Having poured over maps provided by J.B. Bane, having read all the posts on this site refering to it, and after having visited the actual site, I still have questions about the SVR trackage at Tipton. For reference, the mainline runs east-west, the balloon track diverges north and loops back to itself, a siding was located south of the mainline with the depot located between the two, and at some point (?) a wye was constructed diverging south with both legs coming off the siding. Per photographs I have seen on the Baker County Library site, a freight house was located across from the depot north of the mainline with its own spur track south of the building. Problem is I have not seen this spur track/house track mentioned anywhere or shown on any maps. I read somewhere that the balloon trackage was used to spot cars at the freight house (and maybe a cattle pen?), but I wonder if thats accurate. Doesn't make sense to build an expensive 2000' (?) long balloon track to turn RR equipment, then spot cars on maybe 500' of it, making it a glorified siding. Also, after visiting the site and comparing it scale wise to the photographs, I believe the freight house was much too close to the depot to have been located on the balloon trackage. Per the photos, the depot appears to be only 100' from the freight house, while the balloon trackage is much further north of the mainline. Any help?
Brian