A History of the HO Division of the Pensacola Model Railroad Club
     

     The HO Division of the Pensacola Model Railroad Club (PMRC) was started in April of
2003 with six founding members. As of June 2006 there were 16 active members. Each member
constructs one or more 2 x 4 ft. tables to make a modular scene. Module building follows the HO
Division track and wiring standards but scenery is planned by the builder.  The four corner
modules are owned by the Division and constructed by various members. Construction never
really ends but building and running are the fun parts of modular model railroading.
     The HO Division  is organized as a fully participating component of the PMRC. An N
gauge division was the initial organization in the PMRC and organization of additional divisions
is anticipated. A Board composed of officers from each division handles Club activities. The
PMRC maintains a web page (www.trainweb.org/pmrc) featuring both HO and N gauge division
activities. 
     The HO Division meets every two weeks and runs at alternate meetings. The main
objective is operating trains. We also run in-house demonstration sessions covering techniques in
every facet of model railroading. Track laying, ballasting track, wiring, weathering and DCC 
control have been subjects of the sessions. Passing around information on any and all facets of
the hobby is also a great advantage of HO Division membership. It doesn't hurt to have people of
similar interests around to chat with.
     Meetings of the HO Division were originally held at Trains by Johnson's shop on Palafox
Street in Pensacola. Some meetings are still held there but beginning in the summer of 2006 most
are held in Cantonment in Ron Hartman's air conditioned garage where a portion of the modules
are continuously set up. This change has facilitated having run sessions at most meetings
regardless of business or work activities.
     In 2004 a HO Division Standards Committee was established to organize a standard set of
construction plans for module tables, wiring and track to further improve operation and set-up
procedures. All modules pass an evaluation with the aim of bringing each module into
compliance with the standard plans.     
     In 2005 the HO Division purchased a 12 ft enclosed trailer for storing and hauling
modules to  shows. The trailer was purchased outright with division dues and show winnings.
Division graphics and lettering are being applied to the trailer.  
     In the three years since the HO Division was organized we have attended a total of 11
shows. Included were the Interstate Fair (3), the Fairhope Train Show (3), The Pensacola Train
Show (2), the Dothan Train Show (1), the Great American Train Show (1) and the Wales West
Light Railway Annual Steamup (1). We were able to run at our first show five months after
starting construction. Of course we run at least once a  month on our own.
     Most recently (June 2006) the HO Division began the construction of a permanent
(non-modular) layout in an out-building we are remodeling in southwest Pensacola. This adds
another great dimension to our model railroading activities. Everyone will get a chance to pound
nails, drive screws, aid in layout design, lay track, build scenery or kibitz as much as they could
wish to. This effort will continue for some time while promising greater operational opportunities
soon. The new layout will be a two level design with staging yards below the main levels to
maximize the utilization of the space we have available. 
     The primary Division objectives will be continued improvement of our modular layout
and developing the new permanent layout. At the same time increasing the popularity of model
railroading will be a major aim of appearing at shows and other venues in Florida and
neighboring states. But the real aim is to have fun with model railroading.