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Finger Lakes Railfair, Ithaca, NY – April 26-27, 2008:
Our appearance at the Finger Lakes Railfair marked the fifth anniversary of our attendance at this nice and very well managed local Ithaca, NY show organized by the Cornell Railroad Historical Society. This was also the 3rd public showing of our Bend Track modules, and the first with Mike Nataluk's new and still in-process "Y" module. This module was terrific in that it that allowed us to start taking advantage of the flexibility of Bend Track by branching off and adding a a third end loop. Other modules shown were Tom Lynch's end, Hope Kuniholm's end, Peter Verheyen's end and straight module, and Sofia Verheyen's straight. Set-up went quite smoothly considering this was the first time Mike's module was in operation. Once that was done, much enjoyment was had running different trains. What was also fun to see was how "newbies" to the scale... jumped right in with both feet in terms of constructions and consists. Ed Schulman also displayed his fine card models. On Sunday, gummi bears were loaded into "haus-zu-haus" containers for the kids. Can you spot the bears in the pictures below?
Where to next???
Click on images to enlarge
Overall view of arrangement. For a "Google Earth" type view click here.
Tom's end module connected to Mike's "Y" and showing the branching.
Young fans at Sofia's and Mike's modules
More views in motion at Peter's and Hope's modulesThank you to all who participated and stopped by.
Great Train Expo, Rochester, NY – February 2-3 2008:
The Central New York Chapter of ETE was once again represented at the Great Train Expo in Rochester, NY. This year we brought a part of our group's Bend Track modules with Hope Kuniholm, Tom Lynch, Peter Verheyen, and Sofia Verheyen (age 10) showing their efforts. This was the second public appearance for Tom's and Peter's modules, but the first for Hope's and Sofia's, those having been completed since Thanksgiving of '07. As was the case last year, this was a very busy event for us with almost non-stop action and questions from both youngsters and adults, newcomers and seasoned ferroequinologists. Our prime location, ours was the first thing seen as visitors entered the facility, helped keep us busy, but so was the European theme which seemed to fascinate many. The card models on Peter's module were also the subject of extensive discussions with fellow modelers, some of whom have also worked in card, leading to a great exchange of ideas.
Tom had the idea of creating "train information sheets" that described the engines and rolling stock in use on the modules at any given time. Excited by the idea, Peter also prepared some for his stock that can be downloaded here. The idea worked out great, and allowed us to have ready reference materials available for anyone who might ask questions about what they saw. Also very useful for those of us not familiar with a given prototype. We hope that others will prepare similar sheets for their stock to have on hand when trains are run. Other things to make modules more interesting include labels describing the scene, brief interesting details, and the creators name and city. These are great conversation starters and allow prospects to see where we're from...
Among our exhibitor neighbors, the Genesee-N-Ontario's n-scale T-Track modular layout and z-scale layout were of particular interest. While there seems to have been a decline in train fair attendence throughout the region, we never would have known it here. Rochester is very hospitable to model railroading and the level of interest high. Definitely a town we enjoy returning to.
Many thanks to Mark Klemens, our Chapter member in Rochester for handling the arrangements and helping with setup. Only complaint, no ice clean up in the parking lots and entrances to the facility. Definite hazards for all.
Some short Quicktime videos of trains in action: Deutsche Bundesbahn (DB) V80 diesel with early experimental bi-level coaches (4.12MB); DB bi-level and "silverfish" local passing on the bridge (2.41MB).
Click on images to enlarge
"Aerial" views of the modules
with Peter and Sofia Verheyen, Hope Kuniholm, and Tom Lynch (at center of left image)
Lots of fans!
The crew of Mike Heines, Gordon Davis, Peter Verheyen, Hope Kuniholm, Tom Lynch, minus Sofia and Mark, who took the pictures.
Thanks Mark!
Central New York Train Fair, Syracuse, NY – November 3-4, 2007:
Young fans viewing the trains by Peter's and Tom's modules
Endview of the layout (Heines, Davis, Grover) with Brian Hilgenberg | Crew behind the scenesWell, our 4th Central New York Train Fair went off well with our booth ending up in the same location as years past. The layout based on Bend-Track itself was a hit. The modules segments ran the mix from well detailed to bare bones, and represented the Netherlands (Mike Heines), the Mosel Valley (Gordon Davis) with an English canal scene planned for the other side, Thomas (Charlie Grover), the industrial Ruhr Valley of Germany (Peter Verheyen), and German countryside (Tom Lynch). The trains were able to run, and run they did. Stock was mostly German (DB and DR) Era III and IV, and everybody who wanted received ample run-time. Unfortunately Peter's DR BR 175 dmu overheated and melted the front journal box after only two hours of running, but spare parts were available and are already in transit here! Charlie had a small loop of Thomas and Brian ran Thomas all day, both days, on his T-Track modular layout, both of which drew in the kids. The cries of "Thomas, Thomas, ..." were at times deafening, but the kid's smiles rewarding. Peter's excellent scratchbuilt card buildings were also hit with other modelers. With the modular layout the primary focus and the space less than ideal. everything felt a bit cramped. With clearer communication of our space needs and a bit more thought given to layout we'll do better next year. The puzzle will also be back, providing yet another opportunity for interaction.
Discussions are currently underway regarding further development of the layout with several members planning for additional segments. Where the module will next be shown is also under discussion with options being the Northeast Regional NMRA convention (September) and EuroEast (August). Other options may also present themselves. We invite others in ETE to build modules to our version of Bend-Track and to come join us. Angled segments are especially welcome. The beauty and simplicity of Bend-Track are that the layout can have most any shape as long as the module ends line up. Please feel free to contact us for more information on the modules.
We are currently also considering shows for the winter/spring including the Greenbergs show in Rochester (February) and the Finger Lakes Rail Fair (April). Please look for us.
Module Test, September 29, 2007 – Link to module spec based on Bend Track
(Left Image) Peter Verheyen's VT18.16 (outside) meeting Tom Lynch's VT11.5 (inside) on Peter's bridge.
(Right Image) View down the module.The Chapter held the first test assembly of its modules on September 29. This is in advance of the official unveiling of the layout at the Central New York Train Fair held in Syracuse, NY, on November 3-4. The test revealed a few problem areas (as there always will be with things like this), and work is still in progress on 3 of the 5 modules. Nevertheless, the trains all ran well, and that for several hours with all looking forward to the show. Click here for a brief video of trains meeting on the bridge. Requires QuickTime.
A full building report of Peter's module can be found here.
Great Train Expo, Rochester, NY – March 10-11, 2007:
Thanks to Mark's initiative, the CNY Chapter was represented at the Great Train Expo in Rochester, NY. Also representing the Chapter where Hope Kuniholm, Peter Verheyen, as well as Virginia and Sofia. In addition to Mark's GWR 00-scale layout, Hope's z-scale layout, and Peter's in-process n-scale modules were shown. A selection of DVDs was also shown. Attendance at the show was very high compared to other venues of a similar size and our strategic location in the "dome" where the entry hallway opens up guaranteed us a constant stream of visitors with Hope's z-trains the first thing visitors saw. Mark's GWR tank engine was instantly "recognized" as Duck and the question on everyone's mind was "where's Thomas." In between, Mark was able to connect with several visitors familiar with the UK. The card modeling was also the subject of interest with people wondering about working properties and how to make structures. Peter also demonstrated aspects of card modeling, but quickly buried his dream of being able to make a substantial dent in the house-building project due to poor light.The event was very well organized and the venue terrific in all aspects. This is definitely a show all of us would return to. Thank you to Bernie, Gordon, Jon, and Tom for stopping by and saying hello.
Mark Klemens' GWR layout was a hit with young and old. | Virginia and Sofia "minding the store"
[Click on images to enlarge]
CNY Chapter begins n-scale modular layout construction – Fall/Winter 2006 - 2007
Link to module spec based on Bend Track
Following further discussion of the module project at December's meeting held at Gordon Davis', the Central New York (CNY) Chapter had it's first meeting of the new year at the Verheyen/Kuniholm home. The modules were at the top of the agenda, and all agreed to move forward with the construction of a modular layout to display at train shows... Conceptual planning began a year ago when the decision was to adopt N-scale owing to a lack of critical mass in any other scale (or system), and the ability to model more in a smaller amount of space. After reviewing several of the available standards, the CNY Chapter voted to adopt Bend Track with minor modifications to the spec to allow for the use of pre-fab Sievers benchwork. The complete specification can be found above. Cited advantages of Bend Track are that "round-and-round" operation is possible (2x double track mainline) and that a complete layout can be constructed with only two modules, the balloon end modules. Modules can also be any length or shape giving participants maximum flexibility in design and scenery. Initial operation will be in analog modus. While we are not planning on adding catenary to the modules at this time, any tunnels/overpasses should have the clearance necessary. The goal is to have a functional layout ready for the Central New York Train Fair in early November. Still to be figured out is the configuration, which while not needing to be symmetrical so as to close a circle, should have some curves so as not be a straight line. Process checks will be taken at regular intervals to keep us on track.
News of our module project has been leaked to ETE as a whole, and we should be aware that by adopting and adapting a module specification for N-scale we are breaking new ground within ETE. Comments on the listserv are encouraged, and helpful for building greater interest throughout ETE as well as ensuring that we are not working in a vacuum.
Peter Verheyen's under-construction module was used to show the wiring setup and demonstrate connecting the Anderson PP30 30 Amp Powerpole connectors to the wires. The connectors are available from Powerwerx, and Tom Lynch generously provided sets of connectors to all interested members and is the point person for the project in all technical matters.
Following the demonstration of attaching the connectors, Peter Verheyen gave an overview of building card models from images, including discussion of where to get images, kits, materials and tools. He then gave a demonstration of building an actual structure, his Bergbau-Grill. While the demonstration was on the H0-scale model, an N-scale model will grace his module. From discussion during the course of the demonstration, it was clear that several will explore the technique to create unique structures. A full how-to on his technique can be read here.
Another topic of discussion was our level of participation at train shows in the region. We are currently considering representing ETE at the GATS show in Rochester, NY, March 10-11 (Mark Klemens in coordinating), and will be in attendance at the Finger Lakes Railfair in Ithaca, April 28-29. Our big event will be the Syracuse Train Fair in early November where we will be showing our modular layout.
Afterwards, trains were run, videos watched, and snacks provided. In addition, a new member, Brian Hilgenberg. from the Albany area showed of his N-scale modular layout using the T-Track (Tabletop) standard that is based on Kato track.
This was one of our best meetings in terms of attendance and "content. It is our hope that we can build on this to become a more cohesive and dynamic group. While challenging due to geography, small numbers, and diverse interests, it will be essential as we embark on our group project. Other members in attendance were: Bob Bennekers, Gordon Davis, Bernie Duerr, Charles Grover, Mike Heines, Hope Kuniholm, Jon McCumber, and Ed Schulman.
Thank you to all for making the meeting such a great success. The next meeting will be in February at Tom Lynch's in Camillus. Details to follow.
Images of Peter Verheyen's module under construction can be found on his website. As images and descriptions of other modules become available, they will be added here.
Reports prior to this date have been archived offline.
