Quick Overview
Owner
Phil Monat
Prototype
Proto-freelance based on Lehigh Gorge area between Allentown and Wilkes-Barre, PA; NS, RBM&N, & CP are the current operators of this trackage.
Era
Modern
Physical Location
50 miles northeast – About 1:15 to 2:00 travel time depending on traffic
Layout Dimensions
1300 SF, 26’ x 38’
Mainline Run
520′
Scale
HO
Scenery
Nearing 80%
Pets
Yes, cats!
Handicap Accessible
Crew lounge/dispatcher office accessible with a short flight of stairs into the layout space
Description
The D&S is a proto-freelance layout loosely based on the Lehigh Gorge area in Pennsylvania. The railroad is centered between Wilkes-Barre and Allentown with each city having a large and busy classification yard. There are three branch lines (dark territory) as well.
The mostly single track mainline is fully CTC controlled with US&S Type S signals (searchlight). Communications are via FRS radio when needed.
Traffic is widely based, dense and typical of the modern era – double stack, TOFC, ethanol, and unit trains join the heavy manifest traffic going into New York/Philly, Harrisburg and to the south and west, New England, and Canada. There are many locals with serious switching. Many through trains have block swapping and other work. There are a few run-throughs for those who are lazy!
Operations
What to know about the operations of this layout.
Control System
NCE DCC with radio throttles and Wi-Fi
Dispatching
CTC with US&S Type S signals
Communications
FRS radios when needed
Company phone between dispatcher and yards
Car Routing
Car cards/waybills
What to Bring/Needed
FRS radios with ear bud extremely helpful
Wi-Fi throttle/Wi-Fi device will work or use available NCE radio throttles
Pace
Quick if you want it
Crew Size
12 to 13
Operating Positions
Dispatcher
Wilkes-Barre YM
Wilkes-Barre Drill 1
Wilkes-Barre Drill 2
Allentown YM (footboard)
Allentown Drill
Slatington Drill
Road Crews (6 positions)
Gallery
