The Davies Steel concept was developed by the late Dean Freytag as an industry for his South Ridge Lines layout. The name Davies was Dean’s wife Anne’s maiden name. The South Ridge Lines Railroad delivered the raw materials for the steel making process and picked up finished materials and byproducts. The steel mill was located along the railroads mainline in Iron City, Ohio. The South Ridges Line was one of four railroads that was part of the Cardinal System which was formed so the railroads could coordinate their railroad traffic. 

Prior to his death on December 25, 2010, Dean Freytag had drawn up a Bill of Sale with four close friends that would be executed upon Dean’s death. Dean’s layout, rolling stock and buildings would be divided up between these four individuals. Today, Davies Steel is alive and well on a 26’ x 32’ layout in Jim DiPaola’s basement.  It is still served by the South Ridge Lines but is not a part of the Cardinal System.

Davies Steel has expanded to include an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). Blast furnaces and the continuous caster have been upgraded to include modern day practices and facilities. The Davies Steel facilities are serviced by a modern-day Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad which is now owned by the holding company Pittsburgh, Youngstown & Ashtabula Railroad. The current layout depicts the area of western Pennsylvania.