Annetta Valley & Western Railroad

Track Plan

AV&WRR as of 24 July 2014

Track Plan from 2006 Website

AV&WRR aerial view 2003

AV&WRR aerial view 1995

Annetta Valley & Western Track Layout, 2002.

History

From Terry McGrath, 2 July 2013:

Ron Paddock, a charter member of the AV&W, and one of three who began construction on the railroad in 1971, passed away today, suffering from an extended illness. Ron, Paul Beverung and myself started the railroad, and the three of us celebrated the finishing of our first loop of track that summer. Ron insisted in taking a "first" run during the middle of a summer rain storm, with me standing inside the depot looking out the window! Ron was a helicopter pilot serving with Paul during Vietnam and was an avid fan of the Erie Railroad, collecting many Erie locomotives and rolling stock. He had a positive attitude and was one of the most friendly people I ever knew, always willing to help with any project until he became ill. He attended his last meet during the 40th anniversary meet (2012) where the RON PADDOCK TRANSFER was named after him. Funeral services will be held at the National Cemetery in Arlington after the July Fourth holiday. So long old friend! We'll see you later at one of those heavenly train meets.

Michael McGrath shared the following, February 2018:

The first meet was held fall 1973. Frank Mann came with his massive ATSF 5001, and many others attended as well. Terry McGrath said it was a disaster. A Texas thunderstorm poured rain. The water well quit working, and the well truck got stuck. Frank's 50001 went on the ground. Terry swore he wouldn't host another meet. But we know he hosted meets the rest of his life.

Terry started the AVWRR club, and invited friends in the hobby that all got along well.

Terry was also a founding member of the Southwestern Live Steamers. He began hosting the fall once John Enders closed his railroad. The business meeting was held on the Saturday afternoon of the meet. Everyone would stop running, change into nice clothes, and meet at the country club for supper and a business meeting. After a few years Terry promoted the idea of having the business meeting at supper at track-side, and it has been done that way ever since.

John Smyth running his Pacific at the Annetta Valley & Western Railroad. This was taken in the late 1970's on the earliest version of the AV&W. John's son, Carrie, is in the white short-sleeve shirt. Terry Shirley is in the blue shirt taking the photograph. Photo provided by Terry Shirley.
John Smyth and Tom Stamey at the Annetta Valley & Western Railroad.
A view of Lake Louise looking north-west, May 2000. Photo by Frolin Marek.
The young man is Jason Adams, son of Terry and Suzi Adams. David Eads is the man in the overalls with red hair and beard. Photo by Tom Stamey.
A Clishay waiting at the station of the Annetta Valley & Western Railroad. Photo by Tom Stamey.
This is how locomotives were loaded/unload prior to installation of the transfer table at the Annetta Valley & Western Railroad. Photo by Tom Stamey.
Looking south as two live steamers make their way back to Terrytown Station at the Annetta Valley & Western Railroad. PHoto by Tom Stamey.
Clarence King departing Terrytown Station of the Annetta Valley and Western Railroad. Photo by Tom Stamey.
Kenny Rhodes at the throttle of a Koster's Miniature Railroad Supply diesel. Photo by Tom Stamey.
Terry Adams and his QA&P #574 Allen Mogul at the Annetta Valley & Western Railroad. Photo by Stanley Robinson.
Jack Haskings' "Silver Eagle" Atlantic on the turntable at the Annetta Valley & Western Railroad. Jack is in the left forground with his hand on the turntable air valve. Photo by Stanley Robinson.

Place Names

Mary Ann's Creek is named for Mary Ann Beverung, wife of Paul Beverung, co-founder of the AVWRR
Terry Town Station is name for Terry McGrath, co-founder of the AVWRR
Paddock Transfer is named for Ron Paddock, co-founder of the AVWRR
Grizzly Flats siding is a nod to Ward Kimball's Grizzly Flats Railroad
Pickard Crossing is named for Roy Pickard, founder of the Comanche & Indian Gap Railroad
Nussbaum Gorge is named for Matt Nussbaum
Lake Louise is named for Louise Gray, wife of Bob Gray
Gray Yard is named for Bob Gray
Maddox Junction
Stamey Loop is named for Tom Stamey
Biscuit Junction
Rio Vista
El Dorado
West Fork
Lucks Engine House is name for Jack Lucks