Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Council Bluffs, IA: Union Pacific Railway Museum

http://www.uprrmuseum.org/

The Union Pacific Railroad Museum houses one of the oldest corporate collections in the nation. It includes artifacts, photographs, and documents that trace the development of the transcontinental railroad and the American West.

Our mission is to educate the public about the past, present and future of America's largest railroad and the railroad industry. To accomplish this mission the museum will collect, research, and preserve a large collection of photographs, archives and artifacts relating to the railroad industry and the Union Pacific Railroad.
Hours Location
Open Tues. - Sat.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed Sun. - Mon. 200 Pearl Street
Council Bluffs, Iowa
GPS coordinates: N41.25821 degrees, W95.85124 degrees

Monday, December 26, 2011

Council Bluff, IA: Trains to be on display through New Year’s Eve

From Daily Nonpareil: Council Bluff, IA: Trains to be on display through New Year’s Eve

Saturday marks the beginning of the annual holiday model train display at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, 200 Pearl St. The display will feature an “O” gauge layout by the Nebraska-Iowa Railroaders Omaha Modular Trains group.

The trains will be available for viewing this Saturday, and then Tuesday through Friday and Dec. 27-31. The Union Pacific Railroad Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. On Dec. 31, the museum will also be open from 6 to 9 p.m., which will be the last chance to see the model trains.

Admission is free. The museum is closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, go online to uprrmuseum.org or call (712) 329-8307.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Customs House Museum’s “Snowflake Special” Christmas model trains to run through December

From Clarksville Online (Tennessee): Customs House Museum’s “Snowflake Special” Christmas model trains to run through December
Clarksville, TN- The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center’s collection of Christmas trains, known as the “Snowflake Special”, will run every Sunday from 1:00pm–4:00pm, except Christmas.

They will make special runs on December 20th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th, and 29th from 10:00am–1:00pm.

The trains wind their way through a winter wonderland village which comes to alive at the push of a button.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Clarksville, Tennessee, the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is the State’s second largest general museum. With over 35,000 square feet of the region’s best hands-on activities and special events…people of all ages agree – the Customs House Museum is well worth the stop!

The Customs House Museum is located at 200 South Second Street. For more information, call 931.648.5780 or visit their website at www.customshousemuseum.org

Monday, December 19, 2011

Models raise interest in train museum

From Rocky Mount Telegram: Models raise interest in train museum
Model train sets are being displayed at the Golden East Crossing mall by a group of volunteers who are trying to develop a permanent railroad museum.

The display, which is in a glass enclosure along the corridor leading up to Ross, includes three train set displays that were donated by Rocky Mount residents.

The goal of the display is to whet residents’ appetites for a new permanent model train museum and solicit funds and support for it.

Displayed on the exhibit glass is a brochure urging residents to donate money, time or train artifacts to a nonprofit organization that has been formed to develop the new Rocky Mount Railroad Museum.

Joyce Dantzler, the president of the citizen’s committee that has been formed to develop the museum, said she has fond memories of the railroad industry in Rocky Mount as her father worked for it.

“He started with Atlantic Coastline. Then it became Seaboard Coastline,” she said. “When he retired, he was a fireman for Amtrak.

Dantzler said the museum will seek to inform.

“We are trying to educate the community about the history of the railroad here in Rocky Mount, how beneficial it was,” Dantzler said. “We also hope to direct people who are interested into jobs working for the railroad, maybe to CSX.”

A museum brochure states that the plans call for a gift shop for railroad products, individual display spaces for model trains, memorabilia and artifacts, a learning lab for classroom instruction, kiosks with information about careers in the railroad industry, a conference room for meetings and celebrations and an interactive children’s learning lab with various train collections.

“We hope to have an area in which people can have celebrations,” Dantzler said. “Maybe children on their birthdays could go to railroad museum, like Chuck E. Cheese’s. These are all goals and objectives we have. They are down the line.”

The volunteers were eyeing space for the new museum in the Bel Air Artisans Center in downtown Rocky Mount, but they decided against that due to the cost of renovating the space.

Plus, the volunteers would prefer a building that is owned by the museum, said Gene Pridgen, vice president of the citizen’s committee trying to get the museum off the ground.

“The fact that (the space in the artisans center) would never be ours (was a concern),” he said. “It would be rented, and someone might come along later and say, “We don’t want you here any more.’ After spending all that money, we would have to get out. So we would rather start on our own and own something small and build into it.”

This is the second time that mall management has allowed the museum advocates to use space to promote the new museum concept.

“We are moving along slowly, taking baby steps if you will,” Pridgen said.

Over the summer, the volunteers set up a couple of tables to promote the train museum.

“We gave out pamphlets to see if there was any interest in (the museum),” Pridgen said. “To our amazement, there was. We approached the mall about putting (train displays) up over the holidays. They agreed to do it.”

Architect Bill Dove donated one of his model train sets for the mall exhibit.

Dove said he hopes that the new museum inspires young people to get into model train building.

“It may get kids back interested in building something with their own hands,” he said. “Kids are spending too much time playing on the Internet and not doing anything for themselves. As they get older, they’ll need some method for relaxation, and model building was one of mine.”

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Big talk about small trains

From Augusta Gazette: Big talk about small trains
Augusta, Kan. — It took a split vote from the city council, but the Wichita Model Railroad Club received a 5-year lease to continue using the old fire barn for their club headquarters.

The last lease signed by the group was 10 years ago. City manager Bill Keefer worked with the group to identify and solve some issues with the utility usage and recommended a 5-year lease with a rent cost of $800 per year – up from the previous $700 per year level.

The city pays the utilities on the building and, during the winter, heating costs were running high because of an inaccurate thermostat. To address that problem, the club installed a new digital thermostat and additional insulation to increase efficiency.

City Councilor Sue Jones wasn’t sold on the idea of giving the group a 5-year lease.
She pointed out that the group is the “Wichita” Model Railroad Club and not the “Augusta” Model Railroad Club. She also asked how the club using a city building was a community asset.

“My point is that it is city property,” Jones said. “I just want to be sure there are benefits to the community.”

Gordon McPhail, who represented the club at the meeting, told the council that the group has worked with the Boy Scouts to help them earn badges and offers tours to groups – such as groups of senior citizens.

“We want to meet our responsibilities and obligations,” McPhail said.

Matt Malone also expressed concerns about a 5-year lease because of the potential to have utility costs fluctuate during the term of the lease.

“A five year lease allows us to plan and do major renovations,” said McPhail. “Our costs on materials have skyrocketed so being able to plan expenses helps.”

City Attorney David All advised the council that the lease as presented did include a termination clause that the council could utilize for any reason.

Councilor Ron Reavis made a motion to approve the 5-year lease and Matt Childers seconded the motion.

The measure passed 4-2 with Jones and Malone voting against the motion. Mike Huddleston and Mike Wallace were absent.

Amtrak to trade hole punches for iPhones

Washington Post, Capitol Express: Amtrak to trade hole punches for iPhones
There’s long been a certain quaintness to riding the train — the conductor using a hole punch to mark your ticket, the dining car attendant writing your order on a long, thin card — but Amtrak is changing all that.

The train operator next summer plans to roll out nationwide an e-ticketing program that provides conductors with a scanner-equipped iPhone to register rider tickets, in paper form or on laptops, tablets and phones. The initiative allows customers to print tickets from home or access them on mobile devices, rather than requiring them to use station kiosks or ticket windows.

The program has been in the works for about five years, but has taken major steps this year with two pilot efforts. In February, Amtrak started using e-ticketing on Auto Train, a train that travels between Lorton and Florida, and allows passengers to bring their cars aboard.

Last month, Amtrak launched a pilot of the e-ticketing model on the Downeaster, a line that runs between Portland, Maine, and Boston.

For Amtrak, the e-ticketing effort is expected to improve efficiency and safety. Today, conductors are responsible for keeping track of collected tickets, which are later sent to a facility in Texas to be scanned and documented. Additionally, conductors aren’t able to send real-time updates to its reservation system to indicate exactly who is on the train, valuable information in the case of an emergency or accident.

The new model links conductors with Amtrak’s reservation system, allowing them to see how many passengers are expected to get on at each stop and notifying them if a passenger with special needs or a business-class passenger is preparing to board. When they scan a ticket, conductors immediately have a real-time log of who and how many people are on the train and at what station they’re slated to disembark.

For customers, the new system means they can exchange tickets more easily if, for instance, they want to take an earlier train. Rather than have to return a printed ticket, they can simply make the adjustment online.

Amtrak developed the user interface for the mobile software through a contract with Agilex, a Chantilly-based information technology contractor.

“One of the critical design points was building an application that could work connected or disconnected,” said Ira Entis, president of advanced technologies at Agilex. Amtrak is “one of the few modes of transportation ... where you give them your ticket after you’re on board. ... Then we have to sort things out, but that sorting out is often in a tunnel or in the middle of the country,” where wireless signals are iffy.

Matthew F. Hardison, chief of sales distribution and customer service at Amtrak, said the new mobile device creates the opportunity to build other applications. Thus far, Amtrak already has developed one that allows conductors to electronically report problems on trains, such as broken restrooms or seats, rather than fill out and submit paper forms.

Deborah Stone, senior director of sales and reservation systems, said the train operator expects to begin using the application next year.

The ticketing initiative comes as Amtrak modernizes other processes as well. It also has rolled out WiFi access for a larger group of passengers this year and is equipping cafe and dining cars with tablets that allow employees to enter and track food and drink purchases.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Gainsborough, UK, 27th December: Mini trains

From Guardian: Mini trains
Gainsborough’s famous Model Railway will be opening its doors to the public again this month.

Their ‘O’ gauge model railway, representing the East Coast Mainline from Kings Cross to Leeds has over 160 locomotives including such well known engines as Flying Scotsman and Mallard.

GMRS will be open on Sunday 11th and Tuesday 27th December from 1.30pm - 6pm. Admission is £4 for adults £4, £3 for children and seniors and £10 for a and Family of four. The GMRS is situated in Florence Terrace, near the south end of Tesco Car-park.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Freight trains a clear winner over trucks in CO2 emission stakes

From Science A GOGo: Freight trains a clear winner over trucks in CO2 emission stakes
A University of Wisconsin-Madison analysis of the emissions generated from shipping freight via truck or by train shows that shipping by train delivers a big reduction in CO2 emissions.

Researcher Erica Bickford said much of the environmental benefit boils down to simple efficiency. For each ton of freight they carry, trucks go about 150 miles on a gallon of diesel whereas trains can move the same load more than 400 miles per gallon.

"There's a 31 percent decrease in carbon dioxide produced by freight shipping in the region, and that's straight from emissions," says Bickford. "It's 21 million metric tons of CO2, the equivalent of what's produced by about 4 million cars." The findings are based on a model of freight traffic in 10 Midwestern states from Kansas to Ohio. She presented her findings last week at the fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco.

While cutting CO2emissions by one-third is a desirable goal, Bickford acknowledges that, like trucks, diesel rail traffic also creates black carbon soot and the lung irritant nitrogen dioxide (NO2). More rail traffic would mean more pollutants near the tracks, but better air quality near roads frequented by trucks. This is ultimately a positive, she argues. "Black carbon and NO2 are harmful to everyone's health. But because more people live near roads than railroad tracks, more people would benefit from the shifts in these pollutants."

According to Bickford's model, 16 percent less black carbon soot would linger near roads with heavy shipping traffic, while the increase around rail corridors could be as high as 20 percent. Nitrogen dioxide would plummet by as much as 30 percent near roads, but rise by as much as 20 percent near railroad tracks.

The effects of greater rail use would be particularly noticeable in the middle of the country, she contends. "We're sort of a freight crossroads in the Midwest. International shipping comes into the country on the coasts and then passes through our backyard on the way to its destination."

Bickford concludes by noting that there are a number of non-pollution benefits - reduced traffic congestion, wear on roads and demand for diesel fuel - that railed freight would also deliver. "Truck freight travels on publically-funded roads, rail traffic on privately-built tracks," she says. "But these benefits could be an impetus for public investment in rail infrastructure."

Monday, December 12, 2011

Westchester Model Railroad Club's cars roll at nature center

From lohud.com (New York's Lower Hudson Valley): Westchester Model Railroad Club's cars roll at nature center

GREENBURGH — As two model Amtrak trains barreled down the electric track, William Winston, 4, and Chad Smith, 5, started counting the string of cars before the silver trains vanished into a mountain tunnel.

"There were 12," said William. "I like the speed it goes."

Chad arrived at a more dramatic conclusion: "I want to stay here," he said.

The Winstons, of New Rochelle, and the Smiths, of Redding, Conn., were among the hundreds of people who showed up to watch the display of model trains by the Westchester Model Railroad Club at the Greenburgh Nature Center on Saturday.

The 180-square-foot spread featured, among other things, a wooden walking bridge, a barnyard scene, a village center, a farmhouse and a factory building.

The display runs 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Dec. 18.

Sal Mancino, one of 10 members of the club, said the models had been handmade by them over many years.

"It's a collaborative effort," said Mancino, a former computer programmer. "I do all the electrical work."

A replica of the Greenburgh Nature Center building was constructed by Dr. Paul Greenburg, an 84-year-old former podiatrist.

"It took me a couple of months to build," said Greenburg, who said he had a 450-square-foot display at his home in Hartsdale.

"This hobby is good for recreation, socialization and corollary education," said Greenburg. "As a small kid, I was crazy about trains."

For 4-year-old Ben Kalish, "trains are a passion," said his father, Jonas.

"He loves trains," said Jonas Kalish, of Ossining. "To see them going round and round is the biggest thrill he can get."

Tony Siano, a retired engineer, said he joined the club last year but had been "in the hobby for 35 years."

The question he was asked most frequently by the kids on Saturday, he said, was, "Can you make the trains go faster?"

Well, can he?

He turned a knob, and the trains picked up speed.

"Now a lot of the passengers have vertigo," said Siano. "And they are going to complain to their senators. 'Dear Senator ...' "

This Saturday and Sunday, Milwaukee: Model trains pulling into Discovery World station

From Tap Milwaukee: Model trains pulling into Discovery World station
If you're lucky, they were a magical part of your past.

Model trains brought life to the perfect Christmas tree setting. Now you can revisit those home railroading days or discover model railroading for the first time at "Trains! Trains! Trains!," a Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin show on Saturday and Sunday at 500 N. Harbor Drive.

Visitors can see more than 1,300 square feet of model railroad setups; Lionel, American Flyer, S gauge and more will be on display. Builders will be available to answer questions.

The digital theater also will screen railroad films during the event.

Show hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $16.95 for adults; $12.95 for children. For details, visit www.discoveryworld.org or call (414) 765-9966.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Time Keeps On Slipping Into the Future

Sorry for the dearth of posts recently...I've been working on a project, wanted to devote all my time to it, and kept telling myself...it'll be done today so I can get back to blogging here tomorrow.

The next day it was... okay, it's definitely going to get done today....

Well, today it is done... so back to posting here on a daily basis tomorrow. (With the first post appearing tomorrow afternoon while I'm watching football!)

Thanks for your patience.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Model train show brings out childhood memories

From Princeton Eagle: Model train show brings out childhood memories

Retiree Bruno Gad arrived at the very start of last weekend’s two-day Rum River Model Railroad Club show in the Great Northern Room of the Mille Lacs County Historical Society’s Depot Center in Princeton.

Gad, a native of Chicago, smiled as he looked over some of the nine tables with model train layouts, many of the tables with multiple tracks and trains. There was also a table with a model car race track and some tables with antique toys.

This was one of the many annual Christmas holiday train shows that the Rum River Model Railroad Club has put on here, and when the show opened last Friday morning at 10 a.m., the Great Northern Room quickly filled with spectators.

Children age 12 and under got in free and there wasn’t a tally of their number. But 92 adults attended the first day and 90 the second.

You wouldn’t have had to use much imagination to guess what many of the attendees might have been thinking as they gazed intently at the model trains moving busily around on their metal tracks, making a thin buzzing sound. The layouts were generally extravagant, with a display of model landscapes and fixtures. There was varied terrain and houses, commercial buildings and even simulated working pieces of equipment. A little lumber mill, for example, was on the tabletop display owned by Lonnie Hannan of Askov.

Full-size railroad tracks are still in Askov and freight traffic frequently passes through there. The tracks once carried Great Northern passenger trains, the mountain goat logo proudly on the side as they passed through, heading north and south. People would ride it from a depot in either Askov or Sandstone frequently to the Twin Cities or could take the Empire Builder to Duluth. If they had wanted, they could ride the Great Northern all the way to Seattle.

Gad, who will be 72 in March, now lives in the Santiago area west of Princeton, but grew up on the west side of Chicago. His home there was at 2635 West 17th Street, just two blocks away from railroad tracks, he noted. He was able to command his own little railroad at age 9 when he received a model train set. He accumulated two model locomotives and 14 different model train cars.

But when he was with neighborhood friends out to play, the full-size railroad tracks were their “playground,” he recalled.

As Gad talked, Del Fuller of Ogilvie, a retired hospital x-ray technician, tinkered with his model train layout that had both HO and ON 30-gauge train sets. Fuller, who has been a model railroader for about three decades, was given a tin plate O 27-gauge model train when he was about 10 or so. “I enjoy it,” Fuller said of model railroading. He explained that it brings back childhood memories of watching full-size trains.

One of the attendees at the show on Friday was Jim Braun, of rural Princeton, there with his wife Carolyn. As they gazed at Hannan’s train layout, Braun pulled out his own model train story. One day when he was 16 or 17 and itching for some cash, he sold his prized model train set with locomotive and 50 train cars for $50. The man who bought it, later sold it for $2,500, Braun said. Trying to rationalize it all, Braun said that he probably needed the $50 badly at the time so he could buy gas to go out on dates.

Teenager, Brian Smith, one of the younger model railroaders at the show, has amassed an enviable model train collection, now owning approximately 45 model locomotives and nearly four times as many model train cars.

Smith is what nearby model railroader Fuller is hoping to see more of. The Rum River Model Railroad Club has about 14 members, according to its president, Melvin Lindquist, of rural Princeton. But Smith is looking at more than just numbers of members. “I would like to encourage young people to get involved in model railroading,” Fuller said. Not many girls, relative to the number of boys, want to get involved in this hobby, but there are some who do, Fuller said.

Lindquist, as he sat fiddling with a train set owned by friend Penny Quast, president of the Mille Lacs County Historical Society, said he was pleased with the large number of model train displays there that day. “It’s probably the biggest display to date for the club,” he said.

“It absolutely went well,” Quast said later.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Alderson, West Virginia: 4 Dec: Free model train show set for Sunday at city hall in Alderson

From The Register Herald: Free model train show set for Sunday at city hall in Alderson

As a part of Alderson Main Street’s Christmas Homes Tour events, a free model train show will be held at the Council Room of Alderson’s City Hall Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 4, 2011.

Organized by Lee and Tammy Skaggs, the show has become an Alderson tradition.

For the youngest train fans, there will be a “Thomas the Tank Engine” display featuring a small, battery-powered Thomas engine pulling two Christmas cars around a Christmas tree.

For the children of all ages, there will be Santa’s Holiday Express train in “G” scale.

This train is fully animated with elves working on the rail cars and Santa Claus acting as engineer. With all its lights and action, it is sure to delight everyone.

In “HO” scale, the father and son team of Rick and Zachary Burns will be showing their train making its way through a winter wonderland layout.

Dick Pranulis will demonstrate his artistry in a display of his train collection.

In “O” scale, Lee Skaggs will feature his train in a layout which he calls “Christmas in the Country.”

“He has just added a new red barn as a focal point of the layout. Kevin Napier, assisted by sons Brett and Seth, will also show their O scale train. Ten year old Brett said, “Dad, I am so excited that we are a part of this show!”

Reverend Lanny Howe will show his LGB (Lehman Gross Bahn) train. LGB trains are responsible for introducing "G" scale to model railroading. The scale ratio used by LGB is 1:22.5

In addition to the model trains in the Alderson show, Jill Highlander will have her collection of photography featuring trains for viewing and sale. Railroad-themed Christmas decorations and light refreshments will round out the show.

Other activities that afternoon include choral music on the hour, a $5 soup, sandwich and dessert lunch, and a bazaar at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church; and the tour of Alderson homes decked out in Christmas splendor for which $10 tickets are available at the Historic 1896 C&O Depot.

These events are sponsored by Alderson Main Street and the funds from the Christmas Homes Tour are used for Main Street Projects.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Essex, CT: Connecticut River Musuem Holiday Train Show


http://www.ctrivermuseum.org

Steve Cryan has decked out his operational 26-foot model train layout with new scenery, more trains and surprises. Join the search to locate several objects buried within the landscape at the Connecticut River Museum's 18th Annual Holiday Train Show which started Friday, Nov. 18 and will run to Sunday, February 12, 2012.

An interactive American Flyer layout will be available for toddlers to view.

Tickets are $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5 children ages 6-12. Children ages 5 and under are free.

The Connecticut River Museum
67 Main St., Essex, CT
open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Mondays.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Sebring, OH: Sebring Model Railroad Club


Introducing the Sebring Model Railroad Club:

http://www.sebringmodelrailroadclub.org/

The Sebring Model Railroad Club knows a thing or two about model trains. For starters, the group has built a 3,000-foot layout in the Sebring Station, which it owns. The club is celebrating National Model Railroad Month by holding its annual open house, which started Saturday and will continue this weekend at its clubhouse, a former Pennsylvania Railroad Station. People come from across Ohio and Pennsylvania to view their exhibit, said Dennis Sautters, club president. Sautters of Canton said model trains “fascinate people. At one time, the railroad played a very important role in our country.”


By The Numbers
:
63 Years the Sebring Model Railroad Club has existed. It began in a garage in Salem. The club — and the model railroad — grew. So much so, the club purchased Sebring Station in order to expand. “The garage was fine for a nice start,” Sautters said. “But more people wanted to join.”

37 Years the club has owned the train station. “One thing that’s good about our place is we own it,” Sautters explained. “We invite people to our open house each year so they can see what we’ve accomplished. Each year we are adding to it. Our club members vote on any changes we make to the model railroad.”

40 People belong to the model railroad club. “Most everyone has some kind of model train, and many of them got started from visiting our layout,” Sautters said. “We have a great place here to run model trains. It is bigger and better than my layout at home.”

1,750 Square feet the model railroad occupies within the Sebring Station. Club members meet Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings to work on the model. “Some people are good at electrical, others at scenery,” Sautters said. “It’s kind of diverse. Everyone brings something different to the table.”

WHAT: Sebring Model Railroad Club
WHERE: Sebring Station, 216 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Sebring, Ohio
HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DAYS:
Sundays - Noon to 5:00 PM
Tuesdays - 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Monday, November 21, 2011

New posting schedule

Sorry for the long delay in posting - had some family issues.

The posting schedule for this blog - starting this Wednesday, Nov 23, will be Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Thanks for your patience!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Train News, India: Duty-free shops at railway stations

From MoneyCOntrol.com (India): Duty-free shops at railway stations


New Delhi, Oct 19(PTI) With the aim of mopping up additional income, railways is mulling to develop a revenue model to have duty-free shops and multiplex at stations.
"Our stations can be developed into a hub of commercial activities. There can be a mall, multiplex, library, food plaza and even duty-free shops at stations," Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi told the Economic Editors'' conference here today.
There are more than 7000 stations across the country.

"We have to develop a revenue model for commercial utilisation of our stations and for that we are planning to constitute Station Authority of India like the Airport Authority of India," Trivedi said.

He said the vertical development of stations as commercial hubs would create at least 50,000 jobs.

"Our core responsibility is to run trains and now the time has come to develeop a revenue model for stations.

Staions are out huge assets and it will create job opportunities."
Referring to the problematic land issue, he said "land is a big issue not only for railway but for the whole country.

Most of our land is parallel to the track. But if we could commercially exploit the land, then our earnings would jump."

Railways have identified more than 300 sites across the country for commercial utilisation of the land.

"To begin with, we are creating a land bank by digitising the land record of railways as it will help us in planning in a better to utilise those land," he said.

Train News: Passenger rail service on Miami’s FEC line faces funding barriers

From Biscayne Corridor: Passenger rail service on Miami’s FEC line faces funding barriers
Residents at a town hall meeting in the Upper Eastside Tuesday night were focused on an issue that has long been a priority for many in the neighborhood: adding passenger service to the Florida East Coast Railway line.

Florida Department of Transportation representatives believe the freight cargo route could also be used as a commuter option for residents living east of Tri-Rail—the problem is convincing residents and county politicians to sign off on the $300 million project.

“This will create a strong spine east-west to move in the tri-county area,” said Amie Goddeau, mobility development manager for FDOT, who brought a rendering of the proposed route during the hour-long meeting.

FDOT’s ultimate goal is to have a route from Miami to Jupiter—something which could take years to be achieved—but they’ve decided to divide the project into parts to see if they can seduce county politicians and residents faster this way.

“It’s a huge project. We are breaking it up so people can use it, taste it and want more,” Goddeau said.

The idea would be to start with a route from Miami to Fort Lauderdale. The Miami/Fort Lauderdale route would have six to eight stations; an extra track would have to be added to the FEC line line, at a cost of $160 million; $100 million to buy the passenger train cars; and roughly $50 million for infrastructure cost.

A total price tag of $300 million for a 30-mile trip.

While Broward and Palm Beach counties have shown support for the project, Miami-Dade County hasn’t gotten on board. The main concern of Miami-Dade officials isn’t funding the construction, which could be paid for by the federal government, but rather the day-to-day costs, which have to be paid for at the local level, Goddeau said.

People were engaged during Goddeau’s presentation.

Some of the 30-something Miami residents at the meeting argued whether the passenger train would have to adhere to the Miami’s quiet zone designation, which is expected to be acquired so that cargo freights on the FEC line won’t have to blow their whistles as the pass through crossings next year. Goddeau brushed it off saying passenger trains are much quieter.

Others were skeptical about whether the project will materialize any time soon.

“I’ve been hearing about this for 10 years,” said artist and former Biscayne Times publisher Skip Van Cel. “What do we have to do to light the fire to get the city started on this?”

FDOT will present a computerized model done in conjunction with the FEC and a study of the project to the Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization to get their approval by February.

The next step would be the Miami City Commission.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

All aboard! Model railroad show concludes Sunday

This show was on Oct 21, 2011. I share it here so you can put it on your calendar for next year - and I'll have it on my calendar as well so that I can share it with you in more timely fashion next year.

From Herald News: All aboard! Model railroad show concludes Sunday
y LEE BEACH H&N Staff Writer Herald and News | 1 comment

Model train enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy trains and train memorabilia at the fourth annual Model Railroad Show and Sales Event which concludes Sunday at the Klamath County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall A.

There will be operating train layouts in a variety of scales - HO, N and G - set up by two clubs, the sponsoring Klamath Rails Model Railroad Club and the Rogue Valley Model Railroad Club.

"The Medford club has been very generous in coming over with their layouts," said Steve Hart, club president.

Fifteen vendors will fill 50 8-foot tables of trains, parts, T-shirts, books and train memorabilia for sale. In addition, scented candles, women's jewelry and hunting knives will be offered.

Joe Brick, publicist for the local club said Klamath & Western will put down about a 200-foot track to give children rides on their battery-powered steam train.

He added, "One of the men who helps us with the show is bringing a foot-long Thomas the Tank engine plus Annabelle and Clarabelle cars that the little kids just love. Model railroading is a hobby for all ages, and we are doing it basically for the kids of Klamath County."

Hart agreed, encouraging parents to bring their children because, "It gives us a chance to share our hobby with the kids."

Raffle tickets will be sold for numerous items from engines to cars and books to memorabilia, and door prizes will be awarded. Tickets are $1 each, 6 for $5. Food will be available for purchase.

The event is a fundraiser toward the goal of the club eventually having a building for a permanent home for its layouts, according to Brick.

According to Hart, this year's show is dedicated to a club member who recently passed away, Bettejeanne Clair, who, with her son, had been active helping with previous shows.

***********

If you go:

What: Model Railroad Show and Sale

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Klamath County Fairgrounds, exhibit hall A.

Cost: $4 for adults, $3 for seniors. First two children admitted free of charge with an adult, additional children $1 each.

Country Singer Martina McBride Boards Amtrak Train for Tour

From BusinessGather.com: Country Singer Martina McBride Boards Amtrak Train for Tour
Looking to boost sales, Amtrak has hired country singer Martina McBride to endorse the troubled railroad company. McBride, the self-proclaimed "Celine Dion of country," is on her way to New York to promote her 11th studio album, conveniently called, Eleven.

McBride's Cross Country Amtrak Journey
The trip from LA to New York will take McBride a total of four days to complete, but she's not concerned about the time. In a statement, Martina said, "We can travel so much further by train than bus." Amtrak trains have sleeping accommodations and onboard dining, which makes a train ride slightly more convenient than a bus ride. Although by comparison, taking a plane across the country takes just a handful of hours.

Amtrak's Cash Problems
Martina McBride's endorsement is creative, but not likely to make much of a difference for the unprofitable railroad company. Costly, government-mandate routes have cut deeply into Amtrak's profitability. In addition, Amtrak relies heavily on federal aid, but current and upcoming budget cuts are going to make operations even more difficult. Amtrak is trying to get with the times by introducing social media campaigns and connecting with celebrities like Martina McBride. However, a four-day train ride simply isn't convenient, and today's fast-paced lifestyles aren't likely to support such a sluggish business model.

Monday, November 7, 2011

ATLANTA(GA) BOTANICAL GARDEN - HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW

From Garden News: ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN - HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
Holiday Model Train Show
November 5 - January 7
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The model train show is back! Three G-scale trains with cars the size of a loaf of bread, plus a holiday trolley, chug along tracks in an imaginary, beautifully planted landscape.

The show was designed by Atlanta Botanical Garden staff with assistance from the Georgia Garden Railroad Society and landscape designer Tres Fromme. Train Installations did the fabrication and installation of the tracks; Garden horticulturalists and exhibitions staff installed the landscape and thematic elements.

Approximately 9 tons of rock was used to create a mountain ridge and a massive amount of mulch was used to build up the ground. Small towns, train stops, and other structures dot the landscape. Keep an eye out for whimsical surprises such as the Grinch overlooking Whoville.

Carefully thought out plantings give the display a great variety of textures and colors. Plants range from annuals (violas, kale, parsley and dusty miller) and conifers (Picea, Cryptomeria, Pinus, Juniperus) to deciduous material (Japanese maple, Pieris) and ground covers (Acorus, Sedum, Saxifraga, Ajuga). Fescue turf and moss add bright green highlights.

See the model trains then go for a ride on the the real thing:

The Botanical Express Ride-on-Train

Please note: trains may not run during inclement weather.

Sponsored by:
*MACY'S

Models, kits make Bayonne shop hobbyist heaven

From NJ.com: Models, kits make Bayonne shop hobbyist heaven
One of the best kept secrets for model and miniature enthusiasts in Bayonne is right at 28th Street and Broadway.

Bayonne resident and co-owner of Pastime Hobbies & Miniatures, Vincent Margiotta, along with Aida Figueroa, spent his youth building model trains and planes. He has since earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, and has never given up with his hobby.

"I always had a love for models and miniatures," Margiotta said.
"As I got older, I started using it as an escape from the corporate world. From there, I knew I wanted to open up a shop where hobbyists like myself, can purchase items for a beginning or even expanding leisure pursuits," he added.

Pastime Hobbies & Miniatures, which opened its doors in 2003, is a hobby shop that sells plastic model kits, supplies, and dollhouse miniatures.

Figueroa, who has been a dollhouse buff for nearly 25 years said, "As hobbies go, building dolls' houses might seem to be one of the rarer ones, but the benefits our customers get from building them can be fun and even therapeutic. They tend to gain a sense of accomplishment from what they have created."

How did the owners get their start? Both Margiotta and Figueroa, who worked in the telecommunications industry, each had a love for model trains and dollhouses, and decided to share their passion with fellow hobbyists.

What makes the shop unique?

Margiotta says there are no competing businesses of this type within the city or within several miles from Bayonne that offer hobby shop products/supplies.
What will you find inside?

Pastime Hobbies has a large selection of model trains and accessories, paints, rockets, slot cars, diecast models, dollhouses and miniatures, plastic/resin kits, and an abundance of magazines regarding the various crafts sold in the shop.

What are the price points?

Plastic models range from $16 to $200; dollhouse kits start at $8 and up; and miniatures range from $2 to $200.

What are the owners' plans for the business?

Margiotta and Figueroa said they want to continue to serve the creative hobbyists in the City of Bayonne.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Pemberton seniors enjoy first trip to Northlandz Train Museum

From South Jersey Local News: Pemberton seniors enjoy first trip to Northlandz Train Museum

Wednesday morning the seniors gathered to head for Flemington for an exciting new adventure. Soon 45 seniors would be standing in the unique train museum called “Northlandz.”

This museum is the creation of Bruce Williams Zaccagnino. Located on Route 202 in Flemington, the dream of the Great American Railway at Northlandz began more than 35 years ago as the Williams’ first home was being built in 1972. Every evening he would build parts of his scenic railroad until he finally completed more than 6 miles of track.

Northlandz has become a 16-acre world class attraction developed by Bruce and his wife, Jean. Included in this complex is a doll museum, La Peep Doll House, a 2,000 pipe theater organ (which Bruce plays) and art galleries throughout. The building is reflective of the couples lifelong commitment to art, expression and creativity. This attraction would be of interest for anyone who ever was a child.

The entire complex is handicap accessible with ramps that lead you through the most creative exhibit one could imagine. There are about 100 model trains running on track which extends more than 6 miles total.

Each train runs through a scenic display that has been created by the owner. Thousands of miniature buildings are situated in small villages and reproductions of many famous locations. On a hillside, a large monastery hugs the terrain and has a touch of reality.

Most bridges are made from small “matchstick” type construction, one of which is more than 40 feet long.

Interspersed are many small displays including doll collections, stuffed animals, memorabilia of early inventions and extensive artwork. A 94-room doll house has a plexiglas front so the family living within can be seen enjoying their lives. There is a Beany-Baby collection housed on shelves which would delight any collector. This extensive display of trains, dolls and other collectibles has been entered in the Guiness Book of Records.

A highlight of the day was the organ concert given by Bruce. He is a graduate of Julliard and his major was concert pianist/organist. He played the beautiful Allen organ as few are able with many flourishes and arpeggios.

The seniors were delighted and clapped after each medley of tunes. This was unexpected my many since the multitude of organs and grand pianos just looked like another collection. Bruce included a two-story theatre within the train museum so he could delight visitors with his talents.

Unfortunately the 1890’s replica Narrow Guage Steam Train was broken and not available for rides for the first time in its 14-year history. Bruce assured the seniors it was in the process of being repaired and they would be able to ride it on a return visit. If you plan to take the children to Flemington to enjoy the museum, phone first to see if the train is operational.

Following this delightful and fun filled experience, Marty Gravenstein drove the seniors to the next stop, the Country Griddle. Very soon the seniors were engrossed in the menu offering many choices. Seniors could choose one of four appetizers, one of 20 entrees, one of seven desserts and choice of beverages. Advance copies of the menu had been circulated on the bus so seniors could make a more informed choice.

Once the meal was completed, most seniors left with large boxes of food as take homes.

Liberty Village was the next stop. Shopping included many national brand outlet stores such as Coach, Ann Taylor, J. Crew, and Izod. Seniors were soon looking for bargains and many had large shopping bags as they returned to the bus.

Because of Columbus Day there were many sales and sales upon sales, so bargains were plentiful.

Seniors will need to return next year for more shopping and the ride on the replica steam train.

Amtrak offers 40th anniversary model trains

From Breaking Travel News: Amtrak offers 40th anniversary model trains
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Amtrak is offering exclusive HO scale model trains in Heritage paint schemes. This first-time offering includes 15 limited-run models only available aboard the Amtrak Exhibit Train or online at the Amtrak Store.
The collection includes four powered locomotives and 11 passenger cars, making it possible to create a miniature representation of the Amtrak Exhibit Train and any eastern long-distance Amtrak train in the current Phase IVb paint scheme.
The model trains are now available for order and will start shipping in November, in time for holiday gift giving.

Amtrak is offering other collectible items to celebrate the 40th Anniversary including a commemorative book and documentary DVD. Amtrak: An American Story, is a 144-page book that chronicles the history of the railroad with archival photographs, a historical timeline and personal narratives for each decade. The documentary DVD, Amtrak: The First 40 Years, provides an exclusive look inside America’s Railroad® with hard-to-find photographs and video footage as well as interviews with past and present leaders who have shaped the railroad’s history.

In addition to the 40th anniversary items, Amtrak offers a wide variety of merchandise including apparel, toys, collectibles, posters and calendars at the Amtrak Store. The online store also offers Travel certificates for Amtrak travel, or eCertificates for last minute gifts.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Model Railroading Tip: Planning Your Model Train Room

From the website, Model Trains for Beginners: Model Railroading Tip: Planning Your Model Train Room
Thanks to Rick of Stirling Heights for sending in this great tip about how to plan a model train room.

Sometimes we overlook the simplest way to do things and end up doing it the hard way. This tip will help make planning your model train room much simpler…
I am in the process of designing my layout. I still have some decisions to make about whether to base it on modules, sections or a more permanent type of table.

My wife gave me a choice of space in the basement (bigger layout, but dirtier location) or the spare bedroom. In the spare bedroom are some bookcases, file cabinets and a desk that cannot go anywhere else in the house so I have to keep them in mind when designing for that space.

To help me plan how to use the space better I am using a paper and pencil planning method.

Using grid paper at 4 squares to an inch and a set of plastic track planning templates at 3/4′ to the foot (KISS Methods Inc produced the templates I am using) I created a floor plan of the room.

Then I measured each piece of furniture that has to stay in the room and made scale cutouts of them on yellow Post-It notes.

Next I used green Post-It notes to create scale cutouts of standard modules to NMRA and Free-mo standards.

By rearranging the cutout templates I can try out different configurations without having to move furniture around.

My thoughts so far are a peninsula layout down the middle of the room with the file cabinets (2 drawer lateral cabinets) under the table and the desk being put on wheels so it can slide out from under the layout table.

The bookcases are 83″tall and need to be left around the perimeter of the room.

I could also cut down the bookshelves to a 36″ height and that way I could do an around the room layout using either modules, sections or traditional benchwork with the bookcases, file cabinets and desk all fiting beneath the layout.

I have appreciated all the tips you send out and thought that maybe others might benefit from this tip.

Keep up the good work! - Rick H, Sterling Heights, MI


Thanks Rick for the tip and the encouragement. That is definitely a tip I will use in the future and will help many readers.

IBM Increases Efficiency and Safety of Railway Transportation

From Embedded Computing Design: IBM Increases Efficiency and Safety of Railway Transportation
IBM announced that Invensys Rail Dimetronic, a leading railway signaling technology company in the Spain and Portugal, is using IBM software and systems development tools to design sophisticated signaling technology for railway applications. With the help of IBM Rational, the new version of the Invensys Rail Dimetronic solution, FUTUR, allows the rail industry to run on time and safely, despite changes in the strict regulations that apply.

According to the recent IBM Global Commuter Pain Survey, respondents from Madrid reported a year-over-year increase, 30 percent in 2011 vs. 21 percent in 2010, in how traffic has negatively affected their performance at work or school. Although the railway industry has a major opportunity to provide an alternative for commuter’s pain, it is facing many challenges as it attempts to catch up to the demand. From a technological perspective, the industry must address changing requirements and a lack of interoperability.

Invensys Rail Dimetronic Addresses Requirements Issues

One of the biggest concerns for the railway industry is compliance. Spanish High Speed Lines will travel as fast as 350 km/hr and the signaling systems have to be, at a minimum, 99 percent reliable in scheduling. In Europe, the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) provides strict standards for train signaling and control. The standards are not fixed or closed, which means that railway companies need to be flexible to meet compliance demands on current and future versions.

“The IBM tool suite has enabled our team to significantly reduce the time-to-market of our products,” said Francisco Lozano, Invensys Rail Dimetronic ERTMS Program Manager. “Based on the actual usage and results of the signaling system software and on board signaling, we have detailed information on the reliability and effectiveness of the system as well as the areas that need to be further improved as standards change. As a result, we have been able to quickly model, configure, validate and demonstrate the interoperability of components required for the signaling systems software before implementing it live.”

With the help of IBM Rational tools, Invensys Rail Dimetronic receives an automated alert of affected items when a change is introduced in the system. The detailed information on required changes is then used for modeling in the solution development process to change and synchronize the system upon the real requirements. Also, Invensys Rail Dimetronic’s change request process was completely manual, but now with IBM Rational DOORS, the software and systems development process is automated.

Enhancing Interoperability for Rail Signaling

Invensys Rail Dimetronic is leveraging IBM technology to develop its FUTUR ERTMS signaling systems, which are intended to achieve full interoperability with other ERTMS suppliers and highest safety standards. It serves as an onboard and trackside system that is constructed on the basis of the European Train Control System (ETCS) specifications, providing high degrees of both efficiency and safety to railway operators throughout the entire world. Furthermore, with the updated signaling systems across Europe, rail trains can now seamlessly cross international borders.

Train News: Rail staff given shelter from excrement shower

From The Local, Switzerland's News in English: Rail staff given shelter from excrement shower

Swiss Federal Railways has agree to put measures in place to protect employees working in an alley below the tracks from faeces and urine dumped by older model train carriages.

The problem derives from the fact that some of the old carriages on Swiss trains use toilets that deposit faeces directly onto the tracks, which became a problem in Zurich station.

Construction workers operating below tracks 10,11,12,13,15 and 16 had been reporting for a month that they were receiving frequent faecal showers from cracks in the ceiling of the passageway where they were working.

After several unsuccessful protests, employees went on strike on Monday against the “unhealthy and humiliating” working conditions and gave the company an ultimatum: They would not return to their jobs until the company solved the situation.

In a statement released on Thursday, Swiss Federal Railways, union Unia and ARGE Bahnhof Löwenstrasse (the group of companies in charge of the project) said that several measures would be put in place.

By Tuesday next week, a canalization system will be installed to divert waste waters far from the alley under construction.

Furthermore, trains won’t stop in the parts of the tracks located right above the alleyway and, where this is not possible, toilets will be closed before getting to Zurich station.

Temporary latrines will also be installed on the station platforms to meet more urgent needs. If travellers prefer, they will be given a token to access the station toilets for free.

If all these measures end up proving insufficient, the Swiss Federal Railways has said that it is willing to consider further initiatives, expressing understanding that workers will only return to the alley when they enjoy full protection from the raining excrement.

Monday, October 31, 2011

James May exclusive book extract

From The Telegraph: James May exclusive book extract
In the early 1980s, the must-have toy for boys under 10 was Big Trak. Big Trak – which looked like a moon buggy might if it had been designed by a drunk Sir Clive Sinclair – was advertised as your programmable servant, an indispensable mobile butler that could be programmed to fulfil basic household tasks. Sadly, in reality, Big Trak was a jerky electronic simpleton, and the chances of him transporting a glass of Tizer across the living room without spilling it on the carpet or himself were extraordinarily low.

Although Big Trak had many faults, however, we held that the basic idea – using a toy as a handy transport system in the home – was a sound one. Maybe all that needed changing in this plan was the toy. And so it was that we set about fitting the Man Lab with a fully integrated man-serving railway.

Writing in The Boys’ Book of Model Railways in 1956, Ernest F. Carter observes that model railway building is truly a “hobby for the million” – a pastime deserving of its enormous following – as “it offers such unlimited scope for personal individuality and ability”. He goes on to observe that the appeal of a model railway lies in the fact that it is “always complete yet never finished; and it is this queer mixture of 'collecting’ and constructional work which seems to be the underlying reason for the appeal of Model Railwaying to the average handyman”.

Although the golden age of model railwaying may have peaked roughly ten minutes after Ernest F. Carter penned those words, there can be no doubt that model railways retain an appeal for blokes even today.

If you are seriously going to build a model railway round your home/ studio/office/place of work – and we strongly recommend that everyone at least considers it – then you’ll need the following: lots of sheets of plywood, for your baseboards (you can use other materials, but whatever you decide on needs to be tough and thick enough so that it will fully support your locomotive and track and won’t bend or flex); lots of pine battening; a decent quality model locomotive and trucks; lots and lots of track; some more track — you almost certainly didn’t buy enough; a signalling system; many tools, but most essentially a jig saw to cut your baseboards.

Make sure in the hobby shop that your locomotive, trucks and track are all a compatible gauge and are capable of freighting loads. Hobby shops tend to be staffed by men who know everything and more about model railways, so ask one of them.

Your first task, having secured all the necessary equipment, is to design your railway. This will largely be dictated by the size of the area you have to set your network in and the locations your small-objects express will be most use stopping at.

TIP: think carefully before revealing to anyone important to you that you are working on a “model railway”. Not everyone realises that toy trains are the hobby of kings and the inspiration of philosophers.

Be imaginative – there’s nothing to stop your locomotive running through and behind things, and crossing large gaps, if you’re prepared to put the work in. Hobby shops will sell many accessories for model railways that you can utilise in your layout – bridges and tunnels are especially helpful.

Make sure you know what’s available before you begin. Pay attention to curves and gradients, as these will test the locomotive more than running on a straight. It’s generally not good to have your track rising as it exits from the kitchen area of the Man Lab, as the trucks will probably be fully loaded, placing extra stress on your engine.

TIP: If you do put in tunnels, make sure they’re high enough to accommodate tall loads, such as an ambitiously high stack of Pringles.

We will assume that you’re building the track to be a permanent addition to your Man Lab. Cut your lengths of baseboard in accordance with the plans that you’ve made. We can further assume, for the purposes of convenience, that your railway will be at roughly tabletop (waist) height for the entirety of its run. The baseboard it runs on will therefore be supported either by brackets of 45-degree pine battening, that support the track by being screwed into a wall or, where a wall isn’t available, by viaduct-like struts of pine battening reaching to the floor: either way, make sure that the baseboard is absolutely level all the way round and properly supported.

TIP: Make sure that any places where the path of the railway runs across the path of human beings is accessible to both – you might want to build a lifting flap that raises a section of track, allowing access.

Secure track to baseboard by either a strong adhesive or very fine pins sold for the purpose. Any way that works is acceptable really – even double-sided sticky tape will do. (The man who works in the hobby shop, who looks like Roger Whittaker and smells of tobacco and peppermints, will almost certainly have a strong opinion on the best way to secure track to baseboard, so ask him.)

At the end of all this, you should have a fully laid model railway track.

It’s also worth considering what sort of gauge will serve your network best. The most popular model railway gauge is 00, but it’s a bit small for transporting anything larger than peanuts and olives. A better bet is 0-gauge (twice as big, i.e. eight times the volume as far as a coal truck is concerned), and

G-scale. The one we used for our Man Lab was 0-gauge. G-scale is for large models of narrow-gauge trains, and is useful for railways that run outdoors, or carry larger loads. Germany’s LGB is the main maker. It’s a very versatile system and the wagons are nice and big.

Controlling your network is another topic that could fill an entire book, and does in some specialist shops. The controlling mechanisms of model railways are part of the joy of having them, as they can be endlessly fiddled with and modified by the railway’s owner. Many different systems exist, but they all do pretty much the same basic things. For our purposes, however, we simply need a control which will start the train, indicate when it’s been loaded, and then bring it to us. The man in the hobby shop will doubtless have some ideas where this is concerned, too, but in order to get the maximum from your own Man Lab railway, you might want to consider installing a modern version of what, in the glorious early days of rail, was known as a Bell Signalling system.

You will need: a “master box”, at your engine’s main depot (probably the kitchen, let’s be honest). This is basically a signal with numbers that light up on it, corresponding to stops along the track; bell-pushes that activate the lights on the master box and inform the main depot which part of the network is summoning. A bell should also sound with a loud bong when they are activated. Every stop on the line gets a bell-push.

Once you’ve decided which stations are which, and which numbers will represent them, you need to devise instructions, and print and distribute them to each stop on your network, in the form of a handy stationmaster’s card. Which should look something like this:

STATION / STOP NUMBER

Kitchen 1

Bog 2

Office 3

Workshop 4

Seating area 5

BONGS / ACTION

One bong: Send train/continue

Two bongs: Reverse train

Bong when running: Stop.

That way, the person controlling the train in the kitchen knows when to stop the train, and the person in the place the train is going to knows to bong once to get the train to stop. What’s more, they know to bong twice to get the train to reverse, now carrying their Post-it note request for a bag of peanuts, or whatever.

And there it is. You have rigged out your manspace with its own bespoke railway system. And, unlike most of the rail networks of the British Isles, it will provide enjoyment and pleasure whenever you use it.

Man Lab by James May is published by Hodder & Stoughton at £20. To order for £18 plus £1.25pp call Telegraph Books Direct on 0844 871 1515 or visit www.books.telegraph.co.uk.

Attention Toy Train & Scale Model Railroad Enthusiasts!

Reminder - coming November 3:

From the Sacramento Press: Attention Toy Train & Scale Model Railroad Enthusiasts!
To the delight of rail enthusiasts of all ages, the California State Railroad Museum will debut a new exhibit titled “Common Diversions: Toy Trains and Scale Model Railroads” on November 3, 2011. While the items on special display will all be miniature in size, the goal of the exhibit is to clearly distinguish the big differences between scale models and toy trains, both of which have unique characteristics and avid collectors.

In addition to the Railroad Museum’s popular “Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains” exhibit and in contrast to the impressive collection of 21 full-size meticulously restored locomotives and cars on display throughout the Museum, visitors will soon have a unique opportunity to learn more about the decidedly smaller end of the spectrum. As guests will learn, the difference between model trains and toy trains has to do with scale.

“Model trains are built to scale with a specific size relationship between the model and its real life prototype,” explained the late Thomas W. Sefton in a descriptive publication titled Sefton American Collections. “Toy trains, in contrast, are not made to scale. They are crafted with color and imagination rather than an attempt at perfect realism.” (Mr. Sefton collected more than 7,000 toy trains during his lifetime; many are displayed at the Museum today in the “Small Wonders” exhibit.)

Toy trains are miniature versions of their bigger counterparts that were designed as toys for children. Today, many participants in this hobby are interested in building layouts or collecting treasured playthings. One popular line of accessories, “Plasticville,” is a line of snap-together toys introduced the late 1940s and both an early village scene and a rural scene -- complete with cars, people and animals -- will be on display as part of the exhibit. Conversely, model railroad enthusiasts tend to be keenly focused on the accuracy of virtually all details of their models. Visitors will see and appreciate a selection of brass scale model locomotives and cars, showcased on mirrored pedestals that accentuate their jewel-like qualities and intricate details.

“Common Diversions: Toy Trains and Scale Model Railroads” will remain on special display in the Museum’s Lobby Gallery through September 14, 2012. For more information about “Common Diversions,” visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Wilmington, NC: All aboard the model train extravaganza

So okay, you've missed it, it was *this* weekend. Again, it's on the calendar and I'll let you know in good time next year.

From WWAYTV.com: All aboard the model train extravaganza
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- Train modelers of all ages are all aboard the Model Railroad Extravaganza this weekend at the Wilmington Railroad Museum.

Organizers geared this year's event more toward kids in an effort to keep the love for model trains alive for future generations. Little ones and teens can participate in challenges around the model tracks to earn an engineer certificate. Model experts are on site to answer any questions from beginners and advanced builders.

"It challenges you to use a lot of different skills,” model railroader and event organizer Stuart Chinnery said. “You need to be a little bit of an engineer. You need to be a little bit of an artist. You need to be a little bit of a free-thinker in how you can create in miniature something that existed in the past."

The centerpiece of the extravaganza is a four-city replica detailing old Wilmington and other railroad cities across the Carolinas.

The event runs from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Model train exhibit closes at Shore Mall in Egg Harbor Township

From the Press of Atlantic City: Model train exhibit closes at Shore Mall in Egg Harbor Township
If You Go

The South Jersey Garden Railway Society will display its exhibit at the Ocean City Music Pier on 801 Boardwalk from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — The Shore Mall’s model train exhibit has reached its final stop.

The South Jersey Garden Railway Society and Atlantic Shore Model Railroad Clubs hosted a free model train display at the Shore Mall twice a week for the past six years, but it’s final day was Saturday. The organizations said more than 116,000 people visited the display, SJGRS member Wayne Richter said.

Click here for more information on the society

“We had a really good run,” he said. “We want to thank all the people for coming out.”

The mall allowed the groups to use a 6,000-square-foot space in the back rent free for the past six years, but the mall has a new tenant for the location, which meant the trains had to be moved, he said.

“We appreciate the mall letting us be here,” he said. “We understand this happens. There are no bad guys in this.”

The Egg Harbor Township resident said the display had 34 individual exhibits all featuring trains in “a different slice of Americana,” Richter said. One display featured the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Another one featured a bridge with “hobos” underneath, he said. Others used historic houses as a backdrop or just simple generic small towns, he said.

“Everyone loves trains in one shape or form,” he said. “It’s an important part of American life. It’s a good hobby.”

SJGRS member Anita Brown said the group’s members made a lot of friends with people who frequented the exhibits. The individual club members will store their displays at their homes until the organizations find a new location, she said.

“We’ll miss everyone,” the Absecon resident said.

The children said goodbye by making birthday cards for Thomas the Tank Engine, which were placed on the wall. One of the exhibit’s most popular stations was a Thomas train that the kids could operate on their own.

“The kids were so excited that we were here,” Richter said. “That’s part of why this is so sad.”

Upper Township resident Dave Neff came to the display with his son Luke, 9, and daughter Julia, 5. The kids got one last chance to learn how to operate the trains and take in the exhibit Saturday afternoon.

“It’s pretty cool, I like it,” Luke said. “I know how they work now.”

Dave Neff said he wasn’t aware of the display before Saturday but was sad to see it go.

“It’s disappointing,” he said. “People need to show today’s youth about this important part of their history.”

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Florida: All aboard! at Trackside Trains

From Nashoba Publishing: All aboard! at Trackside Trains
HIRLEY -- Peter Carbone has always been fascinated with trains and he and wife Pam now have a shop that holds many of the trains and related goodies they sell at the train shows in which they have a booth.

Since retiring and moving to Florida, trains have become a big part of their lives. They are an even bigger part of their life now that he and Pam have moved back to this area to be near their family of four grown children and six grandchildren.

Their shop in front of Shirley's train tracks is stuffed with all types and sizes of model trains, tracks, related accessories and even the magazines that those who collect trains read from cover to cover.

While Peter holds court at the train shows each season, Pam has shifted her efforts to searching yard and estate sales and Craigslist for trains, train components and anything else related to their favorite pastime.

"I really enjoy meeting people of every age at the shows," Peter Carbone said. "People usually recognize our booth because I wrap the trim around my display boxes with a neon orange duct tape that is visual from a quarter-mile away." (It is.) "I especially remember one 5-year-old boy who stopped at my booth and whose knowledge of trains was far greater than mine. While he rattled off all kinds of facts and figures about trains and what he likes and collected his parents stood nearby listening to every word while their faces were all smiles. I didn't know what to say to that young man, all I could do was listen with sheer pleasure."

He continues, "I think that is just a small example of the passion that collectors, no matter their age, have for trains. When kids come in the shop or come to our booth, their eyes light up and that tickles me!"

Collecting model trains has been a hobby for children and adults since the 1920s when department stores incorporated working trains in their store and window displays. Train models were first made of tinplate, then brass, then various metals. Toy train manufactures include Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and Marklin.

Until the Model Railroad Association was formed in 1935, there were no set standards for track or train sizes, but once the Association was formed they created standard gauges, which are still in use today.

Collecting and selling all kinds of model trains has become a million-dollar business around the world and almost every week a show of trains and train collectiibles is taking place somewhere in the U.S.

Train aficionados are passionate and knowledgeable about what they do and what they collect. Often they spend years working on the setup and design of their train sets and the villages and scenery that surrounds it. There are clinics, classes, seminars, and magazines with step-by step instructions on how to craft, create and set-up intricate displays.

On the Antiques Road Show on PBS two memorable train sets have been highlighted and appraised. In 2008, specialist Noel Barrett appraised a Beggs Steam Train, circa 1885 for a value of between $5,000 to $7,000. In 2007, Leila Dunbar appraised a 1935 Lionel Blue Comet train set at between $8,000-$10,000.

Trackside Trains, 12 Ayer Road, Shirley, 978-503-2429, is open Wednesday through Friday from noon-6 p.m., and Saturday,10 a.m.-6 p.m. A website is coming soon. Carbone and his trains will be at the Nov. 6 show in Brockton at the Temple Beth Emunah Brotherhood at 479 Tory St., from 10- a.m. 4 p.m.

Seasons Four in Lexington has a complete Lionel "holiday" train already setup for viewing; complete with winter scene vignettes. Adults and kids line-up and watch the speedy ride, www.seasons-four.com, 781-861-1200.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Old Sacramento, CA: Attention Toy Train & Scale Model Railroad Enthusiasts!


From Sacramento Press: Attention Toy Train & Scale Model Railroad Enthusiasts!
To the delight of rail enthusiasts of all ages, the California State Railroad Museum will debut a new exhibit titled “Common Diversions: Toy Trains and Scale Model Railroads” on November 3, 2011. While the items on special display will all be miniature in size, the goal of the exhibit is to clearly distinguish the big differences between scale models and toy trains, both of which have unique characteristics and avid collectors.

In addition to the Railroad Museum’s popular “Small Wonders: The Magic of Toy Trains” exhibit and in contrast to the impressive collection of 21 full-size meticulously restored locomotives and cars on display throughout the Museum, visitors will soon have a unique opportunity to learn more about the decidedly smaller end of the spectrum. As guests will learn, the difference between model trains and toy trains has to do with scale.

“Model trains are built to scale with a specific size relationship between the model and its real life prototype,” explained the late Thomas W. Sefton in a descriptive publication titled Sefton American Collections. “Toy trains, in contrast, are not made to scale. They are crafted with color and imagination rather than an attempt at perfect realism.” (Mr. Sefton collected more than 7,000 toy trains during his lifetime; many are displayed at the Museum today in the “Small Wonders” exhibit.)

Toy trains are miniature versions of their bigger counterparts that were designed as toys for children. Today, many participants in this hobby are interested in building layouts or collecting treasured playthings. One popular line of accessories, “Plasticville,” is a line of snap-together toys introduced the late 1940s and both an early village scene and a rural scene -- complete with cars, people and animals -- will be on display as part of the exhibit. Conversely, model railroad enthusiasts tend to be keenly focused on the accuracy of virtually all details of their models. Visitors will see and appreciate a selection of brass scale model locomotives and cars, showcased on mirrored pedestals that accentuate their jewel-like qualities and intricate details.

“Common Diversions: Toy Trains and Scale Model Railroads” will remain on special display in the Museum’s Lobby Gallery through September 14, 2012. For more information about “Common Diversions,” visit www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

York, UK: Miniature train event at National Railway Museum


From The York Press: Miniature train event at National Railway Museum
22 - 30 October, 2011

http://www.nrm.org.uk/
MODEL railway fans of all ages are being welcomed to the National Railway Museum in York this half-term for a celebration of toy and miniature trains.

The nine-day event will be opened today by the NRM’s director of fun, six-year-old Sam Pointon, and promises to bring together the biggest names in the world of toy and model railways.

Zoe Roberts, public programmes developer at the museum, said: “Following Sam’s suggestion that we give children more opportunities to get ‘hands on’ with model railway sets, we decided to run a model railway weekend at the museum last year.

“This was such a success that we thought we’d make it even bigger and better this October half-term, and run it for nine whole days.”

After experiencing the vast array of model and toy locomotives around the museum in Leeman Road, Zoe said children could get hands on and make a model of their own to take home.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Model railroader also has passion for the real thing


From Truro Daily News: Model railroader also has passion for the real thing
CLIFTON – Model train lovers have been known to be enthusiastic about their hobby, but Andrew Blackburn takes his love of the rail to a whole new level.

Not only has the Clifton resident been involved with the Truro Model Railroaders Association for the past 30 years, he actually has real train cars sitting on rail sections in his backyard.

“I have a piece of it,” he said, of Canada’s rail history.

“Still stuck with the real-life train, although I still go to all the model railway shows. And this is where you still have contact with people who have that same interest, because there are still some people in the club who are very interested in trains.”

Blackburn’s love for trains and railway memorabilia began as young boy while growing up in Bible Hill.

“We could hear them and see them from our yard,” he said.

Blackburn’s father had also worked for the railway and oft times when the two were in town together,they would stop by the Truro train station or visit the maintenance shops.

Sometimes Blackburn would be invited onboard for a little ride, and throughout it all, he gathered cherished memories that would carry over into adulthood.

“I guess you just started to see what the railway was all about at that time as a child and, you know, you kind of grew to like it.”

In the 1980s, the Canadian National Railway (CNR) began modernizing its equipment and selling off outdated and surplus items.

Included among that inventory, were the railway cabooses, which became redundant after legislation was passed that eliminated the need to have cabooses attached to the rear of their freight trains.

The popularity by collectors soon became evident and cabooses, which had started out selling for $6,500, soon rose to $9,500.

Blackburn paid $8,500 for his caboose, plus another $2,500 to have it delivered to his backyard, where it sits on a short section of rail he had constructed there.

That caboose dates to the 1970s, when metal cabooses replaced the former wooden models. He also has a former passenger car, built in 1955 and, the last sleeper car constructed by CN for the Newfie Bullet run, which ceased operating in 1969.

After passenger rail activity was shut down in Newfoundland, Blackburn said the sleeper car was transformed into a business car for management to tour lines and upon which to conduct sales trips.

Blackburn has numerous other train-related items in his possession, to the point where his basement is a veritable rail museum.

“I’ve collected numerous artifacts just to remember what the railway was all about at one time and things that have gone by the wayside,” he said.

His collection includes railway china, spittoons, conductors’ jackets, coach seats, and almost everything imaginable, rail related.

He also has a few train models and although he has been a long-serving member of the Truro Model Railroaders Association, including serving in various executive capacities over the years.

“Everybody has a different outlook on model railroading,” he said. “Some people really like doing scenery and the art of railway modeling. Other people like the cars and the engines, the exact models. Other people just like operating trains on a layout and running them like a real railroad and that type of thing. Everybody has their own little difference niche of the hobby.”

For Blackburn, that passion comes with collecting the real thing.

Annual Train Show
– Truro Model Railroaders Association's 34th annual fall train show - Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

– Nova Scotia Community College, Truro campus, 36 Arthur St.

– Admission – adults $5, students $3, families $10, children under 6 free, if accompanied by a parent or supporter.

– Highlights include operating layouts in N and HO scales, as well as railroading sales and a variety of display tables.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Maryland: Club brings model train displays to downtown Sykesville to keep tradition alive

From The Advocate: Club brings model train displays to downtown Sykesville to keep tradition alive
In 1992 Bruce Greenberg, founder of Greenberg Publishing Company, decided that he wanted to create some type of model railroad museum or display. Now, 19 years later, the railway club he dreamt up is still thriving with open houses on the first Sunday of each month in the heart of downtown Sykesville.

It started when Greenberg set up a model train display and advertisement at the Fall Festival in 1992, searching for volunteers to help him realize his goal of bringing a model train display to town.

Mark Bennett, who has lived in Sykesville for 20 years, saw that ad and signed up.

"Later, in the spring of 1993, I got a phone call [from Bruce] saying to bring some work gloves," Bennett said. "He got this train car, which was in Laurel at the time. It was going to the B&O Museum in Baltimore, but he made some phone calls and he had some friends at the museum, and Bruce was able to bring this car to town."

That year Greenberg, Bennett and other founding members began renovating the 1910 Pullman car, and the Sykesville and Patapsco Railway was born as a nonprofit, volunteer and donation based organization. It raises money by accepting donations at its monthly open houses.

The group did their best to patch up holes in the floor and walls of the old parlor car that once ran along the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad tracks. They started holding open houses as soon as they had displays inside the car.

"Our first year we had maybe 100 people come through," Bennett said. "Once we got it painted and it became really bright a few years later, everybody said, ‘Where did that come from?' Well, we had been here for a few years, but we were looking pretty ugly at the time."

Now, according to Bennett, the open houses draw 2,000 to 3,000 people to the model train displays each year.

The displays are set up next to the railroad tracks at Baldwin Station inside the 1910 Pullman car, as well as a neighboring red caboose that ran along the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and in the Baltimore and Potomac Tower building owned by the town of Sykesville. They have multiple types of model trains available for viewing, from small N-scale to larger G-Scale trains.

"We try to make the layout change over time so people can come to different open houses and see changes in the layouts," President of the club Jack Rodriguez said. "We'll do upgrades and change towns and locations. We try to do something new so everybody can come and see something different."

Rodriguez, 29, said he has been interested in trains and model trains since he was a kid.

"A lot of kids my age turned to video games instead of the actual, physical building of a train and building a model," Rodriguez said. "You don't see a lot of younger members joining. You see a lot of older members coming in because they enjoy getting to build something, getting to create something."

Like Rodriguez, most of the members of the club have been interested in trains since childhood.

"I grew up with trains too, and it's just something that's really neat," Secretary John Cottrell said. "For other people that come in it's something that you don't see that much anymore."

The Pullman car and the caboose that the trains are displayed in are owned by the town of Sykesville, and as part of their rent members of the club work on and maintain the cars.

They hope that their open houses can spark interest in new generations of train enthusiasts and attract visitors to the town of Sykesville.

"I think if anybody is even a little bit interested in trains, but doesn't know where to start, if they come here they'll find that lots of our members have their own displays at home and have a wealth of knowledge," Bennett said. "It's pretty remarkable to have a group of volunteers stay together for about 18 years now ... We're proud of what we've done."

Monday, October 17, 2011

All aboard the Hawkins Express

From the Manukau Courier: All aboard the Hawkins Express
CHANGE OF TRACK: George Hawkins with the New Zealand railways model train set in his garage that will be his retirement project after 21 years in Parliament.
Relevant offersRetirement is traditionally a time for scaling back but Manurewa MP George Hawkins is taking it to extremes – down to one sixty-fourth of life size, to be precise.

The New Zealand railways model train set that fills his garage is where he plans to spend "a lot more time" after his 21 years in Parliament end on November 26.

"I'll be a one-handed train driver," he grins.

He's spent years of relishing political pile-ups but his new challenge will be "trying to stop crashes" when mates from the New Zealand Model Railway Guild pop over.

"They bring their locos out and we might have as many as six to eight running at a time and it's a bit confusing," he says.

Mr Hawkins started his railway about eight years ago in a purpose-built garage at his Papakura home.

The major stroke he suffered in 1991 means he lacks the dexterity in his right hand to "actually make things" as tricky as model trains.

"So I've done the scenery and the railway modellers guild has done all the construction and building of the units."

The original aim was a scale replica of the main trunk line from Papakura to Huntly.

"But that didn't work out because you're going in a circle."

Instead he's gone for a generic New Zealand railway line of the 1950s to early 1980s, with period cars, farm scenes and a row of New Zealand Railways cottages.

There's even a mini Hawkins for Mayor billboard from Papakura of the 1980s.

The photo panoramas, landscapes, trees and shrubs are all Mr Hawkins' own work.

"I go to the $2 stores and get flowers and paint them," he says.

There's also a stash of foliage from army land at Waiouru drying under a bench.

Mr Hawkins traces his interest in model trains to the same boyhood night he discovered Santa Claus doesn't exist.

"I got out of bed for a drink of water and found my father playing with the train set he'd bought us for Christmas."

He returned to model railways as "relaxation" while serving as a Cabinet minister in Helen Clark's second Labour-coalition government.

"If you had a busy day you could come out here and lose yourself."

Mr Hawkins has been minister for police, internal affairs, ethnic affairs and Civil Defence but he never had a hankering for the railways portfolio.

"I think if you end up minister of something that you have passion for, you don't look at the job properly."

And while he likes travelling by rail and plans to do more of it now he's got his SuperGold card, he's "not a train nut in the sense of going out and taking their numbers".

The former Auckland Star photographer also wants to spend more time with his cameras.

Photography is "a bit hard" because of the lack of control on his right-hand side caused by the stroke, he says.

It also means he can't write, just sign his name.

Most people don't realise he can't write, Mr Hawkins says.

Even Helen Clark didn't know until after he'd left Cabinet.

"I always carry a pen in my pocket. People think you can write if you carry a pen in your pocket."

At the moment he's rewiring the entire set, redoing the railways cottages and creating a hunting scene.

Ad Feedback Next task will be to "get some birds sitting in the trees".

And it's a fascination Mr Hawkins is now passing on to his young grandson.

"I've got him a Thomas the Tank Engine. I'm getting one made specially for the track."

Choo-choo

From Truro Daily News: Choo-choo

Locomotives at annual model train show impress young and old
Topics : Nova Scotia Community College , Truro Model Railroaders Association , Halifax
TRURO - The model trains may not have been life-like in size, but that was the only difference one local girl could see.

"They seem to be really realistic," said 10-year-old Zoe Morgan, who attended the Truro Model Railroaders Association's 34th annual fall train show on Saturday at the Nova Scotia Community College.

Standing on a chair next to her seven-year-old brother, Jonah, Zoe watched as trains went around a module set up by the EasterN BeNd RRs Modular Model Railroading, based out of Halifax.

"It's cool to watch them go by."

Set up in the athletic centre at the college, visitors had a chance to admire a number of different trains, and even had a chance to operate a small street trolley.

"I like the big long one," said Jonah, while still standing on the chair.

From buildings and bridges to cars, people and trees, model train lovers watched as the trains travelled along the tracks. Some visitors even took pictures.

Along the outside of the gym, tables were set up with model cars for purchase. Also, some train operators wore hats a train conductor would wear, to the delight of young and old.

For Gary Miller of Falmouth, who is 66 and associated with the EasterN BeNd RRs, his love of trains has not diminished with age.

"It started when I was a kid," said Miller. "When I was around seven or eight I got my first train set at Christmas. That's how it all starts."

Miller remembers his childhood and how one locomotive at the local train station would allow children to climb onto the train.

After getting away from the hobby for a little while, Miller got back into it, thinking his son might be interested in it.

"I had several layouts in my house," he said, adding he started with HO scale trains instead of the N the EasterN BeNd RRs promote.

"HO scale trains are one size larger than the N scale. You need a lot of room for HO scale and I thought I didn't have enough room."

Miller said he then sold all his HO scale trains and switched to N scale.

"With N scale, you can get about twice as much in, but I don't think I have enough room now," he said.

Aside from the love of trains, Miller said the hobby is also good for socializing.

"We each have our own module and when we go to things like this, we put them all together and have a train day," he said of the other members of the EasterN BeNd RRs