Eastern New England Chapter
Marlborough, MA December 2006 Gallery
|
Over the weekend of 2-3 December 2006, the
chapter attended a train
show sponsored by the Hub Division of the National Model Railroad
Association (NMRA). The venue for this show was the spacious Best
Western Royal Plaza Trade Center located in Marlborough, MA.
The two-day show proved to be a major attraction for train enthusiasts
and many of the attendees were fascinated by our somewhat atypical
module display. Between this train show and the prior show, many
refinements were made to the modules. Several of the new modules
received additional detail that kept observers spellbound, both young
and old alike. Before the show opened, however, the task of
setting up needed to begin early on Friday afternoon. The modules
were unloaded from our trailer, placed into position along side one
another, and the picture below shows Ed Sheff inserting a pair of bridge
tracks between two of the modules on the "front line". Mike Haire
(background) adjusts the catenary on his station module. (Click to enlarge)
John Avery checks the alignment between two modules, below. Royce Thomas is preparing a consist for entry onto the mainline while Peter Manz and Mike Haire check to see that the end loop is complete (background).
|
|
(Click to enlarge)
Below, Mike DePunté (with back to camera) discusses catenary options with Mike Haire and Barry Kriegsman (right) in front of Barry's European cityscape. Other members of the chapter are busy with final adjustments. |
|
(Click to enlarge)
At 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, the doors opened to the public and many chapter members were on hand to answer questions about the layout from interested attendees. The transition from older Märklin K-Track on the "front line" to the newer C-Track on the new back side can be seen on the new corner module crafted by the chapter's Module Construction Manager, Zeke Sampson. |
|
(Click to enlarge)
Mike Haire changes a tire on his BR-103 German electric locomotive while Kurt Hilse mans the operating controls. Careful attention needed to be paid to the location of all train consists on the newly expanded layout because the computer program had not yet been updated to help in this effort. (Click to enlarge) |
|
Zeke Sampson (left) and Barry review some of the materials placed on the Information Display table. Interesting Marklin and foreign rail videos were shown to passersby along with sample catalogs, equipment fliers and ETE Membership literature. The special Marklin starter set that was graciously donated to the chapter by the family of the late Edward Macedo is proudly displayed at the center of the table. Ed was a long time friend and member of the chapter prior to his passing last year. (Click to enlarge)
Some of the impressive detail added to Glenn and Sue Reed's module can be seen in the following pictures. A red (DB) class ET 87 German electric rail car is seen passing over the viaduct. Below the viaduct, you can spot campers relaxing in the playground situated alongside the stream. Fishermen, Kayakers, canoeists and swimmers are taking advantage of the cool, clear waters. Another scene depicted on their module shows a loaded hay wagon being pulled by draft horses and shelters for the swine. Finally, a farmer is tilling his crop of sunflowers. (Click to enlarge)
The pope, dressed in his finest robe (including his red Prada's) is greeting the local monk and a wayward hiker in the chapel scene below. Note the detail of the covered crucifixion display in the right corner of the picture. (Click to enlarge)
The following picture highlights the "working" windmill on Mark Mervine's new module. A Royal Bavarian State Railroad Mallet loaded with freight cars of different types makes its way slowly past the switch house. (Click to enlarge)
A bright yellow work diesel locomotive awaits its next assignment outside of the welding shop on Mike Haire's module. The complex catenary structure leading to the station module can be seen in the foreground. (Click to enlarge)
John Avery explains some of the nuances of the Märklin track system and catenary to an interested observer. His little boy was fascinated by the layout and they spent much time checking out the details. (Click to enlarge)
The Bavarian Mallet awaits clearance to depart the station module on its way to the newer section of the layout. (Click to enlarge)
A load of tank cars awaits transition to a set of special bogies on Mike DePunté's new module. Transfer stations like the one shown are prevalent in Switzerland where both standard and meter gauge track systems are used interchangeably. The standard gauge railcars ride onto the narrow gauge bogies and both slide downhill to the waiting narrow gauge consist. The process is reversed when standard gauge tracks are again utilized. Mike's model works just like the real thing and is fascinating to watch in operation. (Click to enlarge)
Much to everyone's surprise, Santa made a rare appearance during the show. The kids got a big kick out of shaking hands with the "big guy" and when Santa asked if he could drive our trains, how could anyone say no?? Remember, Christmas eve is coming soon and all "good little (and big) kids" ALWAYS ask for new trains! (Click to enlarge)
|
