Our HO-scale layout is in a state of transition.  The original modular layout is over twelve years old and is showing the effects of years of travel to shows and storage under less than ideal circumstances.  Now that we have a permanent home, we've are constructing  a new layout without the modular constraints.  With a minimum radius of 30 inches, a maximum grade of 2% on the new portion and numerous switching opportunities, we can do more than just run trains in circles.  The new portion features a double-track main line running through a large city (inspired by Albany) with a large passenger station, office buildings, refinery, and warehouses.  Across the river, a more mountainous area will feature a large pulp and paper mill complex.  Track work is completed and scenery work has begun.  At one end of the new layout, the older modular portion remains to close the loops and serve as a "practice piece" for those wishing to learn track work, wiring, scenery.  Track geometry dictates a section of 3% grade at this connection, but we hope to reduce that to 2% in the future.

 

At the other end of the new layout, we are connected to our old yard area which is also undergoing renovation.  A new intermodal yard is being built in the transition area between the old and new sections.  Besides the traditional freight yard and engine facilities, the far end of the yard area features a large stone quarry and a double-track loop (lengthening the mainline run by a third).

 

Power is provided by two Digitrax systems, one for the main and one for the yard.  DCC is recommended, but not required and regular DC engines can be operated.  Track is Atlas Code 100, so anyone should be able to operate their equipment, no matter how old.  Scenery is generic Northeast and, as most of us model different eras, we are trying to keep it representative of the past 30 years or so.

 

Our current plan is to complete the new section, scenery and all, before replacing the older sections.  This is a learning experience for all of us and members are encouraged to both do what they do best and to jump in and learn something new.  Together, we can build something better than any of us could do individually.

Note: the large red cup in the refinery photo contains ballast. No one was drinking while working on the layout! LOL