Connecticut S Gaugers

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.

Photos and text by Craig S. O'Connell

Dave Plourde's S hirail layout.

 

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.

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