The Eastern Narrow Gauge Cooperative

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The Eastern Narrow Gauge Cooperative, or ENGC, is a forum for the exchange of information and ideas on the full range of model railroading associated with the East Broad Top Railroad. It's purpose is to encourage the development of a system of related or inter-connected lines that feature all or some of the characteristics of the EBT.

In concept, ENGC model railroads can replicate all or part of the actual EBT, can be based -- in whole or part -- on the EBT, or simply operate EBT motive power and/or rolling stock in some form. The ENGC concept encourages freelance narrow gauge model railroaders to employ EBT locomotives, rolling stock, and structures painted and lettered for their home railroads -- assuming some plausible lineage. As the ENGC grows, interchange and traffic agreements will be sought with existing and emerging standard gauge model railroads, both prototype-based and freelance, with the goal to establishing through traffic flow between all ENGC participants.

Groups of this type have been formed in the past, to the mutual enjoyment of all concerned. We think it's high time that narrow gaugers shared the enjoyment.

Comments to: Vagel Keller, Project Coordinator, vckeller@comcast.net


Overview of current ENGC-member model railroads:

Visit Blacklog & Shade Gap Eastern

   Scale:               HO / HOn3, General Offices in Pittsburgh, PA
   President/CEO:       Vagel Keller
   Concept:             Former Shade Gap RR, expanded into western Franklin 
                        County, PA.  Connects with EBT, Tuscarora Valley   
                        RR, Cumberland & Susquehanna, and Cumberland Valley 
                        RR (PRR)
   History:             Complete, era:  Fall, 1938
   System Map:          Complete
   Ops Scheme:          Working
   Procedures Manual:   1st Draft published
   Layout:              4x20 layout operational, expansion in design stages

Buzzardville & Littlepine

   Scale:               HOn3, General offices in Chester, MD
   President:           Wayne Wicker
   Concept:             Coal hauler in the Williamsport/Lycoming County, 
                        Pa. area.  Connects with the Diamond Ridge (HO). 
                        The Diamond Ridge connects with the NYC, PRR, and 
                        the Reading.
   History:             The history is the thing here.  Dioramas are being
                        used to support the history of the railroad. 
                        Writing the history of this fictional railroad has 
                        turned into a hobby of it's own.
   System Map:          90% complete.
   Ops Scheme:          None
   Procedures Manual:   None
   Layout:              Just dioramas (modules) at this time.

Visit Cumberland & Susquehanna

   Scale:               O / On3, General Offices in Silver Spring, MD
   General Manager:     Deane Mellander
   Concept:             East-West bridge between EBT and Western Maryland 
                        Rwy;  intersects B&SGE.
   History:             Complete, era:  1944
   System Map:          Complete
   Ops:                 Working
   Procedures Manual:   Working
   Layout:              Benchwork and track complete, operational

East Broad Top Railroad

   Scale:               HOn3, General Offices in Downingtown, PA
   General Manager:     David Bucher
   Concept:             Model specific areas and scenes on the East Broad
                        Top Railroad.  Attempt to simulate prototype 
                        operations.  The goal is to have a two or three
                        person group to operate the railroad on an average
                        day prototype schedule.
   History:             Era modeled is the 1940's and 1950's.
   System Map:          Prototype
   Ops:                 Prototype
   Procedures Manual:   Working
   Layout:              Phase 1, four modules operating.
                        Phase 2, Mt Union yard & PRR interchange
                        presently under construction.

East Broad Top/Kandolf & Sons Lumber Company

   Scale:               HOn3, General Offices in Newport, PA       
   President/CEO:       Mike Kandolf
   Concept:             Working
   History:             Working
   System Map:          Working
   Operating Scheme:    Working
   Procedures Manual:   Working
   Layout:              Awaiting Real Estate Acquisition

East Broad Top Railroad, Fulton County Branch

   Scale:               G Scale, General Offices in Fulton County, GA
   President/CEO:       Doug Langdon
   Concept:             Coal Branch, built by EBT from its southern 
                        terminus
   History:             In the late 1930's, EBT expanded south out of 
                        Woodvale to more coal mines creating the Fulton 
                        County Branch to operate it, passing down older 
                        locos (after out shopping them in the late '20s and 
                        '30s)
   System Map:          Working, includes part of South Penn RR grade
   Operating Scheme:    Working
   Procedures Manual:   Working
   Layout:              Outdoor, Point-to-Point, Under Construction, 130'  
                        completed, Operational

Ohio River & Southern

   Scale:               HO / HOn3, Freeland, MD
   President/CEO:       Herbert "Matt" Matthews III
   Concept:             Eastern narrow gauge, featuring coal mining, iron 
                        production, and logging, agriculture and people in
                        an Appalachian setting.  The railroad is based on
                        EBT, ET&WNC, and Ohio River and Western (some 
                        Waynesburgh & Washington).  The railroad is 120 
                        miles long.  The "southern section" from Woodsfield
                        to Walton's Mountain is modeled.
   History:             Under Development
   System Map:          Under Development
   Operating Scheme:    Similar to EBT: loads of coal north to Ohio River, 
                        empties south.
   Procedures Manual:   
   Layout:              Design Stage

Visit Tuscarora Valley RR/PRR Middle Division in Juniata County, PA

   Scale:               HO / HOn3 / HOn2.5, Blue Island, IL
   President/CEO:       George Pierson
   Concept:             Prototypical steam-era layout models key features
                        the 3-ft gauge Tuscarora Valley RR and the PRR 
                        middle division in Juniata County.  Interchange 
                        between the two lines at Port Royal is included, as
                        is the PRR's massive refueling facility at Denholm,                         
                        PA.  PRR serves Van Dyke Silica Brick Co. while 
                        TVRR trackage includes Port Royal, Ross Farm, East
                        Waterford, and the Blairs Mills Terminus.
   History:             Prototype
   System Map:          Prototype
   Operating Scheme:    Prototype
   Procedures Manual:   Working
   Layout:              Benchwork and track complete.  Scenery approx. 20%

Towson & Tidewater Railway & Navigation Co.

   Scale:               HOn3 Scale, General Offices in Cockeysville, MD
   President/CEO:       Fred Voelcker
   Concept:             Working;  Shares interchange w/ EBT
   History:             Working
   System Map:          Working
   Operating Scheme:    Working
   Procedures Manual:   Working
   Layout:              Initial Design Stage


Comments Welcome. Email vckeller@comcast.net

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