We have three layouts that will be open Thursday evening for operations. As you will see in the descriptions, the number of available operating positions is limited.  Since the operating spaces are so limited, we ask that you sign up for operations only if you intend to operate. All three layouts will be open for the Sunday layout tour for those who just want to take a look.  Click on the small photos to see them in a larger format.

Alleghany and New River Road

John Harris

Please note that all of the operating positions for this layout have been filled.  We will start a standby list in case of a cancellation.

This HO scale layout features C&O steam and diesel in the transition era.  The railroad represents operations along the New River in WV from Sewell, through Thurmond, to Hinton then ascends to White Sulphur Springs and then Alleghany VA before descending the Alleghany grade to Clifton Forge.  Coal traffic is predominant however freight and passenger service is represented.  Scenery is 90% complete and layout is nearly 100% operational.  Control is NCE DCC. The layout occupies a 14’ x 25’ area in John’s basement. The A&NR can handle 5 operators.

Grafton and Greenbrier

Lin Young

Please note that all of the operating positions for this layout have been filled.  We will start a standby list in case of a cancellation.

The G&G is a freelanced HO scale railroad set in the mountains of central WV during the early diesel era. Coal mines and coal trains abound on this fully operational railroad that runs south out of Grafton to south central WV. Passenger service is provided by Amtrak. Operations are managed by train orders and track warrants.  Car cards and waybills are used for car forwarding. The layout occupies two large rooms connected by tunnels with portions of layout double decked and even triple decked. A recent addition is expected to be operational but not fully sceniced. Scenery on remaining section of layout is 98% complete.  Control is NCE DCC.

For more on the G&G, go to www.graftonandgreenbrier.com. The captions for the photos are on the “Top Ten Photos” page on that site. The G&G can handle 10 operators.

Pennsylvania Southern

Bob Weinheimer

Please note that all of the operating positions for this layout have been filled.  We will start a standby list in case of a cancellation.

The Pennsylvania Southern is a freelance HO 1980 era line that connects Pittsburgh with the deep south.  The modeled portion is from Pittsburgh to the West Virginia state line.  Pittsburgh and its large yard occupy an 11’ by 22’ foot room with the rest of the visible layout is in an adjacent 15’ by 35’ room.  The layout features heavy industry at its northern end but shifts to more rural scenery and industry as one gets farther from Pittsburgh.  Operation features lots of industry switching, lots of unit coal trains, and lots of those Railbox and Incentive Per Diem boxcars common in 1980. All trains still have cabooses.  The railroad interchanges with the Norfolk and Western, Pittsburgh and Lake Erie, Chessie System, Conrail, and Montour.  The PS uses switch lists for car routing. The train order and dispatching system is very much like that on the G&G.  Scenery is 85% complete.  Control is Lenz DCC.  The PS can handle 10 operators.

While both layouts use FRS radios, the PS records the radio traffic then uploads it to the PS web site.  You can get a feel for our operations by clicking the “Listen” button. We hope to record the convention session so you can have a record of the event.