The old downtown area of Ashland, Va is located on the original Richmond, Fredericksburg, & Potomac (RF&P) mainline, which is now owned by CSX. The line links Washington, DC with Richmond, Va and points south. It also runs thorough the middle of Ashland, with the line splitting the main street in downtown.
Because of the double track mainline running through the middle of town, Ashland Va. would make a good scene for an HO scale module. Using selective compression. it would be possible to model a block or two of Ashland. Because the tracks on a standard module are only 5 inches from the forward edge, it might be necessary to model only the structures on one side of the tracks. However, making the buildings on the near side cutaway would really help to capture the feel of Ashland.
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| This is a view of the mainline looking north from Downtown Ashland, towards the Randolph-Macon College campus. It shows how the line splits downtown, including the street itself. | This view shows one the station in Ashland. | This view shows the tracks extending southward from Downtown Ashland. Note the wooden pedestrian "bridges". |
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| This series of pictures shows a group of stores in Ashland. These turn of the century building look very similar to the DPM kits. | Note the details like the awning and plants that make this store unique. | This picture shows the building on the opposite end of the block and a very different architectural style. |
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| Again, note the details which make this building unique, such has the inconsistent blinds on the second floor. | Another priceless detail of this building is the faded advertisement painted on the side. | This is a picture of the hotel in Ashland. |
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| This picture shows another unique building. It appears that this build was a storefront with attached living quarters that has been converted into a residence only. | The second story overhanging the porch makes this an interesting home on the south end of Downtown. |