For
Scale, Hirail and American Flyer S Gauge Model
Railroaders
Dave
Plourde's Page
Dave Plourde is a
veteran S gauger. His layout incorporates some of the best features
of "S" hirail model railroading. Located in East Longmeadow, MA,
Dave's layout occupies a large corner of his finished basement. The
track is American Models brass flextrack code .148 with AM turnouts.
Dave uses Tortoise and American Models switch machines while other
turnouts are hand thrown using Caboose ground throws. Operation is
continuous while the power is DC and controlled by MRC Tech II power
packs on a panel that includes block switching. The rolling stock is
chiefly a combination of American Flyer®, American Models and S
Helper Service, all with hirail wheels. Dave is in the process of
changing over most of the couplers to the S scale Kadee 802s. Other
than the track code and the wheelsets this layout is about as close
to anything in scale as you will find. Most appealing is Dave's
scenic elements. He is a master at scenery. His layout is on several
levels but the track is pretty much all on one level. The eye,
however, is deceived into believing that there are many track
elevations.
Dave uses block switching from a panel. These rail
lines pictured at right can feed into the same mainlines
that loop around the layout. Note the mix of American Flyer,
S Helper Service and American Models rolling stock.
