ALL OPS Sessions are now FULL! In addition to the layouts in Central New York, we have added three outstanding layouts in the Lakeshores Division (our neighbors to the west around Rochester) to our ops lineup for the convention. Ops sessions on the Danby Ludlow & Springfield, Rondemont & West Shore, and Maine & Western railroads are scheduled in conjunction with the Lakeshores Limited tour on Friday (see details under the "Layouts" tab). While you do not have to go on the tour to attend one of those op sessions, it it something you should consider as an efficient way to see several beautiful layouts which might be new to you and then operate in the area that evening. Click on the Layout/Owner name by each photo to get more detail about each layout! OR Operations Schedule (All times are subject to change) For more info and Questions please contact our Convention Chairman at eorourke@twcny.rr.com
Canada Spokane & Pacific – Drew James The HO CS&P
is a freelanced bridge line jointly owned by Burlington Northern and Canadian
Pacific set in the early 1980s. A long mountainous single track mainline
connects five modeled towns with Spokane, Washington and Calgary, Alberta on
this 40' x 35' point to point railroad. This layout was designed for
operations and features wide aisles and a comfortable lounge for off duty
crews. Trains are headed by sound equipped diesels and controlled by a
wireless NCE DCC system. Operating sessions feature a wide variety
of local, manifest, and through freights as well as streamlined passenger
trains. A JMRI and LCC system is utilized for dispatching and a signaling
system. Ogdensburg & Norwood – Jim Heidt The prototype was Jim’s family’s business during 1967-72, and the model O&N is backdated to 1948, serving as a bridge line connecting Canada via car ferry with southern New England. The layout is double-decked with 400+ feet of main line. The O&N uses Digitrax DCC radio control, signaling, and timetable/train order rules. Turnouts are controlled by “brakemen” using custom-made turnout motor controls. Computerized “theater-style” layout lighting with fast-clock synchronization allows for automatic layout lighting with time of day for more realistic 24-hour operation. For more, visit the O&N online at http://sites.google.com/site/ogdensburgandnorwoodrwy. The layout was recently featured in the February 2017 Model Railroader Magazine. CSX Northeast – Dave Martini The CSX Northeast is a 24’x40’ prototypical, freelanced CSX/Conrail merger prior to the breakup of Conrail. The layout features a single track mainline from Cleveland OH to Buffalo NY both represented by staging. Overhead freights pass through Euclid OH, Erie PA, Fairport Harbor and Dunkirk NY. There are several industrial switching areas and a helix to a 2nd deck and the fictional S&N Railroad. Unit trains of coal and cement are generated that travel east, while sweeper trains handle online switching duties. The West end features the shortline Central Ohio Railroad that interchanges with CSX at Euclid OH. Mainline trains are dispatched by a master schedule while locals and yard jobs work from switch lists. The layout is DCC (Digitrax) with operating signal on the west end of the Division. Mohawk Valley Southern - Bernie Messenger This layout is designed for operation. The Mohawk Valley Southern is an imaginary extension of the NS here in Central New York. It has three staging yards as well as a modelled classification yard. It starts at Buffalo, NY and terminates in Massachusetts. The layout uses Digitrax DCC, radio equipped and has a fully functional signaling system. It is set up for either ABS or CTC control. The era is the present.
New York Pennsylvania Central – Roger Beiswenger The NYPAC Adirondack and St. Lawrence Divisions is a free-lanced 1950’s-1960’s road running from Utica to Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks, running mostly 1950’s New York Central equipment. The plan incorporates the Raquette Timber RR branch out of Tupper Lake. NCE radio control is used, with several locos equipped with sound. The track plan is 100% developed with 90% of the scenery completed.
Maine & Western – Gordon and Jeanne Spalty The Maine & Western is a freelanced railroad in New England during the steam to diesel transition era. The M&W connects Portland, Maine on the Atlantic with the Great Lakes port of Ogdensburg, New York. The railroad is operated under joint management with the Boston & Maine and the Maine Central so there is a variety of motive power on the line. A modeled two foot narrow gauge, the Portland Oneida Railroad, interchanges with the M&W. The layout features a walk-in design operated as a point to point with a common fiddle yard at both ends. There are long runs between towns where operators can enjoy the beautiful New England scenery! Come and enjoy relaxed operations in the glory days of New England railroading. Rodemont & West Shore – Ron Stacy The RWS is a major Mid Atlantic east-west carrier set in 1977. The modeled portion of the line runs from Pittsburg east into the Allegheny Mountains. A wide variety of trains run over the line including local freights, through freights, coal trains, commuter runs, and since RWS did not opt into Amtrak, long distance passenger trains. Conrail has trackage rights on the mainline while the Chessie and P&LE interchange with the RWS. Helpers are required on heavy tonnage trains. You may have seen pictures of the RWS featured in NCE advertisements as well as in recent scenery “how-to” articles in both RMC and MR. |