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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.