The WEST PENN railroad was established in 1996. In October 2004 the layout was dismantled while I built a new ranch style home to eliminate steps in the main living space. The new home for West Penn now provides a larger layout space and a much needed crew lounge. The 1700' mainline is now operational, with the "golden spike" driven on April 24, 2010.

Specifications

38' x 70', HO scale, freelance switching layout.
Layout height is 46" to 102". It is a mushroom design with 39" raised walking platform for the upper level (completed 2006).
L-girder bench work construction.
Upper deck suspended by 5/16" threaded rods (completed 2006).
Roadbed is 5/8" ply with homasote. 60' experiment with splined masonite.
1700' mainline loop to be operated as out and back (1st Loop - 220', 2nd Loop - 720', 3rd Loop - 440', 4th Loop - 520', Helix 18').
Designed such that mainline can be separated into 4 separate loops (Operational loops - 1st 2007, 2nd 2008, 3rd 2009, 4th 2010).
12 - Industrial switching areas with several stand-alone sidings for a peddler (3 operational).
4 - 70' Offline storage tracks for guest trains between operating sessions/shows (completed 2006).
3 - 17' Interchange tracks to interchange with the Central Penn and South Penn Railroads (completed 2007).
16 - 17' staging tracks hidden under yard (completed 2008).
15 - Classification tracks holding 30 - 36 cars each will make up the main double-ended yard.
12 - Arrival/Departure tracks to keep classification yard flowing.
130' turn table with 8 stall roundhouse.
Track is code 83 for the mainline and code 100 for hidden staging. Total track laid 3450'.
Most turnouts will be hand laid and use slow motion switch machines with constant voltage circuits.
DCC control Ð Digitrax / EasyDCC (boosters).
Signaled with a simplified PRR style signaling showing occupancy only.
Car card system will be used for operating sessions.
Dispatcher controlled train movement with dispatchers booth under steps (80%).

Track Plan

Lower Level (PDF).

Middle Level (PDF).

Upper Level (PDF).

Photos

Construction Photos provided by John Frantz.

Last modified: April 26 2010.

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