Final Proposal - Antelope Valley Model Railroad Club

Transcription

Final Proposal - Antelope Valley Model Railroad Club
Model Railroad Exhibits
on the new
Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
Presented to the Board of Directors,
Antelope Valley Fair & Alfalfa Festival,
50th District Agricultural Association
June 2001
A Joint Proposal Prepared by
Antelope Valley Association of Railroad Modelers
Consisting of
The AV N’ Scalers Club
The Antelope Valley Model Railroad Club
The Lancaster & Northwestern Railroad Club
Model Railroad Exhibits on the New Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
Copyright 2001, Antelope Valley Association of Railroad Modelers. All rights reserved.
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Model Railroad Exhibits on the New Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
Contents
Proposal Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair and Community Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefactors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Needed Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhibit Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fairgrounds and Model Railroads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model Railroads and Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Model Railroad Clubs of the Antelope Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Project Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Achieving our Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HO Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
G Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 1/2” Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Membership Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Appendix A — Proposal Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Appendix B — Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Proposal Summary
This section summarizes the proposal, the goals, the fair and community benefits, and the benefactors.
Proposal
The purpose of this proposal is to secure approximately one acre of fenced land and a 6000 square-foot exhibit
hall for an N scale, HO scale, G scale and 1 1/2” scale model railroad exhibits on the new Antelope Valley
fairgrounds.
The land, exhibit hall, perimeter fencing, walkways and utilities would be provided by the Antelope Valley
Fair & Alfalfa Festival, 50th District Agricultural Association.
The historic theme-based exhibits will be built, operated and maintained by the
G AV N’ Scalers (N scale club)
G Antelope Valley Model Railroad Club (HO scale)
G Lancaster & Northwestern Railroad (G scale club)
G Miniature Railroaders of the Antelope Valley (future 1 1/2” scale club)
as represented by the Antelope Valley Association of Railroad Modelers.
Upon dissolution of a club, the assets of that club, not privately owned equipment though, will become the
property of the Fair. The Fair can also instruct the remaining clubs to tear down the exhibit of the dissolved
club, if so desired.
The proposed acre of land, exhibit hall, perimeter fencing and walkways will be laid out as illustrated on
page 3.
Goals
The primary goals and objectives of this proposal are simple, yet powerful:
1. To create an historical and educational center for the enjoyment of the community.
2. To illustrate the contributions of the railroads to the growth and development of the
Antelope Valley.
3. To hold yearly open houses, other than at fair time, to showcase scale model
transportation systems.
4. To create model railroad exhibits the envy of other fairgrounds.
5. To increase railroad safety awareness through Operation Lifesaver.
Fair and Community Benefits
Since the founding of these clubs and the placement of the railroad car on the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds in
1983, the HO club has displayed and run model trains during fair time every year. We wish to continue this
long-standing affiliation with Antelope Valley Fair at it’s great new location with four model railroad
exhibits.
As one of the main and stable attractions on the east lawn, many fair attendees have repeated their visits to us
each year. Between 5,000 to 8,000 persons have viewed the club’s layout during fair time each year. It is our
estimate we could double our viewings.
We also advertise in many of the model railroad magazines, the Antelope Valley Press, local hobby shops, and
our web sites, that we are open for viewing during fair time. Advertising that we are having an open house has
brought in countless additional people from outside the Antelope Valley during the fair to view the layout and
we continue advertise every fair time.
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Model Railroad Exhibits on the New Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
Involvement with our community has seen us in the past helping with a housing development grand opening
by giving away and teaching kids of all ages, to assemble model railroad cars, and helping the local Scout
troops with their railroading merit badge requirements. The clubs have also been open for viewing during the
Good Sam “Samborees”, Rexhall RV gatherings, and Chamber of Commerce swap meets at the fairgrounds.
With the opening of the fair at its great new location we can broaden our community involvement to include:
G The historical value of railroading in the Antelope Valley, as the theme of each club
will focus on railroading of the past and present in the valley.
G Elementary through high school programs to educate young people on the values of
having a hobby such as model railroading.
G Special viewing and model building classes (not during the fair time) for youth
groups, military personal, and Senior Citizen groups from retirement/nursing homes.
G An expanded Scout merit badge program.
All of these are designed to benefit the fair and the community as a way to educate, entertain and develop
better model building skills for those that are involved.
Benefactors
The persons in the community that will benefit are:
G Schools
G Senior citizen groups
G 4H and FFA clubs
G Scouts
G Garden clubs
G Koi clubs
G Military personnel
G Those with an interest in railroading and model railroading
Needed Resources
The resources need to bring this proposal to fruition are as follows:
Land
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G
300’ x 150’ level plot
Underground utilities
Fencing to allow safe viewing
Concrete walkways for safe movement around and through the exhibits
Overhead lighting for safety and night use
Exhibit Hall
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120’ x 50’ in size
Insulated, with heating and air conditioning
Utilities
Near restrooms
Secure, with 24/7/365 access to club members and Fair Officials
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Model Railroad Exhibits on the New Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
Proposed Plot Plan, 150’ x 300’
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Background
This section discusses the relationship between fairgrounds and model railroads, model railroads and clubs,
and model railroad clubs of the Antelope Valley.
Fairgrounds and Model Railroads
Model railroading and fairgrounds go hand-in-hand. A few of the California fairgrounds that have resident
model railroads are: Los Angeles County, Alameda County, Nevada County, Napa Valley and Solano County.
The Los Angeles County fairgrounds have not one, but two model railroads! One layout under the arena
seating and one outdoor layout. The outdoor layout, the Fairplex Garden Railroad, is the oldest continuously
running large scale outdoor layout in the country, and is the best example of scale. This model railroad has
attracted and entertained thousands of visitors per year for over 50 years. This impressive layout is worth
creating right here in the Antelope Valley at the new fair location. After this layout was upgraded, it won the
excellence in education award from the state of California. (There is also an outdoor display of historic
prototype railroad equipment.)
Model railroading has been part of the Antelope Valley fairgrounds since the early 1980’s when the Antelope
Valley Model Railroad Club brought a Pullman-Standard passenger car onto the fairgrounds. In it were
developed two of the premier large HO scale layouts of the Antelope Valley. Both the N’ Scalers and the
Lancaster & Northern Railroad clubs have also displayed modular layouts on the Antelope Valley fairgrounds
during different events.
This proposal is to assure a continued relationship between the Antelope Valley Fair and model railroading by
having not just one model railroad exhibit, but four! These four are:
1. N Scale, 1/160 of real size
2. HO Scale, 1/87 of real size
3. G Scale, 1/22.5 of real size
4. 1 1/2” Scale, 1/8 of real size
Model Railroads and Clubs
Model railroading has existed almost as long as have railroads. Clubs provide benefits both to the railroad fan
and the community at large. To the modeler they provide an opportunity to enjoy their hobby. But more
importantly they provide a vehicle for the community to learn the history of the railroads and the important
role they played in the development of America and in particular the western United States.
The benefits to the community of having public model railroad exhibits are many. Since railroading in
general and model railroading in particular have such a broad base of interest it appeals on many different
levels to many different sections of the community.
By involving the schools, youth organizations, senior citizen centers, care homes and the general public, a
multitude of services are provided.
To the student and historian, it is a valuable source of information on our history from the early days to the
present. To the young modeler it provides a means to learn skills in construction as well as providing a history
lesson in a less formal and non-academic setting. To the elderly, it allows them to participate in something
worthwhile at a time in their lives when most of society has forgotten them.
The present rather modest HO club has thousands of visitors each year and with the addition of the several
proposed clubs, then interest can only increase. We hope to build exhibits that will help make the Antelope
Valley Fair the envy of local fairgrounds throughout the state.
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Model Railroad Clubs of the Antelope Valley
Model railroading clubs have existed in the Antelope Valley since the early 1970’s. Many of the charter
members of these clubs are still active in model railroading. Several members of these clubs have lived in the
Antelope Valley since the 1940’s.
The principals of this proposal, represented by the Antelope Valley Association of Railroad Modelers, are as
follows:
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The AV N’ Scalers (N scale club)
http://www.avns.av.org/
The AV N’ Scalers is an active club of modelers in one of the smallest commercially available
scales. Due to space limitations of their current facilities, the club’s current layout is modular in
nature, consisting of many sections built and owned by the individual club members, which are
transported to a venue and set up. When connected, these modules form a large and intricate
layout. The AV N’ Scalers are well known at the model railroad shows held in the Southern
California area, and have won numerous awards in the layout competitions at these shows. Being
a permanent addition to the fairgrounds will give them the opportunity to establish a permanent
layout.
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The Antelope Valley Model Railroad Club (HO scale)
http://www.avmrc.av.org/
The Antelope Valley Model Railroading Club is well established club in the Antelope Valley, and
has been in the railroad car on the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds since its inception. Over the
years, club members, young and old, have worked with dedication on two different premier HO
scale layouts for the enjoyment and education of tens of thousands of fair attendees.
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The Lancaster & Northwestern Railroad (G scale club)
The Lancaster & Northwestern Railroad club is an award winning, growing club that promotes
the hobby of large-scale model railroading. “G” gauge or Large Scale as it is often referred to, is
enjoying rapid growth throughout the country. Its large presence on 45mm rails captivates both
young and old, and it’s at its best when set out in the open among garden foliage.
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The Miniature Railroaders of the Antelope Valley (future, 1 1/2” scale club)
http://www.qnet.com/~frozina/mrav/
The Miniature Railroaders of the Antelope Valley club would be formed to promote the hobby of
miniature railroading. These large model trains, one-eight real size — large enough to ride on —
would give the community a taste of what it’s like to travel on a real train through picturesque
desert landscapes. It is hoped that donations from the Union Pacific and/or the Burlington
Northern Santa Fe railroads and/or Metrolink, would provide assistance with creating this
railroad in miniature.
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Project Design
This section discusses how we will achieve our goals, as described in the Summary section.
Achieving our Goals
The methods for achieving our goals are divided between the indoors (N and HO scales) and outdoors (G and
1 1/2” scales) exhibits.
Indoors
The interior of the exhibit hall, as illustrated below, will be broken up into five areas:
1. N scale railroad exhibit.
2. HO scale railroad exhibit.
3. Classroom and workshops. The classroom will be used to present classes on railroad
history, railroad modeling, railroad photography, etc., to the community. Senior
citizens groups, schools, and Scouts will use this area for programs tailored to their
particular needs. The workshops will be for housing materials and for model
building and repair.
4. A concession stand, under Fair control. So that the community can purchase
railroad-related and other souvenirs.
5. The fifth “area” represents provisions for community viewing aisles, meeting or
exceeding ADA requirements.
HO Work
Area
12’ x 10’
N Work
Area
12’ x 10’
1 1/2” Work
Area
12’ x 10’
Shared Classroom/
Meeting Area
25’ x 10’
HO Scale Layout
50’ x 44’
G Work Area
20’ x 50’
N Scale Layout
30’ x 30’
RR-Related
Concession
Area
8’ x 20’
Proposed Exhibit Hall Floor Plan, 120’ x 50’
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Model Railroad Exhibits on the New Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
N Scale
The N scale layout will be 900 square feet overall in size, based on an allotted floor space of 30 by 30 feet.
Initially, the N scale club will use their current N-Trak modular layout system, to allow for the immediate
availability of a completed layout for community display, while the other clubs are in the process of
constructing their layouts. The N-Trak (named for the sponsoring organization) layout design is based on a
continuous three track loop, with the two outer track representing heavy duty “main line” tracks, featuring
continuous running intercity freight and passenger trains. The inner third loop represents a “branch line” with
various industries and stopping points along the line, allowing for prototype switching operations. This
combination allows for an excellent community display, with the main lines running realistic length freight
(100+ cars) and passenger (10–25 cars) trains, and the branch line showcasing shorter local trains, picking up
and setting out cars along the line.
Eventually, the N scale club will establish a more permanent layout, similar in concept to what is being
proposed by the HO club. The layout will be based on a single track main line, with passing tracks and sidings
interspersed along the line, to allow for bidirectional main line and switching operations. Although the track
plan for this layout has not yet been established, one proposal being considered is to base the layout on the
Southern Pacific railroad in the Antelope Valley and surrounding areas (from Saugus/Newhall to Mojave)
with scenes from the railroad, as it has existed in the past. This allows for not only modeling the historic
aspects of the railroad as it has existed, but for various “what if” scenarios as well. As with the HO club, this
layout will use Digital Command Control for train movement and a Centralized Traffic Control machine to
allow for the smooth, realistic operation of the layout. Construction will be based on a modular benchwork
system, to make the layout easily removable, should that ever be necessary.
N Scale Scene
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Model Railroad Exhibits on the New Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
Proposed N Scale Layout, 30’ x 30’
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Model Railroad Exhibits on the New Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
HO Scale
The HO scale layout will be approximately 2250 square feet, based on an allotted floor space of 50 by 45 feet,
and will model a scale transportation system, including all major aspects of railroading. Such aspects include
a classification yard, an intermodal yard, a mining scene, a grain elevator scene, a branch line operation, an oil
refinery scene, a paper mill scene, a brewery or bottling scene, and an interchange between railroads. Each of
the scenes or operations will focus on the historical contribution of the railroads in the development of the
Antelope Valley and will be connected via a single track mainline with passing sidings, to add prototypical
operations aspects. One continuous loop will provide a show for community viewing times. Each scene will
be showcased diorama-style.
The layout will physically have multiple peninsulas protruding into the area to extend the mainline and make
the railroad look as though it goes somewhere. The layout will also feature steam operations as well as narrow
gauge (3 feet between the rails) steam operations to showcase vintage railroading. Both steam and diesel
servicing operations will be included to showcase locomotive modeling expertise.
Because of the diversity of interest in the current club and of future members, the scenery will be generic in
nature. It will, however, have a loop modeled in part on the one at Tehachapi, but the rest of the layout will be
free-lance. The scenery will start at an ocean or lake type setting and follow a river bank inland to the
mountains. It will also move through high desert, etc., and return to the ocean or lake via the continuous run
property of the mainline.
Control of the layout will be by NMRA Digital Command Control providing more realistic train movement.
A Centralized Traffic Control machine under computer control will be used for signaling the layout along
with control for the track switches.
The supporting benchwork for the layout will be built of wood in modular format to make the layout easily
removable, should that ever be necessary.
HO Scale Scene
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Model Railroad Exhibits on the New Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
Proposed HO Scale Layout, 50’ x 45’
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Model Railroad Exhibits on the New Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
Outdoors
Both the G scale and 1 1/2” scale model railroads exhibits will be placed outdoors to showcase their size,
although part of the G scale layout will enter the exhibit hall.
G Scale
The G scale club proposes the creation of a garden railroad depicting the history of the Antelope Valley and its
association with the railroad, aerospace, and agriculture.
Its purpose is to entertain and educate all that might view it either from watching the trains run by or by
admiring the garden scenery. It will be a major attraction for the entire fairgrounds, where people can relax
and meet. Our intention is to make it a location for school field trips, where students will be given tours of the
layout by a guide showing the various representations of Antelope Valley life then and now.
The club will use the talents of the garden and koi clubs to provide these clubs a place to showcase their
creativity.
The layout must be fenced for the protection against vandalism and will require a closed secure storage and
operations area for safekeeping of locomotives and rolling stock, as well as indoor power and track control
(i.e., the exhibit hall). While we must have these protections to keep people out in times of non-use, the layout
will be open to the community to observe the layout at all times the fairgrounds are in use.
In addition, the layout will have seasonal appeal, as spring time arrives it will help showcase the Home and
Garden Show, as these trains are the centerpiece of many gardens. Winter brings Christmas and its potential
for a “Christmas Express” train and light display on this miniature layout.
G Scale Scene
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Proposed G Scale Layout, 50’ x 100’
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1 1/2” Scale
The final part of the exhibits will be a future 1 1/2” scale railroad to go beside and behind the exhibit hall. The
size of this scale model railroad allows people to ride the equipment. The layout will be a loop folded upon
itself twice. It will include a loading platform, where passengers will embark and disembark; a yard with a car
barn for the storage of the riding cars; and an interchange track where club members can load and unload their
engines and rolling stock.
The main line will consist of over 1600 feet of track — approximately 2.5 scale miles. A train leaving the
loading platform will run in a counter-clockwise direction, passing the interchange track, going through a
horseshoe curve, by the yard, and finally returning to the loading platform. Total time to go around the layout
will be about 6 minutes at the normal running speed of 3 to 5 miles per hour. Trains could run on 10 minute
schedules.
The layout will be constructed on flat land. Mounds of earth and rock will be placed in strategic areas to give
the illusion of varied landscape. Desert terrain and vegetation will be prominently displayed. It must also be
fenced for the protection against vandalism and will require a secure “car barn” for safekeeping of rolling
stock.
The layout will be constructed much like a real railroad. Individual wood ties will hold proportionally sized
rails. Crushed rock (ballast) will be placed between the ties to tie height to model prototypical roadbed. The
track will be modular to make the layout easily removable, should that ever be necessary.
1 1/2” Scale Scene
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Proposed 1 1/2” Scale Layout, 150’ x 300’
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Membership Support
This section discusses what the Antelope Valley Association of Railroad Modelers will bring to this proposal:
administration, membership, supplies and budgets.
Administration
Each club will have its own Bylaws, but the overall governance will be through Antelope Valley Association
of Railroad Modelers. This governing body will be made up of four representatives from each club, and will
meet at least semi-annually. This governing body will be a single point of contact for the benefit of the Fair
Board and Fair administrative staff.
Membership
The combined membership of the N, HO and G Scale clubs is currently 50 members.
Supplies
Each club will furnish the materials and labor necessary to construct their respective layouts.
Income
All monies collected and donated are used to construct and maintain the layouts. The income to the clubs are
from the following sources:
G Membership dues
G Donations (fair)
G Donations (general)
Most of our incomes are from donations, as we do not charge the community for admission.
Expenses
The expenses of the clubs are from the following:
G Insurance premiums
G Layout construction materials
G Model railroad equipment
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Appendix A — Proposal Committee
The following persons were involved in creating this proposal.
Fair Board Liaison (primary contact)
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Norm Schultz, [email protected], 661/273-5281
N Scale
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John Shanks, [email protected]
Howdy Veihdeffer, [email protected]
HO Scale
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G
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Joe Beasley, [email protected]
Tom Crawford, [email protected]
Donald Frozina, [email protected]
G Scale
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G
G
Fred Conrad, [email protected]
Clarence Fisher, [email protected]
Jim Gothie
1 1/2” Scale
G
G
Donald Frozina, [email protected]
Alan Way, [email protected]
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Appendix B — Glossary
This appendix defines some of the common model railroading terms used in this proposal.
Backdrop
Painted or photographic back ground for a layout.
Ballast
Crushed rock placed between the ties on real railroads to keep the ties from moving. Also drains
water off.
Benchwork
Frame that makes up the foundation of a train layout.
Block
Electrically isolated section of track, used for multi train operation, signaling systems, or to
avoid short circuits.
Branch
A short section of track that diverges from the mainline to serve a town or industry.
Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) machine
A panel which is primarily used for operating track switches, signals, and related track
accessories. CTC panels typically include display devices for indicating track switch positions,
track occupancy, and layout status.
Digital Command Control (DCC)
Sends signals through the rails, decoded by locomotives. On the same tracks, but running
independent of one another.
Diorama
A miniature three-dimensional scene, depicting a realistic setting.
Free-lance
Make up your own design.
Gauge
Distance between the rails. Prototype standard gauge in America is 4’ 8 1/2” between the rails.
Grade
Angle or rise or fall of tracks as they follow the land.
Intermodal
Shipments combining more than one method of transportation, such as carrying tractor-trailers
on the rails, and then switching them to ships, and then back to the trucks.
Layout
The plan or design of a model railroad, but can be used to mean the physical model railroad.
Main line
Portion where travel is heaviest.
Module
A section built to dimensions and standards, to be included with other modules in a large layout.
N-Trak is one.
NMRA
National Model Railroad Association, http://www.nmra.org/
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Narrow gauge
Rails spaced closer (3’ or 2’ 6” between the rails) than standard gauge (4’ 8 1/2” between the
rails); often used in mines and logging areas.
Operation
Running model trains to simulate the prototype.
Prototype
The actual, real life, full-sized object that is modeled.
Roadbed
Foundations of tracks.
Rolling stock
The cars on a train.
Scale
Proportion to the prototype a model is built.
Switch, track
A track that allows trains to swap routes.
Turnout
Modeler’s term for a track switch, so as not to confuse it with an electrical switch.
Yard
A group of tracks where trains are sorted out, staged, and then recombined.
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