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| The Southern New England O Scalers. Photo by Rob Dennis. Used with permission. |
Exhibitor SpotlightName: Southern NE O ScalersYears at the Show: 1991-2013 Display Style: Modular Layout Type: Model Railroad Club Size: 33'x81' Past Location: Better Living Center Home Location: Gardner, MA Website: SNEMRR |
In many ways, the Southern New England O Scalers owe their existence
to the Railroad Hobby Show. According to the club's history, the Amherst
Railway Society approached one of the members of the club about
building an O scale (two rail) modular layout for the 1991 edition of
the show. A small group was put together and a basic layout was readied
for that first show in 1991.
The club’s 33'x81' modular layout
featured a double track mainline with large 80 inch radius curves. The
perimeter of the layout included some dramatic scenes like a large
curved bascule bridge spanning a canyon which reached the floor. In
addition a number of small industries and a station scene were all
available for close up inspection by the viewing public. Over the
years, the layout grew and expanded to include a yard and massive engine
terminal which were show stoppers. These features were unique in at
they were built as peninsulas on the interior of the layout which kept
them close to the operators and a bit away from viewers. The layout was
also full signaled and controlled through a Digital Command Control
(DCC) system.
At the 2009 National Train Show in Hartford, CT, the layout took home Best in Show honors along with the Chairman’s Award. In addition, the club also hosted several O Scale National Convention where the layout was prominently featured.
After the 2013 show, the club decided to retire the modular layout and focus
on building a permanent club layout at their home in Gardner, MA. The
award winning modular layout was put up for sale and is currently no
longer displayed at the show.
To learn more about the club, visit: http://www.snemrr.org/index.html
*Also, thanks to Rob Dennis and the Thursday Night Round Robin for permission to use the photo above.
