HO Layout Information

HO Scale is by far the most popular scale worldwide with an incredible variety of model railroad equipment available both in kit form and ready-to-run. The scale is equal to 1/8" to the foot and combines some of the best features of O and N scale. This size is large enough to allow "super-detailing" of models and small enough for long trains and large scenery, especially in our expansive club layout. Those just entering the hobby usually begin in HO scale considering the availability of inexpensive high quality equipment and the ease of constructing a reliable HO layout.

The HO railroad is transcontinental in scope, with standard and narrow gauge divisions. The mainline of the standard gauge (excluding yards and passing sidings) exceeds seven scale miles.

The large Eastern section which is under construction will feature scenic mountain areas reminiscent of the Appalachian areas served by the Pennsylvania. C&O, New York Central and other eastern roads. A long high bridge and a small yard in tree filled hills mark the Eastern end of our railroad.

Let us now take a trip East to West on the BSSME HO railroad. Our passenger train glides out of the yard area, and proceeds into the gently rolling hills. Slowly, the hills become mountains with the heavy foliage of deciduous trees in the Appalachians. In this area, a coal branch heads off, climbing steeply through the hollows of West Virginia. We follow the mainline on an embankment paralleling a small river while a freight moves down Main Street in a small West Virginia town.

Further West, we leave the Eastern section and enter the Western Mountain section of the layout. The line enters a Colorado mining area which is at the top of a long western style 2% helper grade coming up from the opposite direction, not unlike the Royal Gorge route of the D&RGW. A moderately sized dual gauge terminal at "Summit" serves as the jumping off point for the three-foot narrow’ gauge line which climbs even higher to the Georgetown Loop.

Proceeding westward on the standard gauge mainline, our train descends the long 2% grade with a wildly rushing river crisscrossing the tracks. This is the longest and most difficult grade for trains heading in the opposite direction. Walk-around radio control on the entire railroad permit the use of mid-train and rear train helpers operating independently for lead train power to assist freight trains climbing this steep grade.

We now proceed through the yards at "Helper" at the base of the grade and continue through "miles" of rolling western prairie. Along the way we stop at a small rural passenger station while passing wheat fields, grain elevators and cattle loading facilities representing a variety of western eras.

Our route now double backs to enter the long peninsula, which is being developed to represent northern California. Typical industries visited are lumber mills and fruit loading facilities. We pass a long train of orange Pacific Fruit Express (PFE) refrigerators being loaded with citrus for the eastern markets.

As we cross a long coastal bridge, we become aware that a major city is ahead. We begin to see commuter stations and a few industries. As we continue, buildings get larger and closer together. Industrial buildings and factories proliferate and numerous engines shuttle various types of freight cars in and out of seemingly hundreds of spur tracks. We pass a container and trailer freight car loading facility (TOFC).

Finally, we pass a huge storage yard and terminal capable of holding 500 freight cars. Sweeping around a long graceful curve, the mammoth engine facilities, coach yard and roundhouse appear on the right just before we enter the passenger terminal at our journeys end. Our twelve car passenger train pulled by three Alco-diesels completely fits inn the long terminal.