Virtual Tour
This train layout is a permanent display that was assembled over the
last 45+ years. The rails and
switches have been constructed much as you would a real railroad.
Each crosstie is individually spiked into the roadbed, one after another
until there are enough down to lay a section of rail.
the rail is then spiked onto the ties and is formed to the contour
desired. The switches are also
assembled by hand. Since the club
moved here from Paterson in 1954, there have been approximately 125 members
contributing their time and effort over the years to make the layout the size
that you see today. We continuously
made modifications to insure that our operations run as smoothly and
prototypical as possible. There are
eleven power control stations on this layout.
It takes a minimum of four people to operate the layout correctly;
one person in the "W" & "A", one in Meadville
Station, one in the main tower on the upper level, and one person on the lower
level in the middle of the layout.
The "W" & "A" yard is located in the back left
corner as you walk in, and is the main freight yard on the layout.
The capacity of the two yard sections is approximately 100 box cars.
The two can be operated independently by two people, but most often one
person can operate it effectively. Here
you can watch the operator break up incoming trains, and classify them.
He will also make up new freight trains that will go west on the layout.
Also if you are standing near the operator you will be able to see
through the glass the trains on all three levels of the railroad.
"W" & "A" Yard Lead
"A" Yard, this is the Arrivals yard.
"W" Yard, this is the Departures yard
"W" Yard looking across to "A" Yard
