O Gauge Layouts

The GSME currently operates two O scale layouts utilizing three-rail trackage. The older and smaller of the two was built under the guidance of Mr. Max Stell in the early 1980’s. This layout was featured in O-scale magazine along with several other modeling articles written by Max. It provides two-train operation along with a fully lighted village.

The newest O scale pike started as a club project in 1997. The layout features a 400 scale foot arch bridge constructed by club member Jim Richley. The bridge spans one of the main scenery features of the layout: a valley where scenery extends to floor level. Also included on the layout are a harbor, engine facility, and town. Addition of details continues on the layout with over 80% of the work completed.

The layout is controlled from a full-size operator’s tower patterned after an actual railroad structure. Many of the backdrops seen on the club layouts were hand painted by Mr. Marion Rowinski.

HO Layout

The HO layout shown in these photos also traces its origins to the early 1980’s. Mr. Jack Folger was the chief designer with many of the structures being built by George Klos. Hand laid track was used extensively on the layout.

As the HO layout passed its 20 th birthday, age was beginning to take its toll. Increasing maintenance requirements and the desire of the membership to construct a layout which would utilize the full capabilities of DCC technology led to decommissioning of the layout in 2005. At the present time, a new HO layout is under construction that will feature, multiple train DCC operation, signaling, and state-of-the-art scenery.