Modular Group News, Update 3/14/24

Congrats on the new trailer!  From the pics it looks like everyone knows how to have a good time running trains with friends.  Will you be selling raffle tickets online via your website?

---Greg

Thanks, Greg.....just locally. I think.

 

Peter

Peter:

 

Modular clubs like yours do our hobby a great service. There is a lot of work getting ready for a show and then packing it all up. Your club does an excellent job in representing us all.

 

Good luck with your fundraising efforts.

Thank you, Brian.....your kind words are appreciated.

The best part of a modular group, I believe, (besides running trans, of course) is the fellowship.

 

Peter

Great idea, Greg! I'll run this past our Webmaster!

 

Gilly

More trailer pictures. We've been scraping and saving for almost 3 years so we could buy it. We've been constantly building and growing and just out grew our old trailer last year. It had gotten to the point that we were making two trips for each setup. Our 5x7 is for sale. If anyone is interested, my email is in my profile.

 

 

Here are a few more......That's Ton (Gilly@N&W) and I.

 

 

 

 

The old 5X7 trailer is in the background.

 

Peter

I think the club is a great idea. It's nice that you have so many people nearby that are interested in it. Love your new trailer.

Working on the new trailer.....it's huge and there is room to grow!

 

 

 

 

Peter

Peter - Thanks for sharing these pictures.  I agree that the fellowship in a club is a big benefit.  The same is true of model railroading in general that like everything else in life it's meant to be shared in my opinion.

 

Art

Congratulations on your new trailer. Looks like a real beauty.

Very nice Peter. Enjoy.

Today is Peter's birthday. I'd be remiss of me if I forgot to wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

 

Gilly

Happy Birthday, Peter!

 

Thank you, Peter and Gilly for showing us the new trailer and how you work together to make a modular layout for a show happen.

Groups like this are more about people skills, than trains, IMO.  People skills are as much a part of the hobby, or more, than the nuts and bolts of making things run.  Again that's only my opinion.  

Mike CT

Fort Pitt Hi-Railers.  

Now lets see, how could we maximize the number of modules we can get in this beautiful red box?    Our trip to York in April, saw us pack and un-pack the big burgundy trailer at least two times, before it was all loaded.

Mike, you're so right. The good thing is our club is blessed with 14 of the nicest guys you'd ever hope to meet. We're a small club and that definitely works to our advantage.

 

Gilly 

The River City 3 Railers met this AM at my house to work on the layout we're going to raffle this Fall/Winter as our Fund Raiser.

 

I had the framework from an old 48X66" layout which works nice with the LionChief starter set layout size of 40X60.

 

We covered it with indoor/outdoor carpet from Home Depot.  We'll add some Pasticville/Marx buildings after York.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peter

That's a good idea for a fundraiser.

Missed the fun today, sorry guys. Finished the "fun" on my project around 7:00 this evening. 

 

Gilly

Very nice project for a fund raiser. Greta job Peter and the Group!

We've had a very busy month since my last update.

One work day and one meeting to get ready for our next event......The Chesterfield County Fair which runs from August 22 through August 30.

 

http://www.chesterfieldcountyfair.org

 

Set up is next weekend.......I'm packing up my trains already.....

 

 

 

 

Peter

We'll be doing final prep on our new trailer first thing next Saturday morning. Since none of my modules are bring used, I have only two buildings to pack.

 

 

I'm bringing one Rubbermaid totter of cars. Peter, between the two of us, we'll have all the rolling stock we're going to need.

 

Gilly

TRAILER?... we don't need no stinkin' trailer!

 

Our modular layout fits in the back of my small SUV!

 

 

Just kidding, of course!

 

Your new trailer looks great.  Wish we had one, and the truck to tow it, and the place to store it...

 

Best wishes from our club to yours!

Ed

 

 

ps. can you spot BMRS and OGR forum member Don Masso's muscular physique in the picture of our layout at a recent town outdoor event?

Ed, Nice looking layout. We're in the process of building a second smaller modular layout for one day venues too. A 20x30 layout is neat, but there's a lot to be said for an 8x12.

 

Thank you for your kind comments.

 

Gilly

Peter...I must have missed this thread the first time around!!  Anyway, you guys have a great group so keep up the good work....looks like you are having FUN, FUN, FUN..

 

Alan

Alan.....it really has been a lot of fun!

Peter

 

I missed it too.  I'm glad it came up again!

A necessary and vital activity......hanging posters.....

 

 

 

These are inside my exam rooms......

 

 

 

 

Peter

Peter, it always pays to advertise. Takes work, but it really helps to make your event successful. Hope it is a huge success.

Great updates.

Peter,

 

Just wondering, how many members in the RC3R club?  I'm impressed with your open house schedule and it looks like a lot of man hours!

 

Ed

There are 14 of us.

 

Gilly

Thanks for the updates on your club.  Looks like you guys are having a good time.

 

Art

Just taken at the Chesterfield County Fair.......

 

 

 

 

 

More later........

 

Peter

 

 

A few more.....

 

 

 

 

Peter

Looking very good! 

 

I went to the Chesterfield County Fair. It was probably 1977.  I don't recall seeing you there.    I was working for Vepco and living in Chester.

 

 

 

Finally.....got the pics downloaded.....

 

Peter

You boys did an excellent job!

Finally, I mastered You tube transfer on my new Mac.......(a birthday present from my family in June to a die-hard Microsoft person)......

 

The LNE Coal Train

 

 

 

Peter

Another video......this is with the MPC gondola camera car. You can see the bouncing. I hope to fix this with a die cast gondola this winter.

 

 

Peter

Here's a 115 years of Lionel steamers.

 

 

Peter

Peter,

Love those steam locomotives!!  Boy I wish you fellows were setup back when I went to the C'field County fairgrounds back in the mid '70s. 

The modular group decided we needed a smaller layout for small or "one day" venues.  We started building a few weeks ago. We made more progress this AM.

 

First, we laid out the track And checked clearances.

 

 

 

 Ran some trains to check clearances.

 

 

 

 

 

Then, we demarcated the ROW. I used a technique I learned from Al Z (Cape Cod Northern), using a compass and a truck.

 

 

 

Ballasting tomorrow.

 

Peter

Peter

how often does the club get to display and do you have regular venues?

Steve

It's been variable, but our usual events are:

 

1. Chesterfield County Fair, late August, yearly.

2. Midlothian Village Day, October

3. Ashland Rail Day, November

4. Science Museum of Va, Thanksgiving weekend

5. Annual Christmas display.......usually at an empty storefront from the weekend after Thanksgiving through New Years weekend. This year we're being graciously hosted by the Great Big Greenhouse........a retail chain.

 

The small layout makes it easy for us to have a nice display at smaller venues like the Richmond Children's Hospital and the Richmond Children's Museum. It also can be taken around by 2-3 members with an SUV........not requiring our 7X14 trailer.

More pics today......we're almost finished with this project. Next year, a 40" straight track extension.....

 

 

 

 

 

Peter

The 1st venue with our small portable layout took place this past Weds at the Children's Hospital of Richmond......This is more of a chronic care facility and not an acute hospital. The kids here have severe chronic conditions. Every month, there is a group birthday party. We participated this month.....the theme was trains.

 

This layout allows us to go to small or short time venues with a small portion of our membership.....it really enhances our flexibility. 

 

 

 

 

Peter

Peter and Gang,

 

First, I really like what you are doing with this modular layout, taking it places to give some joy and a needed new experience to folks who need our care.  Way to go.

 

Second, the layout turned out really nice.  It is a convenient size for transport and setup, has a lot of points of interest besides the trains running, and it looks like it is fun.

 

Thanks for sharing.  Maybe some of the rest of us will get together where we live and do something similar.

Mark.....I should have been clearer....I missed the event, working....However, the guys did a great job and had a blast.......and, only a fraction of the group has to be present to make it successful!

 

Thank you again for your kind words.

 

Peter

 

Peter,

 

The bouncing is actually fast angle wheel wobble.  Fast angle wheels have a tendency to do that when they are being pushed.  Lionel discovered this years ago during the MPC era when the introduced the GG1 with fast angle wheels in the pilot trucks.  The front truck would wander endlessly as the engine was going down the track.  If you change the wheel sets to postwar style wheels and axles or find a wheel set that is not fast angle, the "bounce" will disappear.  I may be wrong, but a die-cast hopper would probably make the wobble worse because of the heavier tracking weight.

Peter,

Actually, I thought maybe you were taking the photos.  Anyway, you helped build the layout, so you are to be commended too.

 

You're welcome.

This forum is a great opportunity to meet up with folks in your area. We started with a core group of 4 and have grown from there. I am fortunate to be able to count each of these gentlemen as my friends.

I missed this event too (work). Looking forward to running it at Midlothian Days on Saturday following York.

 

Gilly

Thank you, Gilly.

 

Yes work seems to always get in the way.

Eight of the 15 modular group members made it to York. I had the pleasure of bringing 2 "newbies" who will be joining TCA.......Ben Swann & Bill Robertson......look at their smiles!

 

 

Bill is on the left and Ben on the right.

 

 

Peter

Good job, Peter. It was a pleasure to see you again. Elizabeth got a big kick out of you and said you made her feel very welcome.

 

Nice job on the two new TCA members as well.

Pics from Ashland Train Day.........unfortunately I had to work! 

Ashland is a town about 15 miles directly north of Richmond where the csx main line goes right through the downtown.....I believe 30-40 trains daily, including Amtrak pass through.

This event is held by the town every November

 

 

Peter

Peter,

 

Thanks for the photos.  I an sorry you had to work, but it looks like it was a good event, and the layout looks great!

 

I've watched trains in Ashland back when I worked in Richmond in the '70s and Fredericksburg in the late '80s to early '90s.  I am actually from Butler County, Pennsylvania but went to Virginia twice when jobs were hard to come by.  Now we have been back here for almost 20 years.

We've been very busy the last two weeks.

On Friday the 21st we brought the small layout to the Great Big Greenhouse (a local nursery where we will be setting up for December). We were there for their pre-holiday sale called "Ladies Night Out".

 

 

 

 

Next was the 37th annual Science Museum of Virginia Train Show.......unfortunately, I could only be there for set-up and take-down due to work.....but the guys had a blast...... Friday and Saturday were record-setting attendance days (over 3000 each day).

 

 

 

 

Today we set up the 21X34 layout at the Great Big Greenhouse for a run from 12/5 through 1/3......

Fridays 4-8

Saturdays 8-8

Sundays 9-7

 

The Great Big Greenhouse is in Midlothian VA ( a suburb west of Richmond, south of the James River) at the intersection of Robious & Huguenot Rds. If you are going to Bevell's Hardware Layout in Blackstone from the north, we're on your way.

 

Peter

Peter; What I personally like about the photos featuring the 2 "newbies" is that you identify who they are. Many times photos are posted but the author never tells us who the individuals are in the photo.

Thanks, Spence......

 

More hard work today........setting up at the Great Big Greehouse.

Here's the venue from the parking lot:

 

 

 

 

We started setting up this AM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peter

 

Fabulous Peter, thanks for posting.

 

John

Peter,

Thank you for all the great photos.  Makes me wish I still worked in Richmond.  Alas, that was back in the '70s!

More photos from last night.......it's really taking shape.....our full set-up is about 2/3 of a scale mile in length......great for long trains!

 

 

 

The guys tell me that it was finished today......unfortunately, I had to finish last night.... I had a TUR for BPH this AM....Thankfully, I am recouping nicely and should be back to normal by next week........plus, I'll be recovered for the car ride to TrainStock 7!

 

Peter

Glad to hear that you're on the mend. I stopped by today and put out my buildings.

 

Gilly

I just finished uploading video from Sunday.......here's the best one.  It features Gilly@N&W's UP gas turbine; Kanawha's C&O Allegheny and USMC_Chris' re-decorated module with a N gauge kids amusement ride.

 

 

Peter

The O gauge look like monsters compared to the N gauge. Nice video.

Thanks, Spence.......for the GBGH show we've moved Chris' module to the side with the circus/amusement park. It blends in really nice. I'll get some pics this weekend.

 

Peter

Peter, 

 

I see that your club's modules deviate from the Independent Hi-Railers Specs of a three track main line. Are your modules of two tracks the same distance as the first two tracks of the Hi-railers specs? What are your wire gauges that you use? Finally are you using molex connectors or something else?

PRR Horseshoe Curve:

 

I was not involved in those technical decisions.....I'm more of a gopher....I will investigate your questions later today.

 

Peter

Yay! You'll be a mile from my house. See you this weekend!

 

(signed)

 

Your biggest groupie.

Looking forward to it, Jeff.

 

Peter

I do not believe that our track conforms with the Independant Hi-Railer Specs. It is Atlas track on 4.5" centers. I'd need to measure again to give you an answer regarding the space from the edge.

 

We use 14 ga. wire for the bus and yes, we use Molex connectors. There was quite a bit of discussion regarding two vs three mainlines. If we were to do it over again (and there has been some discussion along those lines) I'd push for four.

 

The opportunity has not yet been presented to connect our modular layout with another club's. Worse case we'd need to build a couple of modules with some flex track to get the lines to match-up.

 

Gilly

Hello Pete • Nice job with the layout, & all the photos / videos.

Tom.......I figured you see this sooner or later............I knew you would know the specs.

 

Peter

Looks great Peter!  You guys are really doing a super job and thanks for sharing all the great pictures.

 

Art

Opening night was last night. Are a few more pics.  The 1st pic was taken by my wife Weds AM after I completed my set up.

 

 

 

 

These are from last evening, December 5th. More are in Weekly Photo Fun.

 

 

 

 

Peter

Yes Peter, you look a little peaked in the first photos.

 

The group member in the gray shirt in photo 2 looks like he is having a good laugh!!

 

I haven't commented on the carnival before.  That is quite a lot of great rides.  I say great because they look good.  I hate real rides!  

Your group's modular layout is first rate!  I always enjoy seeing photos of it!!

A few new pics:

 

 

 

 

The carnival is a real crowd-pleaser. The autoracks are ginormous!

 

Peter

 

Here's our small venue layout:

 

 

Here's our small venue layout decorated for Christmas by our member Walt S:

 

 

 

 

 

I think Walt did a great job with his Christmas update. His work is truly artistic!

 

Peter

Since my last update in early December, a lot has gone on. We continued to be viewed by steady crowds and generate lots of excitement in the kids and enjoyment for the adults. We have been asked to stay an additional 2 weeks till the 17th Of January.

 

 

Our raffle was very successful......we sold over 1500 tickets. We raffled off a Lionel Lionchief Pennsylvania steam fright set and included the the track mounted on a 4X5' board.  

 

 

 

 

The winners were drawn by the manager of the Great Big Greenhouse (our Holidy venue) Last Saturday, the 20th. The winners were very local. They were two boys aged 7 & 9. They were at home helping their parents decorate their Christmas tree. 

 

Needless to say, they were very excited when they got the call. Here they are being pictured with RC4R members  Bill Robertson and John Hlwya.

 

 

 

 

 

Lots lots of great trains have been running the last few weeks and many videos taken.

 

 

 

 

 

Peter

 

 

Here are a few new videos.........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy. Being is a group and enjoying this with friends is a blast!

 

Peter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peter...I always enjoy these updates!  Thanks so much for keeping this going..

 

Alan

Thanks Peter, you do so much for our Forum and the hobby.

Hello Peter • I watched all the YT Videos. Well done

Peter,

I really liked the photos and videos from a very successful event.

Also, the red jacket to match the Santa hat is super!  It really makes for a festive mood!

Looking good Peter.

Very nice as always!!

That's awesome Peter!  Looks like a fun time, those boys look thrilled winning the set.

 

Merry Christmas to you and the River City Three Railers crew! 

Thanks everyone, for your kind comments......I'll try to post some new pics and video this week.....I'm at the display tomorrow tomorrow morning and I'm making it, New Haven Day.

 

Peter

New videos from early January:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very nice videos.

Peter,

 

Sorry I missed Ken running his Virginian "Big Boy"! I still haven't decided what to pull the Train of Sin with tomorrow evening. I just may have to see what my Y6b "Big Boy" can do...

 

Gilly

 

BTW "Big Boy" moniker is an inside joke with our club. It is fellow member "Ben's" description of all things articulated!

Thanks Peter for the videos. Always enjoy watching them.

Thanks for all the kind comments........I can't decide with one is my favorite. I am very partial to the EP-5 videos (and I really like mixing Hunter Green with the McGinnis livery).... but the Big Steam on the bridge video is also very cool!

 

Peter

What are the dimensions of the small venue layout?

Ugh!  Where were you guys when I was working for Vepco in Richmond in the mid '70s?  ;-)

 

kidding aside, I really like what you are doing!

6x7 now with plans to expand to 6x10.5 later this year.

Gilly

My latest Juice Train......31 cars plus caboose.....

 

 

 

Peter

Got the Vodka car. Now for an inexpensive Lionel flatcar with a couple of shot glasses on it! The healthy Juice train is taking a turn......

 

Gilly

 

How did that Marlboro car get slipped into that local passenger train?

Shot by Kanawha a few weeks ago:

 

 

Peter

Updating the thread to the end of our run at the Great Big Greenhouse.....we're excited to already be invited back for next year.......now that we know what to expect, we can also plan for TrainStock.

 

 

 

 

Peter

2 last videos.....the 2nd one shows 5 trains on 2 loops....

 

 

 

 

 

Peter

We had our 1st members meeting of the year at my home on Saturday the 28th. 

 

We got lots accomplished.....our goals for the year include:

 

1. Add 8' to pur 8 track yard.

2. Buy another LionChief set to raffle....and build another 4X5 layout board to raffle with it.

3. Help one of our members complete his benchwork

4. Extend our 6X8 small portable layout with a 40"X72" extension.

5. Obtain a "Duck-Under".

6. Confirmed our display schedule:

     a) display our layout at the 611 Homecoming

     b) The Chesterfield Co Fair

     c) The Science Museum of VA 

     d) The Great Big GreenHouse

     e) Midlothian Village Fair

     f) Ashland Rail Days

     g) The Goddard School

     h) The Children's Hospital of Richmond

     i)  The Children's Museum of VA

 

7. CONTINUE TO HAVE FUN!!!

 

It was a breakfast meeting, and of course there was food....Here are the pictures.....

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Peter

We met last night at Harold's. He has a fantastic layout space.

 

 

 

 

More pics later......Peter

 

Here's few more.......

 

 

 

Peter

I love the stone arch bridge!

Don

Thanks, Don......Tom (Gilly@N&W) spent a lot of time building that module. It came great!

 

Peter

Here's a few more:

 

 

 

 

I sort of went pic-crazy with my cell phone........more later....

Peter

Thanks for the photos, Peter. Looks like you folks always have a good time.

Thank you, Brian....we do. It is the people that make this fun.....

 

BTW, this building.....

 

 

 

Was purchased by Harold from Pete in Williamsburg....when he dismantled his layout.

 

Peter

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the pics always enjoy seeing others lay-outs.

Here are a few more.......I did go "picture happy"!

 

 

 

 

Peter

Peter, If your group has any interest in owning my 3x4 module of a drive-in movie, send me a email.  My "show days" are over, and I'd like it to have a good home. You may have seen it during its 2 appearances at York. It would have to be picked up in Media, PA, just off Rt.95 near Phila.

As President of River City 3 Railers and on behalf of Peter, we would gratefully accept your donation. My email is in my profile. We can work out the details between now and October. I'll just plan at this point to drive my truck next time.

 

Thank you very kindly for your offer. We will look forward to integrating your module into our display.

Joe, I'm disappointed.   You promised the drive-in to the North Penn 'O' Gaugers.  I just haven't beenable to get down to get it.

John

I sure like the Purina complex.

John, I figured, after 6 months, you were not interested. In any event, you have first call.

Joe, I'll call you and we can set a convenient time when I can pick it up.

John

Brian.....The Purina Complex was puchased by Harold some years back in the Blue Hall. Tom Kerrigan made it. Unfortunately, Mr Kerrigan passed a few years ago.

 

 

I believe that Marty Fitzhenry's Boston South Station is a Kerrigan structure.

 

 

Peter

The last of the layout pics:

 

 

 

 

I just love the picture of the team track entering the building.....

 

Peter

Last weekend the group got together to work on increasing the size of our small portable layout that we take to smaller venues. The layout is 42"X72". Most SUVs have a 48" bay in the back.....making it easy to transport.

 

Our extension is 40" (the size of a 40" Lionel tinplate straight) X72".

 

 

 

 

Peter

Peter,

You gents made quick work of that.  I think that will really be a nice addition to an already fine modular layout!  

Congratulation

     Hi Peter - This group knows how to work as a team.

Gary

Cheers from The

Great build on the warehouse with the covered car dock. There used to be a couple on Alameda Blvd. in Downtown Los Angeles years ago (taken out by earthquakes and progress). I recognize the brick panels as Korber. What did you use for the rest of the structure?

Matt......I will bet that the inspiration for the building is Ellison's Oblong Box Company...but I can't be sure. 

 

Peter

Peter,

Working together with a club is very rewarding. I like the fact that your club has both a large modular layout and a small layout for small venues. Our club open houses are the highlight of our year. It's very rewarding to display to the public and to see the response the trains get from the people. Happy railroading. 

I sure like your extension!

It looks great Peter. Is that green foam between the track and foam board sill seal? How does it perform sound wise? 

Don

The green foam is on Harold's home layout.......I 've only seen the layout in operation once and the sound quality  was fine.

 

Peter

The 2015 Train Exhibition Season opened this past week with 2 annual events. This year we have an expanded small portable layout 72X92 was expanded by a 72X40 module (the size of a standard Lionel 40" straight). It still needs a little scenery work.

 

First is a trip to the Goddard School in Midlothian VA.

 

 

 

 

Next the gang (I wasn't at either venue due to work) went to the Children's Hospital of Richmond which is a chronic care hospital(the great majority of these unfortunate children have severe learning and physical disabilites).

 

 

 

 

Next stop, the Chesterfield County Fair for 9 days Friday August 28th through Saturday September 5th. Come on down if you're in the area.

 

http://www.chesterfieldcountyfair.org/default.htm

 

 

Peter