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I've set this site up specifically to document the ongoing construction of a model railroad. When I look back at our past I wonder if my wife and I career paths wasn't just moving. Suffice to say we've been around. This does NOT bode well for model railroading. I purchased my first Model Railroader Magazine when I was six years old in 1947. I've been a model railroader since. Much of the time the equipment was only packed in boxes on shelves, but we recently moved into a house we hope to call our own for the rest of our time. This means time to BUILD.
When you try to model railroad and move you develop a way of looking at layouts that is 'bent' to say the least. I was very fortunate to run into a group of guys in Phoenix in the early 1980's that were starting a modular HO model railroad club. I was one of the charter members and embraced what the modular concept offered to a 'mover.'
Now I NEVER, EVER build a railroad without the thought that it be built so it can be moved. Towards this end during this period in the '80's in Phoenix and later in Tucson, I was trying to build modules using light framing and white beaded Styrofoam for the tops. I didn't have the best of luck, but saw enough to be interested in the concept. After that period, we moved back to the Midwest and a couple of 'club modules' were built to fit a club layout there. We were responsible for developing the module specifications and as a result I was never able to 'experiment' with the Styrofoam modules at that time. Later it was not possible to do any model railroading, so all thoughts of the modules were put on hold.
Recently it became apparent the opportunity for railroading was going to present itself and I began to research the subject again. The touchstone article I always start a project by reading is Bookshelf Railroads by Robert J. Lutz in the January 1977 Model Railroader. I feel this is one of the most creative concepts ever presented on how and where to develop space for a model railroad. Having collected a large collection of the shelf tracks and brackets over the years, now we are going to try our own version of this concept, but with foam decks and light framing.
e-mail When your e-mail editor starts - please remove the first character (underbar.) It makes it a little unhandy for you - but it's the ONLY way I know to slow down those e-mail robots currently sending so much automated junk e-mail currently.
Copyright © 2002 Jim
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Jim Quarles
Springfield, MO
Revised: May 22, 2003