The Bolingbrook Model Rail Road Club is an HO modular group founded in 1998. We are located in Bolingbrook, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. We are an HO scale club, with the goal of building a modular layout for operation and display. Modules are built by the members to club standards, and are brought to meetings and assembled together to form a layout. In recent years, we have focused on branchlin
e switching operations. Branchline railroads have existed from almost the beginning of railroading in America through the 1960’s and 70’s, and some are still in existence today. These are usually a single track line, an out-and-back operation, often in less populated areas, but serving a variety of customers. Operation on these lines is generally slower paced, with shorter trains, but with no lack of interesting railroading action. In our modular club, we have decided to configure our modules and operating sessions toward this type of railroading. Some of the things we’ve incorporated into our sessions are:
point-to-point layout configuration, providing out-and-back running (actually, we run from a staging yard to the end of the line and back)
running at prototype speeds, no more than 25 mph, typically 10 to 15 mph, coupling at 4 mph
delivery and pickup of cars using a car forwarding system based on prototype documents
incorporation of some of the more interesting prototype tasks and procedures such as: brake tests; stopping to allow the crew to throw switches, align couplers, connect air hoses
use of car spots, specific locations within a given industry where a car is to be placed
We generally operate with two-person crews, engineer and conductor/brakeman. We find that running a five car train, out and back, delivering the five cars to customers and picking up a similar number of cars can take from 45 to 60 minutes when we incorporate the above items. This is a hobby to be enjoyed, not a race to be run, so running at a relaxed pace adds to the enjoyment. While we usually run only one train at a time, we have occasionally added a second, often a short passenger train to add some scheduling interest. We find that configuring our layout and operating in this prototypically realistic manner provides a very satisfying and enjoyable model railroading experience. The modules provide an opportunity to learn or sharpen modeling skills in the areas of trackwork, scenery, kit assembly, and scratchbuilding. Prototypical operation allows us to learn about railroading and to experience real railroad situations. If this aspect of the model railroading hobby interests you, come and see what we are doing. Membership is open to adult modelers of any skill level. Contact us before coming, in case there’s a change in the schedule. The club meets twice monthly, generally on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, at Bolingbrook Fire Station #5, 9AM to 3PM, and also displays their layout at several shows throughout the year.
