About the Layout

    Interest in model railroading began in 1955, with the traditional Christmas gift from the grandparents, a used Lionel train set. Add this with to the fact, they lived 150 yards from the tracks and I was hooked.  Although only a youngster at the time , I have fond memories of the transition from steam to diesel.  As an adult, the transition was to HO scale. After 3 somewhat unsatisfactory layouts over the course of 20 years, the present layout was started in 2000. Increased family participation over the years has helped to further refinements, as well as fuel enthusiasm.

   It was decided that the new layout would not dominate the limited space available of approx. 440 sq. ft. as had previous ones (21'x21'in the basement)  Instead it would be the be the focal point of a multi purpose space. It was very important to be able to perform other tasks in/near the layout, but still maintain the feeling your in the "train room". Essentials, to be included in the space were the preverbal washer, dryer, hwt, sink, furnace, 2 piece lavatory, sewing desk, cutting table, lots of bookshelves, TV, computer desk and of course stairs for access . Incorporating as many "built in's" as possible, we were able to achieve most of our objectives. 

    Objectives set out for our 2000 layout were as follows:

• comfortable height for 6' tall operators (53-56"), no duck unders !
• trains travel thru one scene at a time (linear approach}
• view only one scene at a time (theatre style)
• electrical equipment located at a comfortable height, not under the layout
• walk around control for 2 operators, CTC control panel
• easy track maintenance, no hidden tracks
• yard for flat switching
• yard for servicing industry
• areas in which a large quantity of MOW equipment and vehicles could be displayed
• a convenient area in which to photograph "as built/how to"  articles
• test track/ loop for "breaking in" and/or testing new equipment
• last and most important, a theme or purpose for running trains from point A to point B

   Fortunately, the section of the CNR  that runs between  Clifton (Niagara Falls) and Port Robinson (approx. 10 miles) met our requirements. Clifton as well as being a junction between the Stamford and Grimsby subs, is a wye and the entrance/exit to the Niagara Falls yard (on the Grimsby Sub.).  Generally speaking,  Port Robinson (on the Stamford Sub.) is a fair size yard c/w industrial trackage, a junction with the Canal Sub, a wye, and an interchange point with CP Rail.  It's CTC controlled, and close to home. A little modeling license was used in the creation of MOW area, actually it is modeled after the former CN shops located in Capreol, Ont.

  Prototypically it's a busy/interesting section of track. Daily CN traffic would include, 8 thru freights, 2 locals that shuttle back and forth between the two yards, 1 remote control yard job. Via provides return service from Niagara Falls to Toronto (parked nightly at NF station). Amtrack passes thru twice daily en route to Toronto. Norfolk Southern provide 2 thru trains, as well as a transfer job between Buffalo, USA and the Niagara Falls yard. CN currently has 4 trains originating/ terminating at Port Robinson yard. CP Rail interchanges daily, just east of Port Robinson.

  The result is a linear layout, with a theatre style, in essence the train moves thru the scene only once and you can only view one scene at a time. We feel that on a small layout this helps alleviate the need for selective compression between towns. Basically, we ended up with 4 distinct scenes, The track passes thru 3 rooms, occupies only 60 sq. ft. and has a mainline length of 75 ft.  In essence it is a oversize switching/display layout  ! ! !

Statistic's for the Clifton Junction Railway :

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