@Mallard4468 posted:

Missed me.  Lemme in!  Lemme in the club!

@PRR Mark posted:

Still didn’t accept my application ?  I tried to join a while back in the thread...🚂

Charter Members
1. RSJB18
2. Conductor Earl
3. bptBill
4. CA John
5. Walt Rapp
6. M. Mitchell Marmel
7. OKHIKER
8. Coca Cola Guy
9. Nucci
10. Rich Wiemann
11. CSXJOE
12. graz
13. Melvin P
14. Mrhobby052
15. Khayden93
16. palallin
17. John E K
18. Miggy
19. pdxtrains
20. SouthernFan56
21. randr
22. Will
23. Dave Warburton
24. GG1Guyy
25. Diverging Clear
26. Penn Flyer
27. Coach Joe
29. JohnnieWalker
30. Robert S. Butler
31.Mark Boyce
32. Jon Stachowicz
33. Madockawando
34. ScoutingDad
35. Darrell
36. PRRMP54
37. Mallard4468
38. PRR Mark

Jerry,

I think you should make Thor Sheil an honorary member. He was the king of the 48 and smaller, especially the 35.

Although Thor is no longer with us, someone has rescued his extensive website and posted it here: 

@Will posted:

Jerry,

I think you should make Thor Sheil an honorary member. He was the king of the 48 and smaller, especially the 35.

Although Thor is no longer with us, someone has rescued his extensive website and posted it here:

http://thortrains.us/

I was just visiting it looking for plans for mini 027 layouts.

He already is, from about the second day at the recommendation of JD2035RR.

@JD2035RR posted:

Jerry, great idea for the club and nice use of a 4x8 in the plan you shared.  May I suggest another honorary member, Thor Sheil of the Thortrains website which has recently been reborn by forum member @Dennis-LaRock as  http://www.thortrains.us/  His website is an inspiration to those operating in a small space and his hints, tips, and tricks are a great resource.

Honorary Members
1. Harry Miller ... My grandfather
2. Jerry Makowiecki ... My dad
3. Thor Sheil
4. Alan Arnold
5. Allen Miller
6. Rich Melvin
7. Ed Boyle
8. Jim Barrett
9. Putnam Division

I'm also on the hunt for an MTH Greyhound bus station to make into a 48 Club nightclub, I think it has real potential given its architecture...

Maybe replace the sign with an illuminated one like this using Miller Engineering Experimenters Kit as a starting point...

Jerry

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

He already is, from about the second day at the recommendation of JD2035RR.

Honorary Members
1. Harry Miller ... My grandfather
2. Jerry Makowiecki ... My dad
3. Thor Sheil
4. Alan Arnold
5. Allen Miller
6. Rich Melvin
7. Ed Boyle
8. Jim Barrett
9. Putnam Division

I'm also on the hunt for an MTH Greyhound bus station to make into a 48 Club nightclub, I think it has real potential given its architecture...

Jerry

Now that would be a pretty swanky nite club .  Have an illuminated marquee with interchangeable jazz legends on it .

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

He already is, from about the second day at the recommendation of JD2035RR.

Honorary Members
1. Harry Miller ... My grandfather
2. Jerry Makowiecki ... My dad
3. Thor Sheil
4. Alan Arnold
5. Allen Miller
6. Rich Melvin
7. Ed Boyle
8. Jim Barrett
9. Putnam Division

I'm also on the hunt for an MTH Greyhound bus station to make into a 48 Club nightclub, I think it has real potential given its architecture...

Maybe replace the sign with an illuminated one like this using Miller Engineering Experimenters Kit as a starting point...

Jerry

Jerry- I reached out to Miller about a custom sign but they do not do custom work. He recommended the builders kit as an option to use. Looks like a simple process using the light module, with the yellow film and a print of the logo on clear film.

https://www.microstru.com/Experimenter-Kits.html

Bob

@baltimoretrainworks. Oops, my old man short term memory loss kicking in again.

This entire thread has turned into a whole lot of fun. I can see where someone could spend a lot of time coming up with more ideas. How about an entire layout based on the 48 Club with a focus on getting in into one of the RRding publications as a feature?  OGR?   

I had the MTH Greyhound Station and ended up selling it - that thing takes up a whole lot of real estate. Would it even fit on a 4X8?

I agree with Jeff that this topic has turned out to be a lot of fun.  I'm checking updates on this topic right after I check on any updates on my Blackwater Canyon Line layout build topic.

@ScoutingDad posted:

I had the MTH Greyhound Station and ended up selling it - that thing takes up a whole lot of real estate. Would it even fit on a 4X8?

I found the dimension on Trainz, 16x18x9 (is that correct including the bus dock which wouldn't be used? How about just the main building minus the base?) That would be way too big !  I saw on the MTH site there apparently was an unpainted version with a clear illuminated sign, was that ever made or was that just an early mock up ?

Looks like I may have to pull out my scratch building skills and scale it back to Plasticville dimensionality, just what I need another project.

On the "another project front" I did come up with a club certificate I might make up to go with each  charter membership card.

I have several packs of parchment type printer paper leftover from another project that I could use and then send with each card after we work out the details of how and when. I'm still tweaking its design so the final version may look a bit different, the title would stay the same, charter member and members name would be the same font but a bold style and the wording may become a more plain block style of font.

Jerry

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

I found the dimension on Trainz, 16x18x9 (is that correct including the bus dock which wouldn't be used? How about just the main building minus the base?) That would be way too big !  I saw on the MTH site there apparently was an unpainted version with a clear illuminated sign, was that ever made or was that just an early mock up ?

Jerry

Jerry- it may be too late to scour the MTH Auctions that Cabin Fever are running but you never know.

Someone should start a 59 Club for ping pong 5ft X 9ft train tables.  That was the size of my kid layout built by my Dad in 1952 or so.  I never had or built a 4ft X 8ft table.

Charlie

How about doing what Clark Dunham does with a lot of his buildings and truncate it by a few inches ?  

Used MTH stations are around $100 add shipping and tax pushing its $150.  Why not use the OGR Palace theater and kit-bash it a bit?

Jerry - love where the certificate is going. Pretty straight forward to be reimbursed thru paypal via email ahead of time.

Sounds like Choo Choo Charlie is starting a competing 59Club! He will need to start another topic though.

Jerry, the certificate looks real snazzy! 

@Jon Stachowicz posted:

Hello,

Just checking to see if I can sign up to be a member.  My layout is slightly smaller than a 4x8 and can run 2 trains, has 2 reverse loops and 2 connecting levels.

Also it has 10 separate operating blocks using 2 MTH Z-1000 transformers and 3 Atlas selectors.  4 blocks are on the lower mainline.  1 block is on the lower reverse loop, each of the 3 siding tracks are 3 individual blocks and 2 blocks are on the upper reverse loop.

While the trains are running, there's quite a bit of work left to do before it's "finished".

Your consideration is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Any chance you have a picture of the layout? It sounds like you got a lot of action packed into it that I'd like to see. I understand its a work in progress still (I've been there) so no judgement.

In regards to the latest version of the membership card, it looks great! Also really digging the coffee mug.

Boy has this thing taken off.  I'm having a  blast just following everyone's  responses.  So much fun! Great medicine in these times. Thank your Jerry and everyone who is contributing ideas.

Earl

@Will posted:

For a second I thought it was deja vu all over again but the Stork Club is exactly the kind of place I imagine The 48 Club would have been.

Jerry

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

For a second I thought it was deja vu all over again but the Stork Club is exactly the kind of place I imagine The 48 Club would have been.

Jerry

Jerry, your deco logo is an inspiration. I had to go back in my time machine to find the right venue. I'm glad you noticed it was the Stork Club. But every time I make that 8, I have to add the little piece at the top of the bottom circle. Did you find a font with that in? I am using Park Lane, which seems to match yours, except for the 8.

@Will posted:

Jerry, your deco logo is an inspiration. I had to go back in my time machine to find the right venue. I'm glad you noticed it was the Stork Club. But every time I make that 8, I have to add the little piece at the top of the bottom circle. Did you find a font with that in? I am using Park Lane, which seems to match yours, except for the 8.

I'm using Artdeco MN, I have Park Lane but it doesn't look as good and doesn't play well with my graphics packages for some reason. Neither does the Artdeco MN but I have work arounds for the issues that pop up with that one.

And you all knew this was coming....

Jerry

Hello all! I'm Cody and I'm currently building a 4x8 Super O layout. I would love to be a part of the group!

@Berkshirelover726 posted:

Hello all! I'm Cody and I'm currently building a 4x8 Super O layout. I would love to be a part of the group!

Charter Members

1. RSJB18
2. Conductor Earl
3. bptBill
4. CA John
5. Walt Rapp
6. M. Mitchell Marmel
7. OKHIKER
8. Coca Cola Guy
9. Nucci
10. Rich Wiemann
11. CSXJOE
12. graz
13. Melvin P
14. Mrhobby052
15. Khayden93
16. palallin
17. John E K
18. Miggy
19. pdxtrains
20. SouthernFan56
21. randr
22. Will
23. Dave Warburton
24. GG1Guyy
25. Diverging Clear
26. Penn Flyer
27. Coach Joe
29. JohnnieWalker
30. Robert S. Butler
31.Mark Boyce
32. Jon Stachowicz
33. Madockawando
34. ScoutingDad
35. Darrell
36. PRRMP54
37. Mallard4468
38. PRR Mark
39. Berkshirelover726

Welcome aboard!

Jerry

Welcome to the best party on the Forum Cody!

😁

Hi Penn Valley,

Appreciate your interest in my layout.

It's a bit challenging to get a pic of the whole layout as it's packed in our utility room.

Here's a shot from the other side of the table.

Luckily I was near the "kill switch" just as the "derailment" occurred.

The next pic is a scratch built stone arch bridge over a creek.

The final pic is a V&O car at the siding.

@baltimoretrainworks, I would be interested in joining as the first Youth Member.

@NIKHIL posted:

@baltimoretrainworks, I would be interested in joining .

If you have a 4x8 or any permutation of 32 sq. feet you're in !

      Charter Members
1. RSJB18
2. Conductor Earl
3. bptBill
4. CA John
5. Walt Rapp
6. M. Mitchell Marmel
7. OKHIKER
8. Coca Cola Guy
9. Nucci
10. Rich Wiemann
11. CSXJOE
12. graz
13. Melvin P
14. Mrhobby052
15. Khayden93
16. palallin
17. John E K
18. Miggy
19. pdxtrains
20. SouthernFan56
21. randr
22. Will
23. Dave Warburton
24. GG1Guyy
25. Diverging Clear
26. Penn Flyer
27. Coach Joe
29. JohnnieWalker
30. Robert S. Butler
31.Mark Boyce
32. Jon Stachowicz
33. Madockawando
34. ScoutingDad
35. Darrell
36. PRRMP54
37. Mallard4468
38. PRR Mark
39. Berkshirelover726
40. NIKHIL

Interesting thought just occurred to me, a 3" x 128 FOOT (1.16 scale miles) bump and go trolley layout meets our criteria and if we went to either N or Z scale we'd be doing scale MILES lengths on a single straight track! (48 1" x96" lengths of plywood totaling 4608" or 384' ) ! I ought to build something like that and see if I can get it in the Black Hall at York!  An O27 dog bone could theoretically be stretched to similarly absurd dimensions. I wonder if there's a Guinness record for largest/longest layout built out of a single sheet of plywood?

I did have an idea for York with the club but it would be a logistical nightmare even if we could manage to figure out a way to do it but if we could it would certainly be a show stopper! The iconic Lionel 1949 Showroom layout was 16'x32', that's 16 - 4x8 sections (see where I'm going with this?) There are other modular groups out there but nothing like this but it would be horrendously complicated to do, the various members who would want to be involved would have to be close to York, have space to build or house their section, how to transport 4x8 sections and God knows what else I'm not thinking of. But that's one of the hallmarks of those of us in the 48 Club, we build small but dream big!

Jerry

Hi Jerry,

I love it!

The 48 Club, we build small but dream big!

John

@baltimoretrainworks Can I get in on this? I design signal systems for a living so a simple layout to run at the end of the day is perfect for me. The layout is 45”x62”.
Here is my basement layout, still big enough to operate a Legacy Berk.


-Ryan

Looks great, Ryan!

@baltimoretrainworks posted:

If you have a 4x8 or any permutation of 32 sq. feet you're in !

      Charter Members
1. RSJB18
2. Conductor Earl
3. bptBill
4. CA John
5. Walt Rapp
6. M. Mitchell Marmel
7. OKHIKER
8. Coca Cola Guy
9. Nucci
10. Rich Wiemann
11. CSXJOE
12. graz
13. Melvin P
14. Mrhobby052
15. Khayden93
16. palallin
17. John E K
18. Miggy
19. pdxtrains
20. SouthernFan56
21. randr
22. Will
23. Dave Warburton
24. GG1Guyy
25. Diverging Clear
26. Penn Flyer
27. Coach Joe
29. JohnnieWalker
30. Robert S. Butler
31.Mark Boyce
32. Jon Stachowicz
33. Madockawando
34. ScoutingDad
35. Darrell
36. PRRMP54
37. Mallard4468
38. PRR Mark
39. Berkshirelover762
40. NIKHIL

Interesting thought just occurred to me, a 3" x 128 FOOT (1.16 scale miles) bump and go trolley layout meets our criteria and if we went to either N or Z scale we'd be doing scale MILES lengths on a single straight track! (48 1" x96" lengths of plywood totaling 4608" or 384' ) ! I ought to build something like that and see if I can get it in the Black Hall at York!  An O27 dog bone could theoretically be stretched to similarly absurd dimensions. I wonder if there's a Guinness record for largest/longest layout built out of a single sheet of plywood?

I did have an idea for York with the club but it would be a logistical nightmare even if we could manage to figure out a way to do it but if we could it would certainly be a show stopper! The iconic Lionel 1949 Showroom layout was 16'x32', that's 16 - 4x8 sections (see where I'm going with this?) There are other modular groups out there but nothing like this but it would be horrendously complicated to do, the various members who would want to be involved would have to be close to York, have space to build or house their section, how to transport 4x8 sections and God knows what else I'm not thinking of. But that's one of the hallmarks of those of us in the 48 Club, we build small but dream big!

Jerry

Thanks for admitting me, @baltimoretrainworks! I have a layout that's currently 8x10 (it's temporary - I'm still building it)

@Ryan Mc posted:

@baltimoretrainworks Can I get in on this? I design signal systems for a living so a simple layout to run at the end of the day is perfect for me. The layout is 45”x62”.

-Ryan

The more the merrier, we are rapidly closing in on our 48 Charter Members.

Charter Members
1. RSJB18
2. Conductor Earl
3. bptBill
4. CA John
5. Walt Rapp
6. M. Mitchell Marmel
7. OKHIKER
8. Coca Cola Guy
9. Nucci
10. Rich Wiemann
11. CSXJOE
12. graz
13. Melvin P
14. Mrhobby052
15. Khayden93
16. palallin
17. John E K
18. Miggy
19. pdxtrains
20. SouthernFan56
21. randr
22. Will
23. Dave Warburton
24. GG1Guyy
25. Diverging Clear
26. Penn Flyer
27. Coach Joe
29. JohnnieWalker
30. Robert S. Butler
31.Mark Boyce
32. Jon Stachowicz
33. Madockawando
34. ScoutingDad
35. Darrell
36. PRRMP54
37. Mallard4468
38. PRR Mark
39. Berkshirelover726
40. NIKHIL
41. Ryan Mc

And to put into perspective about my musings of the 1949 Lionel layout here's the track plan broken into 16 sections:

Each green section is 4x8, building something like this in house in 16 sections would be hard to do, try to have 16 separate work sites each trying to keep aligned and coordinated with each other, we're talking Jack Daniels territory here! But it is fun to dream about something like this and I like to try and use things from layouts like this on ones I build, my last big layout had a "subway section" that I loosely based on the 1949s layout, loose being the operative word here but it did originally have a GG1 running on it.

Unfortunately this layout was dismantled about 4 years ago and I haven't gotten around to a rebuild so I set things up at Christmas on a 4x8 under the tree. Would love to build something 4x8 permanent to along with the rebuild but space becomes a problem, either the bar, air hockey table or small theater area in the proposed basement re-model would have to go (the new layout would go in its own 12x16 room cordoned off from the destructive cats (kittens at the time) who accelerated the demise of the first one shown below.

I might be able to work a 36" hollow core door layout into it but I haven't looked into that yet.

Jerry

Please add me to the 48 Club group. Had my first 4x8 permanent layout in 1960, had a huge layout when my kids were young decades ago, and now I'm back to 4x8.

Just to clarify a point here, while we are all about trains here the 48 Club was started as a brotherhood for those of us who only have space or time or money for a small layout namely a 4x8 sheet of plywood be it permanent, temporary or seasonal. While we all enjoy our trains, in the future before being admitted anyone else will need to let us know the size of their layout. I'm not going to be a hard nose about it at this point but going forward I think we all need to adhere to the 3 main rules:

The requirements for inclusion are very simple...

A. The layout can be no larger than a 4x8 sheet of plywood or what can configured from a single sheet (32 square feet in area)

     1. Hollow core door slab layouts are definitely allowed

     2. Multiple levels are allowed as long as the "footprint" of the layout does not exceed the 32 square foot rule

B. It can be temporary, permanent or even seasonal since many 4x8s are set up during the Christmas season

C. In keeping with its seasonal origins the main focus will be S and O gauge, however if yours is one of the other gauges you are still welcome to join.

Like I said I'm not going to be hard nosed about things, this is supposed to be fun and I didn't know if I should even say anything but I didn't want others to feel slighted about not being " allowed in " but something slipped by me and I felt I needed to address it and clarify things. To all those currently on the Charter list rest assured you're not going anywhere but until the magic number of 48 is reached I'm going to be a stickler about the 32 sq' rule. This is the only down side to doing something like this, its supposed to be fun but I wasn't sure if I should say anything and I almost didn't. I'm not going to go into details about what it was and if anyone else caught it please let it slide.

Jerry

UPDATED....

      Charter Members

1. RSJB18
2. Conductor Earl
3. bptBill
4. CA John
5. Walt Rapp
6. M. Mitchell Marmel
7. OKHIKER
8. Coca Cola Guy
9. Nucci
10. Rich Wiemann
11. CSXJOE
12. graz
13. Melvin P
14. Mrhobby052
15. Khayden93
16. palallin
17. John E K
18. Miggy
19. pdxtrains
20. SouthernFan56
21. randr
22. Will
23. Dave Warburton
24. GG1Guyy
25. Diverging Clear
26. Penn Flyer
27. Coach Joe
29. JohnnieWalker
30. Robert S. Butler
31.Mark Boyce
32. Jon Stachowicz
33. Madockawando
34. ScoutingDad
35. Darrell
36. PRRMP54
37. Mallard4468
38. PRR Mark
39. Berkshirelover726
40. NIKHIL
41. Ryan Mc
42. Plankowner110

And if any of the Charter Members wants one to use in their signature...

  And a big shout out to CA John for our official motto!

" We build small but dream big ! "

Jerry

@Plankowner110 posted:

Lemme guess, B&O fan?

Jerry

Hi, my name is Rich and I'd like to join the 48 Club. My allowed annual Christmas layout is a Polar Express Lionel Flyer S set around the left side of the tree.

(the RR president reserves the right side real-estate for grand kids gifts.)

Just a loop with a few Hawthorn Village and other buildings.  plot to add a straight track section  ( or 2 )and one new building next Christmas!

Maybe a figure eight IF I can move furniture for a bigger gift space.

Rest of the year I run carpet central O on the wood floors every now and then for a few days ( till the noise drives us and the dog crazy).

I must confess I got a Hornby OO Flying Scotsman set  this past Christmas ( a downsizing hint?)

It will get run eventually on its own board less than 4x8 but stored under a bed in the spare bedroom.

( I know, I know..multiple scales...I 'm addicted )

As you posted Jerry..."we build small but dream big"...

Best Regards

Hello all, I'm getting an early start on the weekend this week and posting things today instead of later Saturday or Sunday like I have been.

First up is the updated membership roll and a hearty "Welcome Aboard" to all the new members!

Charter Members
1. RSJB18
2. Conductor Earl
3. bptBill
4. CA John
5. Walt Rapp
6. M. Mitchell Marmel
7. OKHIKER
8. Coca Cola Guy
9. Nucci
10. Rich Wiemann
11. CSXJOE
12. graz
13. Melvin P
14. Mrhobby052
15. Khayden93
16. palallin
17. John E K
18. Miggy
19. pdxtrains
20. SouthernFan56
21. randr
22. Will
23. Dave Warburton
24. GG1Guyy
25. Diverging Clear
26. Penn Flyer
27. Coach Joe
29. JohnnieWalker
30. Robert S. Butler
31.Mark Boyce
32. Jon Stachowicz
33. Madockawando
34. ScoutingDad
35. Darrell
36. PRRMP54
37. Mallard4468
38. PRR Mark
39. Berkshirelover726
40. NIKHIL
41. Ryan Mc
42. Plankowner110
43. justakid

Five more and we will have filled our charter membership, at that point I'll change the title of this thread to The 48 Club to make us official!

Next up is this weeks layout plan, going back to my roots with this one, it's an O gauge design that I actually built back in the early 80s for Christmas (if I can find my old photo album I'll post a few pics of it).

The track:

15 - O31 curves

17 - 10" straights

2 - 5 1/2" straights

2 - RCS tracks

1 - 45 degree crossing

2 - 1.75" straights

2 - 2" straights or 1 - 4" cut straight

1 - 8.4" cut straight

1 - 2.8" cut straight

1 - 3.8" cut straight

And finally here's a different observation car for the mythical 48 Club passenger consist, a SkyTop Observation car ...

This one was a real bear to do, usually I can find a drawing that I can color in, this time I couldn't find one so I took a photograph and dropped blocks of color, straight and curved lines and other geometric figures over top the photo til I had it completely covered.

Jerry

Thank you so much for adding me!

Jerry, that is some more great looking art work!!

@justakid posted:

I must confess I got a Hornby OO Flying Scotsman set  this past Christmas ( a downsizing hint?)

I picked up a couple Hornby/Triang bridges at York years ago and always planned on using them to build a couple of road bridges similar to what you used to see in Baltimore crossing the Jones Falls back in "olden" days. They have a unique look to them.

https://www.trbimg.com/img-5ae...7032668-20180503/600

Jerry