Model Railroad Club Builds Brewery

November 29, 2005

The RIT Model Railroad Club (RITMRC) was founded in early 1996 to promote the hobby of model railroading and to preserve the history of Rochester’s railroads.

Since 1996, the RIT Model Railroad Club has been concentrating on a permanent model railroad project. The HO scale Rochester & Irondequoit Terminal is an ongoing project being constructed using each members areas of expertise. Located in Room A-420 in the Student-Alumni Union, the model railroad features the latest in Digital Command Control (DCC) technology, working wayside signals, and highly detailed models and scenes inspired by the Rochester area.

In 2004, the club embarked on its second most ambitious project to date: a 40’x12′ modular HO scale layout. This yet-unnamed modular layout, based on the latest NMRA standards, allows RITMRC members the continued opportunity to design and construct a model railroad from the ground up. Also powered by Digitrax DCC, this modular layout is portable, allowing RITMRC to travel outside of the RIT campus and show off its modeling talent.

Amtrak Train 65 departs Rochester bound for Toronto. The train is crossing over the top of the historic High Falls. A coal drag heads east towards Rochester yard. That coal is destined for RG&E’s Russel power plant.

This earlier photo shows the construction in progress at High Falls.

The above photo show how a club member (Otto) built a mock-up for the Genesee Brewery out of colored mat board. The mock-up helps determine size relationships for when the club goes ahead and builds the actual structures.

Secrets of the brewery revealed in this mock-up shot. The brewery does double duty as providing an additional customer for switching, as well as disguising the exit/entrance for the Buffalo staging yard through the backdrop. The mainline curves behind the brewery.

The RIT Model Railroad Club (RITMRC) has its own website http://www.ritmrc.org

The RIT Model Railroad Club (RITMRC) is well worth a visit.