149th Street Harlem Station

[sailormatlac]

Hi,

I'm actually in the process of building a small switching HO layout depicting Erie's Harlem Station in NYC. Back in 2010, I started to build it but the project was soon plagued with turnout issues and lack of data. Even though, I still think rail-marine operations are particularly interesting.

SInce then, I found out better pictures, better maps, aerial photographs and could then proceed to redraw a more accurate track plan. The good thing was that Harlem Station had almost no curved turnout, which is a good thing with small radius.

I'm confident the track plan is probably one of the most precise version of this station yet to be found. Many modellers tried to reproduce Harlem Station, but so far, all of them made concession here and there. My goal is to operate a faithful rendition of this terminal.



The layout will be made of two waffle frame modules bolted together and equipped with folding legs. I already started to build the module... What a time consuming process, but it's worth the effort.

I'd like to experiment with radio-controlled/battery powered locomotives, mainly a boxcab which I already discussed in another thread. I have many reason to go this way which I won't detail here but they are mainly centered on flawlessly operation with short wheel base locomotive at slow speed and the possibility to run the locomotive over the carfloat without having to wire it.

All structures will be removable for easy of transportation. A club member is highly interested in operating this layout at home, so it's why it is designed as a freemo module for exhibit.

Except locomotives, I have a large amount of 1940s and 1950s US cars that will be at home on this layout. It's a great opportunity to use them.

Some pictures can be found here. http://harlem-station.blogspot.ca/

To be noted, most structure, except the car float, will be kitbashed or heavily kitbashed, including tugboats, freight house & shed, gantry crane an small coal dealer sheds.

Matt