Next Stop: Danbury, CT

The cry of “All aboard!” might very well be heard at the Danbury Railway Museum May 3 after the Metro North Division concludes its final Saturday morning meeting of 2007-08. While the meeting is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include three clinics, a preview of this fall’s Northeastern Regional Convention, a modeler’s show-and-tell and election of officers, the museum will likely tempt members to stay a bit longer to ride its yard local. The museum is located at 120 White Street in Danbury.

After the meeting, three home layouts (in Bethel and Danbury, Conn., and Poughquag, N.Y.) are expected to be open in the afternoon to welcome meeting attendees. Driving directions to each layout will be available at the meeting. Please plan to arrive early. At our request, the Danbury Railway Museum will open an hour early, at 9 a.m., to give us a chance to view several layouts on display in the museum or visit the gift shop, or do both before our meeting begins. That will also allow us to begin the meeting promptly at 10 a.m. to accommodate the extensive program.

Last Stop: Westport, CT

	A video camera focuses on the details as Bob Collett demonstrates a decoder installation.
	Bob Collett listens to a question during his clinic on decoder installation.

Two “show and tell” clinics highlighted the Division’s February 2 meeting – with the emphasis on the “show.”

Using a compact video camera connected to a projector, meeting coordinator Spen Kellogg showed the members a close-up view as clinician Bob Collett swapped out the DCC decoders in a Bachman Spectrum 10-Wheeler. The “show” in the second meeting clinic were photographs from Carl Liba’s seemingly endless collection of prototype images, this one focusing on the popular California Zephyr.

While demonstrating the specifics of installing a Tsunami sound decoder, Bob’s running commentary also offered a number of general tips for any modeler contemplating a decoder installation. First tip: make sure you model runs well on DC before opening it up to add a decoder. Second point: test your decoder before you begin cutting wires and soldering. Bob also counseled on the importance of tools which “cut well and work well.”

For his demonstration, Bob selected a small Tsunami decoder which, he promised, would have “awesome sound capabilities” once installed in the Bachman tender and the tender was buttoned up. At the end of his clinic, Bob proved his point as the 10-Wheeler convincingly chuffed along the short test track, accompanied by audible dynamo whine and realistic rod clank.

While some of Bob’s advice seemed only logical – connect wires of like colors to one another – he also shared the benefits of his experience. For example, manufacturers are not always diligent about accurate labeling of components, and it can be difficult to tell a brown wire from a purple one.  As Bob showed, confusing the brown wire with the purple is not a fatal flaw: simply reverse the connection; no harm, no foul.

Bob’s demo was not limited to the electrical connections. He also explained the factors to consider in selecting and installing a speaker, and reviewed the programming of “CVs,” or “configuration variables,” to access some of the advanced sound and operating features in a DCC decoder.

The second clinic took the meeting from the very small to the rather large, as Carl Liba shared photos of the California Zephyr (and its parents, siblings and offspring) as it operated in the real world of 12-inches-to-the-foot railroading.  But, as is typical of Carl’s clinics, his meeting presentation was not simply a railfan’s reminiscence. Carl used his photos to offer modeling tips as well.

The Zephyrs are popular with modelers. Carl pointed out variations in the consists – and that fact that motive power from three different roads – the Burlington, the Rio Grande and the Western Pacific – could be found taking turns on the point as the name train made its way between Chicago and Oakland.

Carl’s photos also illustrated the different terrains traversed by the Zephyers, offering inspiration to modelers with varied scenic interests. Carl was careful as well to point out the small details, such as the proliferation of instructional signs in one picture, the sort of information useful to any modeler.

Next Stop: Stamford, CT

Saturday, December 8, 2007
10AM to 1PM

Harry Bennett Branch
Stamford Public Library
115 Vine Road, Stamford

Three clinics are planned for December’s meeting of the Metro North Division, which is scheduled to be held at the Harry Bennett Branch of the Stamford Public Library, 115 Vine Road.

When Fred Dellaiacono moved to a new home he had a much smaller space available for model railroading. He will talk about the problems of scaling down his layout, and how he solved them. In particular, he will describe how he devised a system for storing locomotives off the layout, and transferring them to the layout safely without handling them, using ingeniously designed engine carriers.

Also, Fred designed and built two under-the-table roundhouses (UTRs) which can hold up to 20 locomotives. Who said you need a large room for model railroading?

Alex Conta scratchbuilds large HO scale diesel locomotives from the 1960s and ’70s, which he has shown and discussed at previous Metro North meetings. Last summer, on a business trip to Chicago, Alex took along four locomotives. Taking advantage of some free time, he contacted the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry and arranged to have his locos run on its fabled HO scale layout. They performed beautifully, pulling long freight trains all over the massive layout. Alex digitally recorded the action with his handheld video camera, complete with sound. It’s a great way to see and hear the railroading going on, and see this fine layout’s scenery as well.

Scott Russell will show us how to install DCC decoders in locomotives. There are choices and decisions to be made, from locomotives to decoders to installation. Using step-by-step photos and with locos opened up and on display, Scott will talk about all of these issues. He will also show the installation of sound decoders, a feature of DCC that is becoming very popular with modelers.

After a lunch break, Franklin Lang and Dick Wolter will once again open their layouts for visitors. Directions will be available at the meeting. New features have been added to both layouts since Metro North members visited last spring.

Next Stop: Pleasantville, NY

Saturday, September 29, 2007
10AM to 1PM

Mount Pleasant Public Library
350 Bedford Road
Pleasantville, NY 10570
914-769-0548

After taking the summer off, the Division resumes its regular meeting schedule on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Mount Pleasant Public Library in Pleasantville.

The agenda includes a clinic by Phil Monat on the design, building and revamping of his home layout, the Delaware and Susquehanna Rail Road.

The meeting also will feature a presentation by David Stavans on his participation in the National Railway Historic Society’s 2007 RailCamp at Steamtown National Historic Site.

There also will be a brief presentation on the NMRA’s Achievement Program.

As always, there will be time during the meeting for members to share examples of their own modeling work.

One or more area layouts will be opened to visitors following the meeting.

The meeting is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

May Division Meet Clinics

By Barry Abisch

Model builder Alex Conta summarized his research into the history of Union Pacific motive power, culminating in his artfully crafted GE U-50s in UP and Southern Pacific liveries. Henry Freeman reported on his three visits to the Tehachapi Loop, a rail-fanning adventure far from the domain of the B&O Cumberland division which he is recreating in the basement of his Westchester County home. And author John H. Roy Jr. showed how his own prototype research became a resource for other modelers as he cataloged more than 450 railroad structures still found in southern New England.

Alex used slides to summarize the evolution of UP motive power right before and around the steam to diesel transition era.

Alex found there were HO brass models available, but they would not operate on the 18-inch curves of his layout. There were no U-50s available in plastic. So, Alex set out to build his own, using a mix of available components and scratchbuilt parts. He worked with brass, styrene and acrylic and taught himself resin casting. He painted the engines using ScaleCoat paints in spray cans.

Alex originally thought he could finish the project in four to six weeks, but building the chassis and the driving mechanisms alone took two months. He is not complaining: “I loved every minute of it,” he said.

In his own slide show, Henry rail-fanned the Union Pacific right-of-way from Kern Junction to Mojave. With the BNSF enjoying running rights, the area sees 60 to 70 trains a day. The tracks transverse a 2.2 percent grade climbing 16 miles from Caliente to the Tehachapi Pass.

The pass itself includes one of the most famous features in American railroading – the Tehachapi Loop. The loop itself covers approximately seven-tenths of a mile, and climbs 77 feet before crossing over itself. Trains longer than 4,000 feet – approximately 85 modern freight cars – cross over themselves, the feature which draws people to the loop.

Henry also discussed some of the problems confronting railfans, including the necessity of finding safe places to view the tracks and the challenges posed by police officers who use post-911 security claims to harass people taking pictures of trains.

John did not show pictures of trains, but he has compiled hundreds of photos of train structures. John, who models the New Haven in N-scale, is the author/compiler of  “A Field Guide to Southern New England Railroad Depots and Freight Houses."

The book features photos, along with a description and history, of 467 railroad structures in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The book is a resource for model railroaders, whether they are modeling the region prototypically or are looking for architectural authenticity in a freelanced structure.

John says a big challenge was finding many of the buildings, which have been given new uses and, in some instances, have been moved from their original locations. Vintage railroad structures often are threatened, he said, by a lack of preservation resources even when local officials recognize the importance of the buildings.

March meeting report

	Alex Conta shows one of his Union Pacific "U-boats" during the modeler's showcase at the March division meeting. Alex will explain how he builds his models during a clinic at the next meeting, on May 5.

A fierce mid-month snowstorm put the division behind schedule and forced us to shorten the consist, but a stalwart contingent of modelers made it to the Trumbull Library for the March 17 division meeting.

The start of the meeting was delayed by a couple of hours, and the meeting program was abridged after more than one foot of snow fell in some parts of division territory. The snow was accompanied in many places by freezing conditions that made driving treacherous, especially on some secondary roads.

Members who were able to safely make it to Trumbull were treated to a slide show by Carl Liba, focusing on the locomotives of the New York Central. Carl's talk was a treat for modelers as well as for those members with an interest in the prototype.

Henry Freeman, who was scheduled to report on a fan trip to the Tehachapi Loop, was among those members kept home by the weather. His clinic has been rescheduled for the next division meeting, on May 5 at Stamford.

The March meeting also offered a preview of one of the other clinics on the May 5 agenda. During the modeler's showcase portion of the meeting, division member Alex Conta ran some of his Union Pacific motive power. At the May meeting, Alex will explain how he builds his U-boats.

Inside every model railroader lurks a railfan begging to be set free.

By Barry Abisch
Editor’s Note: This article is reprinted from the April/May issue of MetroLines.

Whether you are a freelancer or a prototype modeler, there is a reason you are modeling a railroad and not building a military diorama or racing slot cars. For some of us, the passion is train order and timetable operation, while others are content to simply watch their trains run through the scenery. It doesn't matter: the common denominator is trains.

Even if you are a run-trains-in-circles freelancer, you'll get more out of the hobby with an understanding of railroads and railroad operations.

Division member Henry Freeman has presented clinics on researching prototypes. He's also published articles on the same topic. Among the resources Henry mentions are the historical societies devoted to particular railroads.

Historical society Web sites are a good starting point for railroad research. Many societies include links to further resources, guides to books and reference materials as well as documents and photographs. One advantage of Web research is that you can do it at home. It's a way to enjoy the hobby when you don't have enough time to start a project in the train room, or the weather is too miserable for outdoor activities.

If you want to learn more about railroading or if you are looking for an inspiration for your layout, whether prototype or freelance, why not start with the railroads closest to home? One advantage is that it doesn't take a weekend expedition to visit sites associated with the railroads which operated in our own Metro-North Division.

With that in mind, MetroLines has compiled the following links to some historical societies and other sources of historical information to help you research close-to-home railroads.

• Amtrak Historical Society (www.amtrakhistoricalsociety.com)
• Conrail Historical Society (www.thecrhs.org)
• The New Canaan Rail Road (www.imediaet.com/ncrr/fs/home.htm)
• New York Central System Historical Society (www.nycshs.org)
• New York, Westchester and Boston (www.nywbry.com)
• New Haven Rail Road Historic and Technical Association (www.nhrhta.org )
• Penn Central Rail Road Historical Society (www.pcrrhs.org)

• Connecticut Eastern Chapter (cteastrrmuseum.org)
• Connecticut Eastern Chapter (www.westctnrhs.org)
• The NRHS lists a metropolitan New York chapter as well, but the chapter does not have an active Web site. The listed e-mail contact is alpappjr@earthlink.net

Division member Barry Abisch is a member of the Ontario and Western Historical Society, a chapter of the NRHS. He is building a freelanced layout based in part on the O&W.

MetroLines - January/February 2007