ETE-ENE Chapter

Bob Forte and his wife Bertie had previously built an extensive vintage Märklin M-track layout at their former home. When they decided to downsize and move to another, smaller home after their children had grown up and moved away, they determined that it was not feasible to move their model train layout. They had to completely disassemble the layout, saving, wrapping, and carefully marking all of the components. In the family room of their present home, they built a new, larger second layout, using the track, buildings, and other elements saved from their original layout. A visit to their home is a treat for young and old alike. The walls of their train room are lined with display cases to house the rolling stock not in use on the layout. They have a large collection of lovely vintage Märklin locomotives and cars from the 1950s and 1960s that are the envy of many other chapter members.

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Their new layout, of moderately large size, is in the basement family room of their new home. It is U-shaped, and features three wholly independent mainlines plus a wealth of sidings, stations, and storage yards. In one concession to modern technology, the locomotive speeds and functions are digitally controlled, but the turnouts and signals are all manually operated, and the mainline block signal systems are controlled automatically by relays. The elaborate control panel is in the very center of the U and affords the operator a good overview of all activity on the layout.

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This vintage M-track layout has many lovely old sheet metal buildings, bridges, and other structures. The wealth and richness of detail on Bob and Bertie's layout is mind-boggling. Many of the elements, such as a giant Ferris wheel, are motorized, and electric street and building lighting is everywhere. An electric tram system is another fascinating touch. The entire layout is a kaleidoscope of movement, light, and color. The layout is the joint creation of Bob and his wife. Bob is responsible for the carpentry, track, wiring, and operations while his wife has done all the scenery. The combined effort has produced a delightful result.

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The layout is also meant to be viewed in the dark and offers a spectacular display of nighttime cityscape lighting. When the room lights are dimmed, oohs and aahs can be heard from not only newcomers but the most experienced of model railroaders. Bob and his charming wife have hosted several chapter meetings in the past, and we can't wait to be asked back again for yet another visit to this wonderland of model railroading!