Lee Hall Diorama – Pictures

The Tidewater Division was approached by the Lee Hall Historical Society with a special request: to create a diorama of the Lee Hall Depot as it appeared in the 1920s. The Division enthusiastically accepted the proposal, and Roger Bir was appointed project lead.

The photographs that follow showcase the results of this collaborative effort.

The Division extends its sincere appreciation to the Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society and its president, Tom Dixon Jr., for their invaluable assistance in identifying the types of trains that would have served the depot during the requested time period.

We also wish to recognize and thank the dedicated members who contributed their time and modeling expertise to bring this diorama to life: Dale Ridgeway, George Downer, Gary Brown, and Fred Humphrey.

A very special thanks is extended to the team at HD Custom Designs for their outstanding craftsmanship and support.

This aerial photo from 1937 is the earliest known of the Lee Hall Depot area.
This is the only drawing used to recreate the placement of buildings.
This was the initial layout. The only buildings completed were the Curtis House and Watts Motors. All others buildings featured were for placing.
This is the earliest known photograph of the Depot sometime before the waiting room was added, showing the visible side of the mid-section.
The Depot during World War I.
The Lee Hall Depot is a 3D print courtesy of HD Custom Designs, Hickory NC.
The Curtis House
The Curtis Home was built by Master Modeler Dale Ridgeway.
The Fleming Esso Gas Station
The Fleming Esso Gas Station was built by Gary Brown, retired US Navy aviator.
The Clement Store was built by George Downer, retired US Army aviator.
Clement store employees enjoying a game of checkers on their lunch break.
The sheep are grazing adjacent to Watts Motors.
R.B. Watts Chevrolet Motor Company
Military members from Ft. Eustis taking it easy before boarding the train.
The Clement home date unknown.
The "Clement Home" was built by George Downer, a retired US Army aviator.
Miss Lilian's home as it appears today.
Miss Lilian's home was built by former Division Superintendent, Fred Humphrey.
A special thanks to the Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society and in particular, Tom Dixon Jr. for all the reference materials they provided in completing this diorama.

Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard

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