NMRA Potomac Division Minicon  

10 March 2001

Ever since Bernie Kempinski came up with the idea of oNeTRAK, the concept of a peninsular layout with a reversing loop at the end has intrigued me. 

So much so, that when John Drye asked me to coordinate the oNeTRAK "operations" layout for the Potomac Division NMRA Mini-Convention in Falls Church on March 10, that layout seemed the perfect place to experiment with a new layout scheme. 

Space was tight in the convention hall, with our layout right up against that of the Potomac [HO] Module Crew. But, Semper Gumby, we made everything fit! 

As the diagram below shows, the layout was an oval of 3T and 1T modules, with a U-shaped branch ending in a reverse loop, Matt Shaefer's re-built Looney Jct. Dave Davies' Brunswick Yard anchored the oval, with two (2) Club Corners extending the 3T section between CP3-2-1 and Keith Holzaphel's McMillan. Jim LaBaugh's Pucketsville and Sage Brush comprised the opposite leg of the oval, and John Drye's Yasgur's Farm, a bridge module, and a 5" spacer hastily, but superbly, constructed by Matt Guey-Lee completed the loop. 

At the corner of the oval, John Drye's Gordonsville formed a wye, with the third leg leading to the branch. Bernie Kempinski's Maxey's Corner, Moose Lake and North Fork extended the first 20+ feet of the branch, and Jim Labaugh's 5' 180 degree corner loop capped the end. Next, Jay Keese's Van Dorn led into my own West Riverside, which split the main for Looney Junction. In addition to the reverse loop, Looney also featured staging on the NTRAK mains below it, a line up to the Mountain Div., and extra staging tracks behind that. 

Thanks to several members of NVNTRAK, not only were we able to set up the layout in record time, and debug a few stubborn electrical gremlins, but we also conducted some switching operations on the main line. Karl Cooke, Matt Schaefer, Matt Guey-Lee and Bill Pirkey all took different versions of the "Looney Turn" out of Brunswick, with Paul Diley running a through coal drag to complicate matters for yours truly, the impromptu dispatcher. Switching un-blocked trains at local industries, and bi-directional running on a single-track main with sidings, was a learning experience for us, but I think most folks appreciated the change of pace from oval looping. 

In addition to breaking ground with layout design and DCC electrical configurations, we also learned what we could do even better for future layouts. Maxey's Corner and Looney Jct. made their public debuts, and several modules saw action for the first time in almost a year and a half. Attendees were able to view Bernie's Moose Lake, the cover shot on "Model Railroad Planning 2001," up close and in person. It was good to be able to do what oNeTRAK does best - DCC powered, prototype-based operations, and we did a tremendous amount of that for a one-day show, with modules in an arrangement never before seen. 

Many thanks to all who assisted with the layout, not only those who brought modules or ran locals, but also to Dave Freshwater, Bill Reaves, Mitch Brown, Rod Smith, Bobby Richesin, and Noll Horan, who assisted with set-up and/or tear-down. Dave Greenacre served admirably as trailer hostler for NVX2, both to and from the show. 

Click here to see the sign-up sheet and layout schematic.

Click on the thumbnail pictures to see full-sized versions. 

Pictures by Bernie Kempinski and drawing by Matt Schaefer - thanks!!!