	The Farthest North Garden Railway Great Northern Phase II (GN-Phase II): Work Begins Inside the Bar, Fall 2005


	The original Phase I tracks run at a base level seven feet above the floor of the Copper Rail Depot Saloon: Map of the overhead model railroad, which is a layout of historic Chitina--the start of the Chitina Local Branch of the CRNW Railway at MP 131


	The AKRR SD40-2 sits on its new track inside the CRD Saloon facing the exit, early summer 2006 (click picture for larger image):


	I wanted something more. I decided to build a phase II layout and thus create a more visible model railroad presence in the bar. This new project was to start as a display which was to become only the tip of the proverbial iceberg--a hint of what lay beyond outside the confines of the bar. Ultimately the Phase II line would grow to exceed 1,000 feet of new track. The first task was to build the model train consist parking area inside the bar. My intent was to have one or two consists permanently parked just above and behind the bar even when the outdoor part of the layout was closed during the winter. Thus the bar would have a static display behind the bar at all times. The track bed was laid approximately a foot and a half below the CRNW (Phase I) track as you can see in the above picture. The original line rests on the canopy which provides support for this lower line.

	I installed a special beverage dispensing rack in place before building the new overhead track. The overhead clearance required for that would determine the level of the new track bed. As it turned out, the bottle-dispensing rack allowed barely sufficient room for me to proceed. I next installed the double track parking lane which was suspended from the overhead canopy that serves as a base for the Phase I CRNW Railway line.

	Above and below: views of the Great Northern consist running along the backbar. The lower one shows a small section of the original Phase I line above the bar. (Click for larger image)


	CONTINUE


	*A Milwaukee Road Doodlebug at the model town of Cicely*

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