Traveling Train Project can bring model railroads to community events
Press release from North Central Florida Model Railroad Club
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The North Central Florida Model Railroad Club (NCFMRC) is announcing a new program to bring operating model trains to your organization, school, or group event in Gainesville and Alachua County! This program features a computer-controlled model train layout that functions just like a real railroad! The presentation includes an introduction to today’s model railroad hobby, live train demonstrations, a ‘Yard Switching’ puzzle, and NCFMRC Club information.
The Traveling Train Layout project was developed to promote the model railroad hobby and introduce our club by bringing model trains to interested schools, organizations, and groups in our community.
Designed, built, and donated by Joseph Ward, this layout features small (N-Scale) trains, full landscaping, and highly detailed scenes. Various skills such as basic woodworking, electrical wiring, soldering, glueing, and painting were used in its construction. A computer runs all trains automatically according to schedules. Various train signals are located along the tracks and illuminate with red, yellow, and green lights. As in ‘full-size’ railroads, these signals control train traffic to provide for safe train operations. Diesel locomotive sounds can be heard as trains navigate around the tracks.
As shown above, the computer displays a user-friendly screen to operate all trains. Choosing any colored button will cause trains to move around the layout.
For middle and high school students, various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) examples and skills used in the construction of a model railroad are presented. Practical STEM applications are reviewed such as track design using CAD, digital train control, and basic programming for automated train operations.
Real railroads around the world monitor train traffic by computer for safety and overall efficiency. That system is called Positive Train Control (PTC). The same is true on this layout. The computer software constantly monitors all trains, controlling speeds, setting switches, and preventing collisions! The computer allows for ‘realistic’ train operations… just like the ‘real thing.’
For any group, organization, middle school, or high school wishing to have the Traveling Train Layout visit their facility or upcoming event, please visit our website and enter a request in the ‘message’ section of ‘Contacts.’ There is no charge (*) for this program.
To learn more about model railroading, watch trains run around our many layouts, or just ‘talk trains,’ check our website for club times and directions**. All are welcome!
*NCFMRC is a non-profit 501c3 organization. Tax deductible donations are accepted.
**Our club location is not handicap accessible. The 2nd floor access is via stairs only.