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The history of the Central Carolina
Southbound begin on Christmas Day, 2003. The future president of the CCSB
was presented with a gift of a Life Like "Little Joe" mini
railroad empire, consisting of N-Scale steam engine, stock car, reefer,
caboose, assorted track and scenery.
That day, the kitchen table was cleared and the empire consisted of a 2 x 4
foot oval. The might steam engine powered around the track loop after loop.
The next day, a trip to the local do-it-yourself center resulted in a
precut 2 x 4 foot 3/8" plywood surface for track mounting. Within
hours, it was realized that this was no empire. A second trip was made and
another 2 x 4 foot section was acquired. By merger, the first 2 x 4 panel
was united with the second 2 x 4 panel and the empire covered 16 square
feet.
It was discovered that this was not nearly enough track mileage to survive
the ever growing competition. A 4 x 4 acquisition was made and merged into
the existing 4 x 4. The CCSB was now ready for major construction.
Materials were acquired and construction was begun Dec 27, 2003.
On Dec 30, 2003, the owner of the railroad realized that its current trackage
was going nowhere. Before retiring (for the evening) he realized the entire
organization needed overhauling. The next morning, before going to work, he
went downstairs, and ripped up all the existing trackwork. He then started
searching for a new layout.
A new layout plan was found while searching the Internet. The new
layout plan would have plenty of room, be made on a 36 x 80 hollow core door
along with a 24 x 80 door in an "L" configuration. Work begun on
Jan 01, 2004. Progress continued on the Bixby, Mayberry and Mt. Pilot
shortlines along with new track for the mainline.
Work continued on the CCSB until March 19, 2004. It was on that Friday that
the CCSB was once again thrown into upheaval. While running a 12 car freight
up the 4% grade, it was realized that all the testing had been done with
short consists and that the grade was just too much for longer freights. It
was also discovered that there was a tendency for said freight to derail
inside a 936 scale foot tunnel with no access. The president called an
emergency meeting of the board and announced that they had better take one
last look at the old CCSB. The next morning, deconstruction began.
By Sunday March 21, the CCSB had been spun off into 3 distinct groups, moved
to new headquarters and remerged. Also added was a 4th section, Ruby Ridge.
The new railway was better positioned for the future with easy access
aisleways, no unreachable spot anywhere and an improved work ethic.
May 2004 brought the cessation of activities for the CCSB. It was in limbo
during Chapter 11 (reorganization). On Dec 23, 2004, the CCSB was back in business and stronger than ever. Work continues
non-stop while new techniques evolve, tracks are fine tuned, buildings are
completed and rolling stock rosters are added to.
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