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School Home To Model Train Club Layout
The Echo Valley Railway Guild in Saskatchewan, Canada has its model train layout located in the basement of a local school.
The current layout is located at Davin School and interestingly enough, the original layout was also in a school. However, the first school was unfortunately closed and demolished.
The club’s current model train layout is a representation of the Crow’s nest pass area of southern British Columbia and Alberta. The CP line and the Kaslo and Slocan Railway are modelled.
These photos from The Echo Valley Railway Guild show a narrow gauge trestle and Sirdar.
The Kaslo and Slocan section is is done in HOn3.
Ft. Mcleod 
(Mcleod) is modeled from which the line proceeds around the room passing through Crowsnest, Moyie, Sirdar, Nelson. To do this the line passes under the peninsula and circles twice around the room.
The Echo Valley Railway Guild strongly support the hobby of model railroading. It with other model railroaders has taken on the task of producing a regional and two divisional NMRA conventions. The guild opens it’s doors to the school children at least once a year. Together with the Regina Model Railroad Club, The Echo Valley Railway Guild have sponsored a model railroad show.
Scratch Built Structures Add Realism To Model Railroad Layouts
Constructing a custom built scale building or structure can take considerable time and requires a good eye for detail, a steady hand and a lot of patience.
Highly detailed scratchbuild models are not built over night. Some takes days even weeks to complete. However, for many model railroaders custom building their own structures is not an easy option. Sometimes it is due to a lack of time, some lack a steady hand to complete the detail, and others simply prefer to buy ready-made structures and add their own detail and weathering effects. It really depends on individual circumstances, skills, preferences, time available and what you are trying to achieve.
The interesting thing is that many model railroaders are not aware that there are skilled designers who specialize in custom building as an occupation.
These photos are a sample of what a professional designer can create.
The photos are kindly supplied by Vance from Trains HO. Vance is a pro at custom building HO scale buildings and structures, highly detailed for HO train layouts. Have a look at his HO scale model train website and see some more of the brilliant buildings and structures he has created for other model railroaders.
Solving Model Train Lighting Problems
Model railroaders sometimes experience lighting problems with street lights & other accessories being too dim or erratic. More often than not the problem can be traced to the transformer/power pack.
Dim lights are usually a result of too many items drawing power at once. One option is to invest in more powerful transformer/power pack or to buy an inexpensive unit and use it only for accessories while a second more powerful unit runs the model trains.
1950’s Era Model Railroad
The track plan belonging to the H.O. Model Engineers Society focuses on the 1950’s in south central Ontario (Canada) with Hamilton as the hub. The major railway subdivisions represented include Canadian National Railway’s Oakville Subdivision from Oakville to Hamilton and the Grimsby Subdivision from Hamilton to Merritton, near St. Catharines. The Dundas Subdivision is also represented as one leg of the Bayview Wye leading to the hidden staging yard. The Canadian Pacific Railway operates on the Goderich Subdivision from Guelph Junction to Hamilton, as well as trackage rights on the Oakville Subdivision. The Toronto Hamilton & Buffalo Railway operates on the Welland Subdivision from Welland to Hamilton, which includes the New York Central Railway, as well as trackage rights on the Oakville Subdivision. The cities of Buffalo, Toronto and London are represented by common hidden staging yard, which feeds traffic to the modeled portion of the layout.
A digital command control system for train operations is being used (Digitrax), along with a computerized model railroad interface (C/MRI) system designed to operate the centralized traffic control system from a dispatcher’s panel located in an adjacent room. Train movement is monitored by the dispatcher and will be controlled from signal lights along the right of way. A variable speed, fast time digital clock used on the previous layout, is used to control passenger and freight movements. High frequency two ways radios are used to communicate between the dispatcher and all train crews. Both freight and passenger cars are switched into trains or industries based on a computerized car forwarding program, (Shipit) which selects appropriate rolling stock for specific customers and prints switch list orders for the conductor of each train crew.
Most of this technology was in place on the Delta layout and will continue to create prototypical operations on the new layout. The new layout is far from complete, but the club is attempting to use as much of the new model railroad technology available to create a realistic 1950’s era transportation system.
Model railroad Club With Checked Past
The H.O. Model Engineers Society was formed in February 1948, and started its first scale model railway in 1950, in the basement of a restaurant at Main Street and Park Row in Hamilton, Ontario. A few years later the club moved to the basement of a member’s home in Aldershot and then moved to a two-car garage on Gage Avenue North in Hamilton, where a much-improved layout was built.
In 1961 the club moved once again to the basement of Booth’s Hobby Shop on Concession Street on Hamilton Mountain, where a new layout filled a 25′ X 50′ room. At its peak, it required fourteen engineers and two dispatchers to run a full schedule with fast time clocks.
By the late 1970’s construction on the layout was almost dormant and in 1979 it was decided to dismantle the layout and move.
In the spring of 1980 the Society began construction of a new layout in the basement of the Delta Bingo Hall, at the intersection of King Street and Main Street East in Hamilton. This renovated grocery store was just a few blocks from the location of the first layout. The 42′ X 52′ layout required ten engine crews and a dispatcher to operate trains over the 500 foot long mainline. The era was 1967, Canada’s Centennial Year, and the geography depicted Hamilton to North Bay with the scenery showing all four seasons.
In late 1996 the owner of the building decided to renovate it back into a grocery store. The membership was devastated! The layout was dismantled in early 1997.
A new home was finally secured in June 1997 at the Stoney Creek Plaza. After fifteen months of extensive and expensive renovations to the basement area, it was subdivided into four areas: a 18 X 20 museum of railway artifacts, a 18′ X 24′ library/lounge, a 6′ X 60′ workshop and 42 X 62 model railway layout. Construction of the layout began in September 1998.
Railroading Terms – Part 8
This model train blog will list various railroading terms over the next few weeks. Here is another six:
Crossover
This is a combination of two switches connecting adjacent tracks. When lined, the switch combination allows movements to cross from one track to the other.
Crow’s Nest
A box-like cupola structure raised above the roof of a caboose for visibility along the train while it is in motion.
Current of Traffic
The assigned timetabled direction for movement on a main track.
Cycle Braking
The process of applying, releasing, and reapplying train brakes to control speed without completely recharging the train brake system.
Dead Engine Device
Located near the locomotive control valve this device is used when a locomotive unit is handled dead-in-train (see below). Abbreviated as DED.
Dead-in-Train
Hauling locomotive or locomotives in a train without the MU cable and air hoses coupled (hauled like a car).
Happy Railroading!
Why Railroaders Choose Plastic Roadbed Track
Roadbed track has the advantage of having a reasonably realistic appearance without the mess involved in adding loose ballast and then having to glue it. The disadvantage is that roadbed track is more expensive than standard track. Another drawback is that the various makes of roadbed track are not always compatible with each other. Also, you are limited by the modular set track nature of the roadbed pieces.
Roadbed tracks are particularly good on temporary model train layouts because they are generally more stable. If you intend to set up a model train set on the floor (not recommended), then roadbed track is the better option because it is slightly raised up. If standard train track is put on the floor, especially on carpet, then no matter how clean you think it is, grit, hairs, fluff, cotton and things you never knew were on the floor will get inside and ruin the mechanism.
Large Scale Live Steam Railroading On “The Route Of The Hazel Nuts”
About 25 years ago Bill Taylor had a dream. He wanted to build an outdoor live steam railway in the woods around his home in Charleswood. Bill was an avid model railroader and had a 750 sq. ft 1000 foot HO model railroad in his basement that started in 1969. Bill also liked going to the N.M.R.A. “National” conventions and each year a side tour to a live steam railway would be featured.
Today Bill Taylor is President of THE ASSINIBOINE VALLEY RAILWAY. The AVR is 1.5″ (1.6″) scale 7.5″ gauge and is located on a seven acre site immediately west of Assiniboine Park (nicknamed “The Route Of The Hazel Nuts”).
The railway started in 1995 and currently has 56 members. Club members spend most Saturday afternoons working. The club currently has 3 diesel locomotives, one box cab under construction and several steamers under construction by various members and about 18 cars plus 10 more under construction. The AVR use aluminium rail on wood ties on ballast and sub-roadbed construction with a ruling radius of 50’.
A massive 5,400 feet of track is on the ground. The main line is 3700’ with seven passing sidings. There is a turning wye and movable 12 foot lift for unloading.
The picture above shows #202 is now re-painted in old CPR colours and lettered for the AVR. Was first run in her new colours at the October open house in 2005.
Club members have built a 24’ x 12.5’ station that serves as a club room and will store up to 12 pieces of equipment in an attached dog house. A four track car barn measuring 31’ x 10’ has been built for additional rolling stock and miscellaneous storage, along with a 14′ x 10′ maintenance building.
The live steam railway winds through an aspen and hardwood forest making for an enjoyable ride. Main line will allow travel in both directions for a total run of 7400’ and a time of 25 minutes plus waits for opposing traffic. An automatic CTC signal system which also operates the switches is being planned.
The AVR Club operate five open house weekends for the public on the 2nd weekend of June to October, plus a Christmas light run every evening in December (with 984 riders in one night). Club members give about 15,000 rides per year and welcomes visitors.
Above photos from THE ASSINIBOINE VALLEY RAILWAY show CAR #572 and an earlier construction shot of mounting the door details into the side of the car.
THE ASSINIBOINE VALLEY RAILWAY is located at 3001 ROBLIN BLVD., WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA and has an excellent railroading website.
Decide Between Roadbed Track Or Standard Track
Whether you choose standard train track or roadbed track is over to you and your personal preference. It also depends on the nature of your model train set layout and what looks best, works best and what fits with your budget requirements.
When using standard tracks on a model train set layout, seperate ballast is laid. Whereas, the plastic roadbed sections look like real railroad ballast and feature interlocking tabs that help hold the train track sections securely in place.
Model Railroad Club Recovers From Tornado
The Redstone Model Railroad Club was founded in 1958 as the Redstone Model Railroad Association. Located on Redstone Arsenal, the club has been an active center for model railroading activity in the Huntsville, Alabama area for almost forty-four years. The club layout is the Alabama Tennessee and Northern Railroad, an HO scale notional railroad that is set in the southeastern United States.
Then came that fateful day, April 3, 1974, when the building and layout were destroyed by one of several tornados that devastated the area that day. Building 3541 was leveled; 16 years of work gone. In the photo at left, benchwork is visible on the right side, along with the entire southeast wall that was blown outward. More benchwork can be seen to the left. Debris was scattered over several hundred feet and very few items were salvaged from the area.
Members had meetings at the Redstone Recreation/Service Center on post for several months.
In November of 1974, seventeen charter members and three junior members filed for Certification of Incorporation of Redstone Model Railroad Club, Inc. The purpose of the corporation was to organize and promote greater fellowship between model railroaders and advancing the hobby of model railroading. This action started the “rebirth” of the Alabama, Tennessee, and Northern Railroad. The Army provided another building in the fall of 1975.
Making a Realistic Logging Car from an Athearn 40 Foot Flatcar
Perhaps no railroad cars were subjected to abuse more than the gondola and flatcar. How often have we seen bent and swayed back gondolas and looked down, from and overpass, on the gnarled flooring of flatcars. As these cars reached the end of their useful life on major railroads, many found their way to short lines and logging railroads to serve a few more years.
The Redstone Model Railroad Club has a downloadable PDF file on its website showing how to age and weather an out-of-the-box plastic flatcar. Ray Long has put together easy to follow, illustrated step-by-step instructions that will produce a well used piece of rolling stock that would likely be found on a logging railroad or short line. Ray shows you how to weather the finish and to distress the wood flooring with realistic results.
Visit the Redstone Model Railroad Club website and see what they are up to.
Major Rail Accidents – October 22, 1949
Help With Your Model Train Sets:
October 22, 1949
On this date the Danzig-Warsaw express derails in Poland with more than 200 people killed.
Sectional Track Used On Model Train Layouts
Model train track comes in sections (called sectional track) for convenience and ease of use. You can purchase model train track in different lengths and shapes, straight and curved. Some model train track snaps together, and some model train track is made on plastic roadbed sections.
Sectional track is what most model railroaders start with simply because the sectional track is easy to use and it’s what usually comes with the model train sets.
Garden Railroads Growing In Popularity
G Scale railroading is becoming increasingly popular because it combines the realism of trains with a natural environment.
The Vancouver Island Garden Railroad Club (Canada) is a perfect example. The club was formed for like-minded people to share their ideas and interest in garden railroading. These photos show a couple of different garden railroads belonging to members.
Several other photo can be seen at the Vancouver Island Garden Railroad Club website.
Railroading Terms – Part 7
Continuing this series, here are some more railroading terms of interest:
Bulletin Order
A BO is used to notify railroad staff of changes in instructions, procedures, or rules affecting the movement of trains.
Cab Signal
This signal indicates track occupancy or condition and is located in the engine control compartment. The cab signal is used in conjunction with interlocking signals, and with or in lieu of block signals.
Cab Signal System
A CSS system permits cab signals and the cab warning whistle to operate.
Camp Car
This is an on-track boarding/bunk car or vehicle used to house railroad staff.
Computer Controlled Brake
A computer based electro-pneumatic system (CCB) that controls air brakes on locomotives and cars.
Control Operator
Employee assigned to operate a CTC or interlocking control machine or authorized to grant track permits.
Control Station
The location or Dispatch Office where the Operator is on duty. The remote control signal appliances or switchesare operated from here.
Controlled Point
A station specified in the timetable where signals are remotely controlled from the control station. Abbreviated as CP.
Controlled Siding
A circuited siding where both ends are governed by signals under the control of an Operator or Dispatcher. Abbreviated as CS.
Controlled Signal
Controlled by a Dispatcher or Operator, this is a fixed signal, capable of displaying a Stop indication.
Worthing Model Railway Club Holds Annual Exhibition
The Worthing Model Railway Club (formed in 1964) holds an annual exhibition with the 2006 event planned for September at the Boundstone Community College, West Sussex, UK.
The model railway club has several layouts including:
WITTS END (available for exhibitions)
GAUGE: 0-16.5
STOCK: Scratch built
PROTOTYPE: Narrow gauge
DESCRIPTION: Country terminus with limited goods facilities and a small loco shed
SIZE: 16′ x 18ins (20′ x 6′ to include safety barriers and maintenance area.
WELLS GREEN TMD (available for exhibitions)
GAUGE: OO 4mm
STOCK: Highly detailed 4mm scale locomotives.
PROTOTYPE: Crewe International Electric Maintenance Depot.
DESCRIPTION: A small electric depot based upon current EWS operations in the North West, featuring highly detailed AC electric locomotives in an authentic grimy, gritty atmosphere. The depot concentrates on undertaking routine maintenance to locos, and includes a locomotive washer, and a scrapline containing electric locomotives surplus to EWS’s requirements. A fueling road for diesel locomotives also enables many different varieties of loco to appear.
SIZE: 5′ x 1′ plus 3′ x 1’6″ fiddle yard.
NINE MILLS
(pictured: Fiddle Yard construction)
GAUGE: N Gauge 9mm
STOCK: Ready to run, modified ready to run and kit built. 
PROTOTYPE: See description for full details.
DESCRIPTION: It is an N gauge layout built to 9mm gauge and features handbuilt points in the main viewing area, although for ease of maintenance, it is planned to replace these with proprietry units at some stage in the future.
It is a ficticious MPD located in the Banbury, Oxfordshire area which gives members the excuse to run Midland, Western and BR Standard rolling stock as well as Inter-Regional trains from the Southern and Eastern regions. In other words, something for everyone.
The period of this layout is depicted as being in the early post-nationalisation era when rolling stock of the “Big Four” (LMS, GWR, SR and LNER) could be seen alongside the new BR colour schemes.
The layout, as it stands, may be operated in its present state although future plans will enable this layout to be shown in its present form or as a continuous run. The estimated date for the continuous run is 2005, unfortunately, the rebuilding is at a stage where we cannot now show the original layout.
SIZE: Approx 20′ x 2′ (undergoing upgrade to new size 20′ x 8′)
NORTHLANDS WOOD
GAUGE: OO Gauge
STOCK: Propriety ready to run stock.
PROTOTYPE: “Modern image”
DESCRIPTION: The layout is a double track “tail chaser” with a large through station where the track splits into 4 lines to provide a variety of services. The station is based on a modern refurbished station but not based on any particular location. Because of this a wide varity of motive power may be seen.
SIZE: 12′ x 14′
The Worthing Model Railway Club has an informative website that is well worth visiting.
Small Group Share Model Railroading Hobby
The Piney Woods Model Railroad Club is an informal, but tight knit group of modelers in the East Texas area. The area covered by the group ranges from the Houston area to the corridor to the North(Tyler and Longview), and from Rusk and Jacksonville in the East to the Mexia/Teague/Lake Richland Chambers area to the West. Members range in age from those still in high school to those who have retired!
The layouts range from the 1920’s to modern day in both N and HO scale. The Piney Woods Model Railroad Club meetings consist of operation sessions utilizing a 4 turn waybill system. Most members utilize the Digitrax systems, however Easy DCC and NCE are also used on members layouts; as well as DC.
Annual Clinic Day For Model Railroad Club
The Erin Mills Model Railroad Club in Ontario, Canada, holds its February Clinic Day on Saturday, February 18, 2006. The first one will be on tree stumps and the second will be a small laser kit.
The clinic on tree stumps will include making the moulds (demonstration) and then using them to make the actual stumps and them demonstrating how to use these stumps on your model train layout.
All parts required for the laser kit will be included along with instructions. Paint and Glue will also be provided. Attendees are asked to bring along his or her own modelling tools to complete this project.
The model railroad club clinic will cover all aspects of constructing a laser wood kit, from painting and erecting to adding finishing touches.
The clinics will be held at the Sheridan United Church, 2501 Truscott Avenue in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
How Do I Get A Long Life From A Transformer?
A quality transformer, when treated properly, should have a lifespan of 30+ years. (Pictured: Lionel CW-80 80-Watt Transformer)
The golden rule is to ALWAYS operate the transformer within its rating. It is also important to keep the transformer dry and avoid damp areas (take particular care in basement locations).
When not using your train layout unplug the transformer. Don’t walk away and leave it plugged in and unattended as it could start a fire. If a transformer gives off a burning odor, or expels smoke, heed these warning signs and immediately replace it or take it in for servicing.
A loud BUZZING noise coming from a transformer could be due to the transformer’s core laminations moving. Servicing would be needed as this vibration can cause damage to insulation in contact with the moving metal.
A transformer’s circuit breaker can trip occasionally. If this happens simply unplug the transformer and let it cool off. The transformer will usually work again after it has cooled down. However, if the transformer continues to trip without a load, it will need servicing to fix the problem.
One more thing; NEVER use a transformer with a damaged, split, or cracked power cord. If in doubt have the transformer serviced immediately.
Steam Locomotive Spews Thick Smoke
The Fairy Queen steam locomotive is all gloss and shine. A bronze chimney spewing out thick smoke from its crown into the air, which thins to a misty vapour as the engine warms.
The Fairy Queen broad gauge steam locomotive was built in 1855 by Kitson, Thompson & Hewitson, of England for the British firm East India Railways. The petite engine worked from Howrah to Ranigunj (121 miles). After a complete overhaul in Perambur Workshop of the Southern Railway, it panted back to life in 1997.
The Fairy Queen made several trips between New Delhi and Alwar, India (89km of railway track) between 1997 and 1998. It now runs as a tourist train.
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