Shop Departments:
Trains - Central Valley N Scale
What is the theory behind the club?
To build and operate the N Scale Layout at Time Machine Hobby. Many of the members are also active in N Track.
Who are the club leaders?
None.
Is an application needed?
No.
Does the club put on any shows for the public?
Every 1st and 3rd Sunday here at Time Machine Hobby.
When does the club meet?
Thursday nights 6:30pm - 8:00pm.
What are the club dues?
None.
Additional Comments...
Instead of dues, we ask that you contribute to the layout. i.e. wiring, landscaping, track laying, etc.
History
In 1982, a small but highly enthusiastic group on N-scale buffs in Manchester, CT banded together to further their modeling aims and talents in the field of N-scale model Railroading.
Their initial aim was to build N-Track modules for club use and especially as a display at various train shows in the region. They were encouraged in their efforts by Bob Bell, Proprietor of New England Hobby Supply, the train exchange in Manchester who offered them both encouragement and space.
Rethinking their original ideas, they discarded the modules plan and decided that their layout would be a static type. A space approx. 7' x 38" was provided by Mr. Bob Bell at New England Hobby Supply.
The efforts of several years of layout construction, track laying, scenic, and other aspects of model railroading culminated in a depiction of a New England scene in N-scale. Operation consisted of two main lines, a branch line, a switching and marshalling yard, plus engine (both steam and diesel), servicing facilities which served as a large city, a small village and track side industries. All were highly planned and successfully executed. Much larger vistas were opened up. However, when Mr. Bell tendered the use of an additional 3'x115' space, the railroad ceased to be a small New England short line and suddenly found itself to be a huge class 1 trans-continental railway system.
The name of the railroad then became the Central Railway System (a subsidiary of Central Valley N-scale MMR club).
The Idea
The present idea of the display is a free-lanced railroad spanning the nation from the rock bound coasts of Maine to the sunny shores of California. Though no particular towns are modeled, the layout does provide a general idea of the geography of the states coast to coast. All the towns, cities, and track side industries along the right-of-way are named after past and present club members, such as the Arizona "Chaprnan's Westward Ho House."
Some Statistics
The scale of the Central Railway system is "N" (1/160). The main line length, double track, is approx. 155 feet. There are some sections of three track main line. The total estimated amount of track is in the neighborhood of 600 feet. The minimum radius is 18" and the ruling grade is approx. 2.5%.
The front room portion of the CRS are modules built to N-Track standards. Bench work on the rest of the layout is "L" girder type built in 8' sections. Track and switches are of the prefabricated type, mainly Atlas flex track with Peco and/or Shinora switches. The Switches are manual with the main line switches being mainly the remote control type. The electrical power for the layout is supplied by custom built walk-around controls in the back room and three Tech 2 power packs in the front room.
Operation of the railroad is planned to be as close to real railroad operation as possible (Schedules, saybills, train orders, etc.), all being part of the running fun. "Train Crews" will walk with their trains around the layout observing the train orders of the dispatcher located in the front of the room.
Our club is a member of the National Model Railroad Association.
Thank you for visiting our display! The layout is operated by the club members for the public on the first and third Sunday of each month between 1:00pm and 4:00pm. Club meetings are held every Thursday evening.