Quick Overview
Owner
Larry Reynolds
Prototype
Based on the PRR in the Altoona, PA area from Huntingdon to Tunnel Hill with staging at Enola/Harrisburg, the Bald Eagle Branch, and Gallitzin.
Era
Early 1950s
Physical Location
70 miles west – About 1:15 travel time
Layout Dimensions
27’ x 43’
Mainline Run
310′
Scale
HO
Scenery
100%
Pets
None
Handicap Accessible
No
Description
The railroad is based on the Pennsylvania Railroad’s four track mainline over the Middle and Pittsburgh Divisions. There are two branches that depict a short trip to staging at the Bald Eagle branch and Hollidaysburg. Operations are mainly mainline freight trains that stop at Altoona and Tyrone for work. There are seven locals that perform switching work at various industries. There are six mainline passenger trains and three local passenger trains. In total, forty trains run thru the session. All main line train movements are controlled by tower operators via signals. The signals are Pennsy position type.
Editor Note: This is one of the best representations of the Pennsy in the heart of their system that I’ve ever operated on.
Operations
What to know about the operations of this layout.
Control System
Digitrax radio DCC, also Wi-Fi with 16 Wi-Fi throttle capacity.
Dispatching
CTC dispatching, fully signaled.
Communications
FRS radio for road crew/dispatcher comms
Company phones for yard/dispatcher comms
Car Routing
Car cards/waybills
What to Bring/Needed
FRS radio is necessary; Headphones highly preferred
Wi-Fi throttle if you have one, also your phone if equipped with a model train Wi-Fi app may be used.
Pace
Medium/Quick
Crew Size
15
Operating Positions
Tower Operator (A local will work the other desk)
Staging Operator
Altoona Yardmaster
Altoona Yard Crews (2)
East Altoona Enginehouse Foreman (Hostler)
Tyrone Yardmaster
Road Crews (8 positions)
Gallery
