A model authentication of Rockford, Illinois
Bruce Petrarca
What makes or breaks things in life are the details. For example, get your spouse’s birthday wrong by one day and see how that works.
Many of our members knew nothing about model railroading when they joined the club; me, for example. Others were long time modelers. One joined to do electronic projects and got so wrapped up in the operation of the layout that he focuses on that and hasn’t done an electronic project for the club. Together we pooled our skills and cross trained each other to build what we have and what we are planning for.
A lot goes into model railroading. Folks look at our HO layout and feel that it is done, but it is far from it. Yes, the main track work is done and a lot of the scenery is in. However, there is always scenery to enhance or redo. There is maintenance work on the layout and on the locos and cars. We are upgrading some of our locos to sound.
Another member who started his modeling career at PCMRC decorated the section of our layout shown in this photo that he took. Patrick Neely took on researching industries and businesses for our 1960s era recreation of Rockford, Illinois. He then built the area and added a lot of details.
The photo shows the results: the terrain contour, the weeds amongst the ballast, ballast holding the track in position, the shrubs and trees, the telephone poles with the transformers attached, the buildings and signs. I could go on for a long time, but come and look for yourself.
In addition, we are building some larger scale modules which need track work, scenery, buildings and lots of details.
When folks think of toy trains the name Lionel pops up. Many of us had Lionel trains as kids and some have boxes stashed somewhere. However, our club lacks anybody with technical knowledge to install or repair anything beyond a simple loop of track with a transformer. The Lionel detail is missing from our club. If you know it, we’d love to see you at the club.
Our next open house will be part of the Easter weekend. Meanwhile, we are there workin’ on the railroad and enjoying fellowship and fun two mornings a week, Tuesday and Thursday. We usually break about 11:30 a.m. and go to lunch together. The first and third Tuesdays are set for operations sessions on the GLW where some member would actually deliver the gondola car in the photo to Essex Wire and Cable to be filled. These sessions are a good time to see the railroad run, but not a good time for a guided tour. Come by prior to those busy days and get a tour and then come back to watch the freight move.
Look for more information and dates on our club website (www.pcmrc.org). Come see us in the Eagle’s Nest Activity Center, Room 106. We’d love for you to join us as our guest.