I've really been enjoying Kenny's upgraded Pocahontas route lately! It's truly a work of art that adds much needed life and detail to an already favorite route. However, one landmark I wish was included was the unique west portal of Elkhorn Tunnel, with the massive ventilation system and blowers intended to force fresh air into the tunnel during the steam era. The blowers are no longer active today, but the large metal shroud and and ductwork still remain, which make for a really interesting structure. (The real Elkhorn Tunnel can be seen here: https://www.railpictures.net/photo/852989/ ...and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWEVPpGPZn8 )
I can definitely understand why it wasn't included in the route, since it would require a very specific (and complex) model that couldn't really be used elsewhere. Never one to pass up a good challenge and a chance to research a unique piece of railroad history, I decided to try my hand at modeling this portal. There don't seem to be really good drawings or dimensions out there, and photos of it from certain angles also don't seem to exist publicly, so I'm relying on a lot of eyeball estimation. Certainly, anything is better than nothing, so hopefully it'll turn out to be "good enough" in the end.
Here's what I have so far, but there's still much work to be done. I'll post my progress along the way here, though updates may be infrequent.
Elkhorn Tunnel 2025-06-05 205714.png
So far, the concrete portal itself, metal shroud, base and terrain (both intended to cover the hole made in the terrain) are completed and textured. I'm just starting modelling work on the ductwork and blower housing on one side.
I can definitely understand why it wasn't included in the route, since it would require a very specific (and complex) model that couldn't really be used elsewhere. Never one to pass up a good challenge and a chance to research a unique piece of railroad history, I decided to try my hand at modeling this portal. There don't seem to be really good drawings or dimensions out there, and photos of it from certain angles also don't seem to exist publicly, so I'm relying on a lot of eyeball estimation. Certainly, anything is better than nothing, so hopefully it'll turn out to be "good enough" in the end.
Here's what I have so far, but there's still much work to be done. I'll post my progress along the way here, though updates may be infrequent.
Elkhorn Tunnel 2025-06-05 205714.png
So far, the concrete portal itself, metal shroud, base and terrain (both intended to cover the hole made in the terrain) are completed and textured. I'm just starting modelling work on the ductwork and blower housing on one side.
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