My N scale layout is approximately 12' x 32'. Track work is about 85% complete, 0% scenery and I am using DigiTrax DCC (Chief - wireless). The system consists of 1 DCS100, 3 - DB150's, 6 - PM4's, 4 for circuit breakers and 2 for reverse loops. I am using Atlas Code 80 track (about 1000') and Peco large radius switches, approximately 200 so far. I will be using DelAir air motors to throw all switches. Layout height varies from 36" (hidden staging in Harrisburg) to about 56" in Buffalo. We are about 4 years into construction.

The layout tour starts with the PRR in Harrisburg, Pa., an 18 track hidden staging yard. From there it goes to Sunbury, Northumberland, Williamsport, where you have the choice of heading to Buffalo or entering the Elmira Branch, which takes you to Elmira and Sodus Point. The Reading starts at Sunbury, passes through Northumberland and ends at Williamsport. The Eire Lackawanna starts at Buffalo, Williamsport and ends at Elmira. As you can tell, I took some liberties such as the EL in Williamsport. The track planning is not exact, due to select compression. I plan on building the coal pier at Sodus Point and already have the kit for the lake boat, which will be approx. 37 inches long. I will have to scratch build the pier. I am modeling the era of late 50's to early 60's, again with a few liberties.

I can run continuously on the PRR from Harrisburg to Buffalo and Sodus Point. During operating sessions, this feature will not exist. I installed these reverse loops for open houses only. I am trying to match the buildings as close as possible, but in N Scale, it is difficult. The Reading and EL are strictly point to point. The Reading crosses the 2 track Pennsy main in Sunbury.

Operations will be interesting, to say the least. With the PRR, Reading and maybe even the EL interchanging at Williamsport, it should be a very busy place. I have had a lot of help from friends and we usually meet every Thursday night during the winter. Recently, the South Jersey N-Trakers club visited and put the layout through it paces. I let them run and do what ever they wanted. It's a great way to check the track work. I was very pleased at the end of the night. There were very little problems encountered.

Photos

Sunbury where the Reading crosses the PRR 2 track main.

Sodus Point where the reverse loop disappears behind the Genesee Malt House. The coal pier will be to the right. The malt house is temporarily constructed from foam board, but will be constructed from the plastic DPM pieces.

Williamsport (Newberry Junction) The Reading yard is to the right, PRR in the center and the EL to the left. The wye to the Elmira Branch is down at the end.

Looking down from Sodus Point. Bottom is Sunbury, middle is Northumberland and the top is Elmira.

Williamsport and the wye for the Elmira Branch.

Harrisburg, which is an 18 track staging yard.

Digital photos by Jerry Britton (Disabled).

This layout is a member of the

Last modified: April 11 2009.

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