Club History and Layout Information

 

Club History

The Carquinez Model Railroad Society (CMRS) was originally the Vallejo Model Railroad Club with a permanent layout at the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo for 27 years. Due to the County Fairgrounds Association desires to redevelop the grounds without us in mind; we began our search for a new home. In May 2005, we signed a 5-year lease with our new landlord, the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows (IOOF). We sadly demolished the old layout salvaging only the buildings and rolling stock. Most of the original members from Vallejo followed us to Crockett with dreams and enthusiasm in mind. Shortly after our move, we renamed the organization to CMRS.

 

Building History

The Independent Order Of Odd Fellows (IOOF) building was originally constructed before the 1900’s as a two-story building, including the main hall that contains the layout. Due to their success, an addition was added in 1935 in the rear half of the second floor and the third floor. This addition explains some of the unusual door locations and paneled windows. However, the excellent craftsmanship of trades that are long gone is still visible today. The IOOF discontinued their operations here in 19xx and since has had several tenants, such as the Sugar Workers Union Hall downstairs. The main layout room is 36 feet by 60 feet plus an additional room that houses the south helix for a total layout space of 2330 square feet.

 

Layout Description

The model train layout is in HO scale (1:87) that loosely models from Oakland to Truckee, Calif., which is a segment of the old route of the Southern Pacific Railroad. The timeframe is from the 1950’s to the present, thus allowing both steam and diesel locomotives to be operated. The major portion of the layout is a double track mainline.

The layout is constructed in three levels with two large helices on opposite corners of the layout providing a connection between the levels. The layout style is a “mushroom style” with narrow but long tabletop space that is stacked like bunk beds. An elevated walkway allows access to the top level. This design provides the most linear track space without unrealistic railroad crossings typically seen in the “spaghetti bowl” designs.

The lowest level has two large staging areas, which are operationally referred to as Stockton and Tracy. The 1st level also is served by the Mococco Branch Line to a mine and ferry docks.

The second level starts with our major yard, Oakland and winds through to Benicia before entering the north helix to the third level. The third level will begin with W. Sacramento and end at Truckee. There is second branch line departing Truckee to provide logging and gold mining service.

 

Layout Statistics

Code 100 track is used on 1st level and helices only and Code 83 track on the rest of the layout. Nominal minimum track radius is 48 inches. Maximum grade is located on the helices at 2%.

Description	Current as of 12/07	Planned
1st level Mainline	222 feet of track	222 feet
2nd Mainline	250 feet	436 feet
3rd Level Mainline	0 feet	600 feet
South Helix	750 feet	750 feet
North Helix	325 feet	325 feet
Total Mainline Length	1547  (25.5 scale miles)	2333  (38.5 scale miles)
Moccoco Branch Line	110 feet,	175
Sierra Branch	0	150
No of Turnouts	159	A LOT
W. Staging Yard	440 feet, 11 tracks	440 feet, 11 tracks
E. Staging Yard	225 feet,  9 tracks	225 feet,  9 tracks

 

Operation

The layout is operated using Digital Command Control (DCC) in lieu of the traditional analog block control. This allows for up to 67 simultaneous operators. The club chose NCE Wireless system for the DCC controls.

The club also has a second floor dispatch office with a viewing window overlooking the main layout room. The club plans anticipate using a computer based control system for dispatching from this room.

 

Membership

The club consists of  37 members (as of July, 2008)  and is growing. New members are always welcome and now is a great time to get involved to help in the construction of this grand layout. The club meets officially on Wednesday and Friday evenings and every first Saturday of the month.  For further information, please see a member or you can reach us at 510-787-6703.