James River Branch: Naughtright Mini-Park

Naughtright Mini-Park

The park came about as a result of the many changes that have taken place at the corner of Main Street and Railroad Avenue. This corner has been around since the first version of the layout, and exists solely because I've insisted on keeping the wedge-shaped Triangle Bar on the map.

The first occupant of this corner was F.W. Woolworth, itself the victim of countless design changes since it was started in late 2006. Of all its incarnations, I like this one the best, but it's simply no longer feasible.

By spring of 2009, the corner was being shared by a much smaller version of Woolworth's, and Emma's. In addition to numerous design changes, Emma's also suffered as many moves. But placing both structures on the same odd-angled corner forced one of them to become an awkward-looking trapezoid, and this didn't sit right with me.

Meanwhile, I've had the image of an etched metal accessory from Rolf's in the back of my head for quite a long time: a park bench that wraps around a tree. It was one of those things I'd always wanted to include on a layout, but never found a spot. Ultimately this little detail became the inspiration for a way to deal with the street corner in a visually interesting way: a mini-park. It might also be the ideal place for any number of other details, such as a hot dog vendor...

The original occupant of the corner was this sprawling Woolworth's.

Later, Emma's Cafe moved in next to Woolworth's.

This little detail from Rolf's was part of the inspiration for the mini-park.

Park construction will have to wait until the middle of town is much further along; in particular, both the newly-downsized Woolworth's and the East Theater need to be finished first. This project was last updated on 28 April 2009; more as it happens.