field Pass
Bridge Action
Ross's Ridge, named after grandson (Robert) Ross Adler, lays to the East of Adler, high up on the ridge that overlooks Adler Springs. Ross's Ridge is noted for the Celtic Winery that produces a fine wine.
Corn Field Pass
Corn Field Pass
Corn Field Pass
Leaving Ross's Ridge, you can continue on the Cornfield Pass to Alexander Station, where you can either take the eastern tracks to Detown or the western tracks to Larsh Mill Pond. The Corn Field Pass, Ross's Ridge, Detown, Alexander Station, and Larsh Mill Pond are on the second level of the layout. Below the Corn Field Pass was home to the Eckstein Monument Company and the bypass for the Grist Mill which eventually took you to Bradley Yard.
Kate's Crossing
Corn Field Pass
Corn Field Pass
Kate's Crossing, named after our two Kathleen's, (Kathleen Adler and Kathleen Larsh), is a triple slip switch that allows for passage from Adler Springs to either the main line to Bradley Yard or to Alexander Station, Detown, or Larsh Mill Pond.