Module Monday: Chenango Branch

A freight rounds into town on the Chenango Branch.

Over the year's I've had a chance to photograph numerous modular layouts at the Railroad Hobby Show and interview the module builders.  Here is a look back at one of these module profiles which was compiled during the 2009 Railroad Hobby Show.

Module Spotlight Scale: HO Size: 28"x144" Standards: Club Years Constructed: 2005 Features: Bridge, Town, Tunnel Era: 1930s-1940s Club: Central New York Modelers Owner: Russ Gills

The Chenango Branch of the New York Central Railroad rambled through upstate New York and served milk plants and stations, gravel pits, ice, and passenger stations during its existence.  While the branch was abandoned in 1944, Russ Gills has kept the legacy of the branch alive with his 28"x12' module set with the Central New York Modelers.  Only a single mainline track is visible, with the other hidden under the back hills, to capture the feel of the branch.

The module captures many scenes from along the branchline including a depot, milk station, stores, and bridges.  On the left side of the module trains emerge into the scene through he south portal under Palmer Hill.  The mainline then makes it way over the Chittenango Creek stone arch bridge.  The line then snakes its way into town past several stores and buildings based upon those in Lebanon, NY.  The buildings are mostly scratchbuilt with the exception of the depot which is a modified Branchline kit.  The scenery on the module is dramatic with a creek running along most of the module and vertical scenery along the back of the module.  A photo backdrop helps extend the scene.  Also, lots of period vehicles and details set the time frame of the module in the 1930s and 1940s.

Russ received help on portions of the construction of the module by several club members.  This included Louis Frees and Bernard Watkins (benchwork), Bill Brown (rocks and backdrop), and Mike Fuller (vehicles).

Arriving at the station.