Popular Post Lineas Cubanas Posted September 27, 2023 Popular Post Share Posted September 27, 2023 (edited) This is to introduce my new layout that I am currently in the process of building and document some information on the Railways of Lebanon, primarily in Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War during the 1980s. Railroad Name: "Les Caves Du Roy" or "Banlieue Est, Beyrouth" (TBD) Scale: HO Scale Gauge: Standard Prototype: C.E.L. Chemin de Fer de l'Etat Libanais Region: Beirut, Lebanon Locale: Dora, Eastern Suburb of Beirut Era: 1980s I have chosen the time period of the 1980s in order to try include most of the following: 1) Trains moved 1,000 tonnes of fuel a day - Petrol trains moved north between Beirut NBT and the petrol terminals at Dora (North East Beirut) and Zouk Mkayel power plant (south of Jounieh) - On the southern part of the NBT line, petrol trains were operated between Zahraini Refinery (ARAMCO), near Saïda and Ra’s en-Nabi Younés power plant north to the electricity plants of Beirut & refineries in Tripoli until 1983/84. 2) Cement came daily from Chekka to Beirut - A mixed train between Beirut and the Chekka cement factory (km 208.5), south of Tripoli continued to operate from February 1985 until February 16th, 1994 after which the railway bridge at Nahr el-Khelb (km 155), south of Jounieh was dismantled in March 1995 to allow an extension of the coastal motorway. 3) There was a very profitable line between Beirut port and Baghdad 4) There were daily passenger trains from Beirut to Aleppo (Syria) - The CEL operated a passenger service between Beirut and Tripoli, with a weekly sleeping car that connected to the Taurus Express at Aleppo in Syria. - Commuter Service from Dora in Beirut to Jbeil with MAN German Railcars (1982/83) Closed 1993 In fact, until the end of 1989 there was always some traffic on Lebanese tracks despite the on-going Civil War (1975-1990) When starting with a new project/concept/layout I like to get together what I call “inspirational” photos that illustrate the atmosphere and scenes that I would like to convey: The Green Line dividing West and East Beirut "The Bread Seller" Beirut Port Martyrs Square/Rivoli Theatre C.E.L Polish SP45 Diesels Burnt Out Wagons Ashrafieh, suburb of Beirut Edited October 11, 2023 by Lineas Cubanas 19 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SZ Posted September 27, 2023 Share Posted September 27, 2023 In case you haven't seen this already 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted September 28, 2023 Author Share Posted September 28, 2023 (edited) Yes, thanks for posting....... I do have the excellent book by Eddie Choueiry: "Liban Sur Rail" which was actually purchased from the Virgin Megastore in Beirut. Obviously renovated and rebuilt, it is in Martyrs square : the 3rd photo above of the destroyed buildings (the one with the chairs and umbrellas)....... Edited September 28, 2023 by Lineas Cubanas 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted September 28, 2023 Author Share Posted September 28, 2023 (edited) Ok so for a bit of context: the map below shows the railway system in Lebanon as it existed before the Civil War As we can see there was both standard gauge lines and a narrow-gauge line (which had a rack section) Beirut had essentially 2 main stations: - Mar Mikhael station (Gare St Michel) was the western terminus of the Beirut - Riyaq - Damascus narrow gauge (1.05m) rack line over the mountains. This line to Syria was shut down 2 years into the 1975-1990 Civil War. - The NBT (Nakoura- Beirut- Tripoli) station at Furn el Shebback with its yard maintained the standard gauge rolling stock used on the coastal Beirut to Nakoura and Beirut to Tripoli lines including the commuter service between Dora and Jbei. Point of Interest on the coastal NBT line included: Line North from Beirut Dora - Petrol terminals Jbeil - Commuter Service Jounieh - Zouk Mkayel power plant Chekka - Cement Factories Line South from Beirut Jiyeh - Ra’s en-Nabi Younés power plant Zahraini - ARAMCO Refinery I will be modelling part of the standard gauge NBT Line in and around Dora (or Dowra as it’s sometimes called) in the Eastern Suburbs of Beirut The Map below gives a better over view of where the layout is situated: Arret PN Dora There was a station at the Port too and the line from Gare NBT (Furn El Shebback) was dual gauge to the port. The standard gauge line being connected to the port with a side line that passed through Mar Mikhael Station, narrow gauge shops and yard. Edited September 28, 2023 by Lineas Cubanas 4 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted September 28, 2023 Author Share Posted September 28, 2023 (edited) Now, hopefully we are at the stage where we can focus in on the area of Dora and lift some kind of prototype track plan to use…. If only……as you can imagine information is fairly limited and difficult to get hold of, mainly due to the 15 year Civil War and subsequent abandonment of the railway system. The best I could do is this section taken from a map of Beirut made by the Central Intelligence Agency around 1978: These are the industries I hope to include but will obviously need to be finalised during the build: PN Dora – Passenger Stop Orient Pipe Factory Oil Company – CalTex (TBC) Cortas Manufacturing Company (Canning & Refrigeration) Oil Company - Total (TBC) Almaza Brewery & Malt Company (TBC) Exchange Spur for Port Traffic including Cement I am going to be using Switch List to operate the Layout and the above translates to the following in that app: I haven’t finalised the rolling stock yet hence the vague names for each wagon etc Switch List: https://apps.apple.com/dk/app/switchlist/id550383737?mt=12 Edited October 10, 2023 by Lineas Cubanas 2 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted September 28, 2023 Author Share Posted September 28, 2023 (edited) Dora (Dowra) present day: Edited October 5, 2023 by Lineas Cubanas 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted September 28, 2023 Share Posted September 28, 2023 Amazing; what effects do you plan to represent the inimitable Mr Dalrymple's description of Beirut during the civil war as 'drive in armageddon'? 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted September 29, 2023 Author Share Posted September 29, 2023 18 hours ago, 34theletterbetweenB&D said: Amazing; what effects do you plan to represent the inimitable Mr Dalrymple's description of Beirut during the civil war as 'drive in armageddon'? Yes, well I will let you be the judge of that when I present the finished layout....... 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted October 3, 2023 Author Share Posted October 3, 2023 (edited) Here’s some early construction photos: - Test Fitting the backscene - Checking some early building placements at the back of the layout - Deciding on the lighting The blue tape is the base board join and the connects the second board which will have the staging on it (far right out of shot) Warm LEDs I decided in the end that they are just too orange....... Daylight LEDs I decided that these are my best option for the time being but I am going to revisit when the layout is finished as I am not 100% happy with them. A few of things to address: - Curve at the front on the layout needs to be more gentle - Lights are causing shadow at the front of the layout - More light to be added when layout finished? - Baseboard join is going to be a pain Edited October 3, 2023 by Lineas Cubanas 11 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmuModel Posted October 4, 2023 Share Posted October 4, 2023 Wow, great idea for a layout, will definitely be following this one. I've been researching the nearby DHP-Hejaz narrow gauge railway for years to do an early 1900's era layout/diorama. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted October 4, 2023 Author Share Posted October 4, 2023 (edited) On 04/10/2023 at 04:26, EmuModel said: Wow, great idea for a layout, will definitely be following this one. I've been researching the nearby DHP-Hejaz narrow gauge railway for years to do an early 1900's era layout/diorama. Thank you I would like to include a representation of the narrow gauge railway from Beirut to Damascus but realistically, I think I may be trying to cram too much into my small space (Layout is 75 inches by 21.5 inches) .....the track was shut down 2 years after the start of the civil war 1975-1990 so would only need to include a short stretch of destroyed track....but even so......TBC Edited October 5, 2023 by Lineas Cubanas 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Not Jeremy Posted October 4, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 4, 2023 What a great layout idea - my late dad worked for Westinghouse and used to visit Beirut quite a lot for business before it all imploded. As I recall he said it had been his favourite place in the Middle East. I can think of a small high quality model railway show just down the road from you that would definitely give this top star billing! For myself I'm still fiddling with trains in my garden - the cat poo menace.... I look forward to watching your progress whatever you do next! Simon 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted October 5, 2023 Author Share Posted October 5, 2023 (edited) 20 hours ago, Not Jeremy said: What a great layout idea - my late dad worked for Westinghouse and used to visit Beirut quite a lot for business before it all imploded. As I recall he said it had been his favourite place in the Middle East. I can think of a small high quality model railway show just down the road from you that would definitely give this top star billing! For myself I'm still fiddling with trains in my garden - the cat poo menace.... I look forward to watching your progress whatever you do next! Simon Thanks Simon Yes, Beirut before the war was often referred to as the "Paris of the Middle East" Not sure if its a little too eclectic choice for RMweb though...... Yes, I had a chat with Jerry at LARKRAIL 2023 and promised I would have something ready for next year! Edited October 5, 2023 by Lineas Cubanas 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctor quinn Posted October 5, 2023 Share Posted October 5, 2023 6 hours ago, Lineas Cubanas said: Not sure if its a little too eclectic choice for RMweb though...... Surely not, I'm following with interest. 2 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted October 9, 2023 Author Share Posted October 9, 2023 (edited) Some more photos of building positioning and also test fitting the track plan : This is the initial track plan that I am working from: Any feedback is welcome........ Edited October 9, 2023 by Lineas Cubanas 9 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doctor quinn Posted October 9, 2023 Share Posted October 9, 2023 I definitely like the multiple exits from the scenic section and the way that industrial tracks exit behind structures. My only queries are; whether the Beirut Port interchange track will enter the fiddle yard, and whether the curve on the Orient Pipe factory spur may be a bit tight for coupling into wagons that are on that track. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Not Jeremy Posted October 9, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 9, 2023 A really interesting scheme however you look at it. I don't think it's too eclectic for RMweb, it is at least in one of the smaller scales and there are clearly several people here interested in what you are doing. RMweb, although largely inhabited by fierce tribes of ready to runners, has lots and lots of little oases of individuality and creativity about the place. You are right about Paris of the Middle East, that rings a bell with what was said all those years ago. All more than a bit poignant given the way the World has since gone, but a fine and worthy subject for a model railway nonetheless. The Hedjaz Railway fascinates me too, which I appreciate is a different subject. Matt, it will be an absolute privilege to have it as part of next year's small show down the hill if you are able to join us, I do hope that you do! 5 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Ian Morgan Posted October 9, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 9, 2023 The backscene is so dramatic - a work of art in its own right. 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Dave John Posted October 9, 2023 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 9, 2023 I really like the look of that. Something very different, full marks for having a go at it. You have made a cracking start, that backscene looks fantastic and the damaged buildings are making me want a 3d printer. 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted October 10, 2023 Author Share Posted October 10, 2023 17 hours ago, doctor quinn said: I definitely like the multiple exits from the scenic section and the way that industrial tracks exit behind structures. My only queries are; whether the Beirut Port interchange track will enter the fiddle yard, and whether the curve on the Orient Pipe factory spur may be a bit tight for coupling into wagons that are on that track. Thanks for your comment My initial thoughts were the same as yours: that I envisaged the Interchange Track as extending into the fiddle yard so I could cycle wagons on/off etc but this proved impossible as fiddle yard baseboard is just not wide enough...... Another reason .....next time, why I would not re use baseboards (from a previous layout).....and as mentioned before the baseboard join in the layout would have been better where the fiddle yard begins rather some just random point in the scenic board! But I guess thats what you get from being brought up in the North! I am aiming for the curve track at Orient Pipe to be around 22" so I am hoping that this precludes any problems for couplings! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted October 10, 2023 Author Share Posted October 10, 2023 (edited) 16 hours ago, Not Jeremy said: A really interesting scheme however you look at it. I don't think it's too eclectic for RMweb, it is at least in one of the smaller scales and there are clearly several people here interested in what you are doing. RMweb, although largely inhabited by fierce tribes of ready to runners, has lots and lots of little oases of individuality and creativity about the place. You are right about Paris of the Middle East, that rings a bell with what was said all those years ago. All more than a bit poignant given the way the World has since gone, but a fine and worthy subject for a model railway nonetheless. The Hedjaz Railway fascinates me too, which I appreciate is a different subject. Matt, it will be an absolute privilege to have it as part of next year's small show down the hill if you are able to join us, I do hope that you do! Thanks Simon, it will be a privilege to be part of the exhibition. When I saw Jerry I explained I had no rolling stock or engines! I have rolling stock now which is slowly being painted and weathered. Motive Power is proving more difficult as the Piko PKP loco SP45 is just not coming up on Ebay..........but I am sure it will soon. Edited October 10, 2023 by Lineas Cubanas 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted October 10, 2023 Author Share Posted October 10, 2023 13 hours ago, Ian Morgan said: The backscene is so dramatic - a work of art in its own right. Thank you for the kind comment Hopefully not "too dramatic" that it distracts from the modelling...... It is actually a Panorama photo of Beirut that I found via Google/Flckr/Shutterstock etc It is printed on 1mm PVC Board (Foamex) which is flexible enough to be curved for coved corners and sturdy enough to stand vertical in its own right Here it is in all its glory: 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted October 10, 2023 Author Share Posted October 10, 2023 12 hours ago, Dave John said: I really like the look of that. Something very different, full marks for having a go at it. You have made a cracking start, that backscene looks fantastic and the damaged buildings are making me want a 3d printer. Thanks for the words of encouragement As far as I can see there a 3 distinct style of architecture in Beirut that I am trying to include in my layout (I suppose there is an unofficial 4th..... if you include bombed out/damaged/destroyed buildings too) 60s/70s Classic French Middle Eastern 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Mikkel Posted October 10, 2023 RMweb Gold Share Posted October 10, 2023 23 hours ago, Lineas Cubanas said: Some more photos of building positioning and also test fitting the track plan : This is the initial track plan that I am working from: Any feedback is welcome........ Every now and then someone comes along and widens our horizon. So much rich ambience in this already. I'm hooked! 5 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lineas Cubanas Posted October 11, 2023 Author Share Posted October 11, 2023 (edited) On 10/10/2023 at 12:26, Mikkel said: Every now and then someone comes along and widens our horizon. So much rich ambience in this already. I'm hooked! Thanks for the compliment..... Atmosphere! Atmosphere! Atmosphere! For me the most important objective for any model railway! On the flip side, I can only mess it up from here then? Some more "Ambience" that I would like to include: The apartment of the infamous double agent Kim Philby in the Qantari District. "On a stormy night in January 1963, Kim Philby, a charming Englishman with a tendency to stutter, failed to meet his wife at a dinner party in Beirut and instead defected to the Soviet Union. It was the end of a unique career, which at one time had seen this long term double agent rise to become head of the anti-Soviet section of MI6." More here: http:// https://carnegie-mec.org/diwan/80058 Edited October 12, 2023 by Lineas Cubanas 10 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now