Pennington Railroad Association

Pennington Railroad Association Model railroad association Pennington Railroad Association
Building Better Train Layouts Since 2003
WHO ARE WE?

The Pennington Railroad Association (PRRA) was formed in 2003 by John and Dave Coats. The PRRA designs, builds and operates an O-scale train layout every year. After the holidays, the layout is completely dismantled. HISTORY OF THE PENNINGTON RAILROAD ASSOCIATION
The PRRA started as a simple MTH Pennsylvania RR starter set as a Christmas gift. The O-gauge set was reminiscent of the Lionel sets ope

rated by the Coats boys in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. After two holiday seasons in the family dining room on a 4x8’ piece of plywood , the seasonal layout graduated to the more spacious (but unheated) sunroom. Now two 4x8’ platforms could be utilized, although access in these tight spaces was restricted to the newest member of the PRRA, Liz Coats, traveling secretary and daughter-in-law. After one year in a spacious townhouse basement in Lawrenceville, the PRRA returned to the unheated (and un-heat-able) garage with a 16x16’ layout. Finally, a decision was made to develop a dedicated facility for the PRRA. A 10x20’ shed was purchased and transformed into the PRRA clubhouse. PENNINGTON RAILROAD ASSOCIATION CLUBHOUSE
The PRRA clubhouse was developed to provide a dedicated space for all model railroading activities. The structure sits up on a gravel foundation, has a walkway from the back patio, is electrified and has a thermostat-controlled heater. The structure is fully insulated and carpeted, providing a comfortable environment for working and viewing the train layout. A workbench with all the necessary tools enables a wide variety of modeling activities to be done on the spot. Amenities include cable TV, a Bose music system (country music only) and a beer fridge. In 2010, a permanent elevated track was installed with four remote switches and 80 linear feet of track. This additional track has enabled us to showcase our growing collection of beer-themed re**er cars. LOCATION, HOURS AND ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
The PRRA is headquartered at 14 Baldwin Street, Pennington, NJ, 08534. Most activity takes place during the fall season on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. A weekly meeting of the PRRA takes place at Wayside every Thursday evening at 9:00 pm.

01/09/2023

Pennington Railroad Association 2023 layout begins to take shape. Big thanks to chief engineer Dave Coats.

01/22/2022

Tracks all powered and working! Even the switches are working.

PRRA has now moved to a new location: 44 Buckingham Drive in Pennington. Layout in process. Syay tuned.
01/22/2022

PRRA has now moved to a new location: 44 Buckingham Drive in Pennington. Layout in process. Syay tuned.

12/09/2020

Another on-track video. It didn’t end well...

12/09/2020

Experimenting with on-track video with the 2020 layout. Plenty of challenges including fishermen on the tracks! Danger everywhere.

12/01/2020

Trains active today! Note close call with trolley and fisherman.

2020 layout now finished.
11/30/2020

2020 layout now finished.

Making progress on the 2020 layout.
10/27/2020

Making progress on the 2020 layout.

Starting new 2020 layout. Moved chest into the closet and will be blocking bathroom door for the next 5 months; progres...
10/05/2020

Starting new 2020 layout. Moved chest into the closet and will be blocking bathroom door for the next 5 months; progress requires sacrifices!

2014 layout
03/16/2014

2014 layout

03/16/2014

Pennington Railroad Association is BACK. Bigger and better than before, we have to the Eastern suburb of Pennington, known as Skillman. I hope you enjoy the new photos.

Pennington Railroad Association 2012 Layout
03/11/2012

Pennington Railroad Association 2012 Layout

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Pennington, NJ
08534

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