Layout Status:
active
Track Type:
AF
Layout Space:
5' x 9'
Layout Style:
Figure-8
Track Manufacturer:
A.C. Gilbert, American Models
Track Height(s):
36"
Completed:
100% complete
Era:
post-WWII, modern
Railroad(s) Modeled:
NH, UP, Amtrak, SAF
Control System:
AC
Notes:
Bill's layout is based on the A.C. Gilbert #28141 display layout. His version was slightly modified to accommodate several of the accessories he dreamed of owning as a youngster. Sixty-four 64 years later, and Bill made his dream come to life! The basic layout was 4' x 8', however he expanded the footprint 5' x 9' to accommodate two lines. A tip from S-Helper Service was the recommendation to use folding tables as the foundation, which makes sliding the layout away from the wall a cinch for maintenance. The height is only 33" off the floor, mainly for the young kids to observe at eye-level and operate the accessories at various sides and ends. The continuous outside loop runs more contemporary equipment from American Models, S-Helper Service, and Lionel in passenger and freight consists. This outside loop uses American Models' sectional track.
The original #28141 utilizes mostly American Flyer track with railroad ties glued to provide some realism. A small 5' section through the Union Station Agent (from Port Lines Hobby) utilizes Corona Flex .172 Nickel Silver track, a nice product that mated easily with American Flyer track. The inside 28141 layout is fun with several sidings: a small neighborhood with kids in the street playing baseball and MTH's Middletown Action Station. At the opposite end there is the Oil Drum Loader and Sawmill sidings. Along with the Operational Water Tower, Crossing Gate and Highway Flasher all of which light up the eyes of future modelers. Bill is fond of the McGiness New Haven paint scheme as he has a vague recollection of multiple-units and FL-9s along the Long Island sound and Woodlawn Junction. Many decades later Bill and his family moved to Florida, which led to his next adventure. Along Florida's Suncoast there is a short freight line - Seminole Gulf Railway (SGLR). When his sons were younger, they enjoyed seeking out SGLR's engineer Henry as he would throw lollipops from the Geep to the waving kids. All kids (big and small) enjoyed those days. Bill enjoyed SLGR's GP-9 so much he purchased an American Models undecorated GP-9, and made his first attempt at airbrushing and detailing as best as he could. The Tropicana Plant in Bradenton, FL also allowed for real time observation of the CSX Juice Train for Jersey City, NJ, Cincinnati, OH, and Industry City, CA. All in all, Bill states that his project took some time, 2-1/2 years to be exact with time to dream and make it become reality. He hopes, like many of us, that the hobby is passed on for generations to come.