COASTAL MOUNTAIN RAILROAD
The module concept in railroading was applied to our HO scale layout by charter members Rudy Slovacek, Bob Blick and George Thompson. They had previously participated in HO model railroading, with the HUB Division group, by building several 4 foot long by 2 foot wide modules which could be interconnected with others built to similar specifications by modelers from clubs throughout the Boston area as well as the country. Not satisfied with the limited opportunities to run only several times a year at large sponsored meets, they decided to construct a system which offers several advantages. For example: it's completely self contained with turn-around loops, it can be set up in a linear or along the wall fashion and retains the portability of the popular module system. Using four of their standard modules as a center base, two, 2 by 2 foot transition modules and two turn-around loops (each composed of two 2 by 4 foot sections bolted together) they construct the layout. The result is usually about 28 feet long by 4 feet wide. In that space, over one full scale mile of mainline track is easily accommodated in the detailed scenery while the 22 inch mainline radius will support quite a variety of steam or diesel electric locomotive power. The optional addition of corners permits L or C type configurations while the equivalent of four yard sections and additional rural or city modules can expand this to over 96 linear ft or 3.2 scale miles!
Passenger and freight operations are further enhanced by several separate staging yards hidden behind the scenic backdrops. Small sidings scattered along the right of way provide activity for a local switching crew. Turnouts are controlled by manual and some electrical throws and the layout will permit up to six operators simultaneously; one train on the mainline with five switching operations in the yards and interchanges. The club has expanded to include members Lyle Sorenson (Green Mt.), Mark Harlow (Pennsy), Jeff Turner (NH) and Skip Farwell (GN). New modules, which are up to scenery and operating standards, are continually being added. We have no fixed club layout and only run or display at public shows.
Although not meant to represent a large contemporary mainline such as Conrail, the modeling does attempt to capture an active branchline set in New England or the Pacific Northwest during the 1950s and 60s. It is unlikely you'd spot a double stack container in this era but, forty foot boxcars and first generation diesels abound on the secondary trackage. Since Bob is an avid NP fan, George is into the C&NW and Rudy was raised in upstate New York with the NYC and D&H tracks close by they are each quite familiar with the era and geography modeled. The collection of railroads represented actually spanned the continent from coast to coast. If you're lucky, you might spot a hot shot trailer train traveling between coasts or a 100 car freight train.
Features of the layout include the cites and towns of Bellingham, Leicester Junction, Silver Creek, Schenectady, Warren and Wood River as well as local industries, passing sidings, interchanges and yards. Also included in the turnaround loops are a seaport, roundhouse or Drive-In. Not to be missed is the incorporation of a sound system for steam and diesels complete with chuff, burble, turbos, bells and horns. So visit with the CMR crew; they invite you to "STOP LOOK AND LISTEN" at their Coastal Mountain Railroad.
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