The Pennsylvania Railroad
Northern Division
An HO Scale Model Railroad by Mark Frysztacki
Welcome to the homepage of my Pennsylvania Railroad Northern Division as modeled in HO Scale. Like the layout, this site is always in development with more to come as time goes by. I plan to be adding to this site on a regular basis, so check back frequently to see the additions.
I have designed this site so that I may share with you my experiences in the design, construction and operation of a PRR based model railroad in HO Scale. Contained are different sections that detail the designing stages, planning, construction and operations.
One purpose of this site is to meet new people and gather more information. As much research as I have done, there is still so much more to do. The area that I have chosen to model is rich in history, and I know I have only scratched the surface. If during your visit to this site, you notice an error in my observations, or would like to add your thoughts, your input is more than welcome. I am always seeking information, particularly as it concerns the history of the areas modeled, or information about the trains operated. Please feel free to contact me via email at MarkCFry@comcast.net
Also, be sure to sign my Guest Book! Scroll to the bottom of this page to find the links to the Guest Book.
I am proud to announce that my layout was featured in the May, 2006 issue of Railmodel Journal Magazine in preparation for the Independence Junction 2006 Convention. Robert Schleicer of Railmodel Journal came to my house in July, 2005 to take the photos that appear in the magazine. Thanks to his anticipated visit, I actually got some scenery done! I was very pleased with how this article came out. The article starts on page 46. Hopefully you got a copy and will read more about my layout! |
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A 'Lack of Progress' Report
Well, as the saying goes, 'all good things must come to an end'. And so it is with the Northern Division! The need for me to move required the dismantling of the layout. It's all gone now, but I captured some pictures of the layout just before the tearing down of the railroad.
The rest of this site will remain the same for the time being so you can enjoy the design concepts that went into this layout. Check back though as once my move is complete, a new Northern Division will be underway, and I plan to post updates, thoughts, changes, etc. as the new design gets underway.
In the meantime, enjoy these pictures of
Layout Concept and Design
Since I wanted this to be my 'dream' layout, early on I made the commitment to approach this layout with the right attitude. This meant taking my time with the planning and design. To see what steps I took, and how well it worked, see Layout Concept and Design page.
A Brief History of the Prototype Northern Division
When I became interested in the area I was planning to model, I began to research the area to learn more about it. For some interesting facts about the Northern Division, see the page entitled A Brief History of the Northern Division
The Layout - Room Preparation and Layout Construction
I have detailed a lot of information about the construction of the layout, with some tips and tricks I've learned along the way. For more information about the construction of the layout, see The Layout page.
Operations
Operation is one of my main interests in the hobby. I have spent many hours learning various operating methods from other model railroads and the operations of the PRR. I have developed a variation of the commonly used car-card waybill system, which allows for a more prototypical movement of freight traffic on and off the modeled portion of the railroad. For more information on how I developed the operating plan and how we operate the railroad, see the Operations page.
Miscellaneous Modeling Tricks and Tips
Over the years, every modeler stumbles onto some neat tricks and tips of his or her own. Some are unique, while others may be common. As people visit my layout, many comment on various things that I have done and asked how I did them. I created this page so that I may share some of these 'tricks' with you. See the Miscellaneous Modeling Tricks and Tips page.
DCC Tricks and Tips
I have been using the Digitrax system for years now, and as my layout grew, so did my system...and my problems! To read about some of the problems that I have encountered along with thier solutions, see the D.C.C. Tricks and TipsSome of my Favorite Links
Like most of you, I enjoy surfing the web when I'm not down in the railroad room. I've collected a lot of links to some great sites, including other model railroads and clubs, prototype railroad sites, manufacturers and more! See my Web Site Links page.
Guest Book
Please take a moment to sign my Guest Book!
... and then see what others have had to say!
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