Frequently Asked Questions
Can we photograph or videotape when we visit the club?
Yes, you are welcome to take photographs and videotape the layout when you visit our club. Feel free to take as many pictures as you want.
How long have you been working on the layout?
We starting working on the layout in 1974, so it has been 36 years at this location.
Is this the railroad that use to be at the State Fairgounds?
Yes, we are the same club that was at the State Fairgrounds and was open during the State Fair. In fact we have several engines on the layout that ran on that layout.
Who owns the engines and the rolling stock?
The club owns several of the engines on the layout. They are the ones with "Detroit Union Railroad" on them. Most of the rolling stock and other engines belong to the club members.
What is "O" Scale?
"O" Scale is 1/48 scale. The cars are 1/48th the size of the real engines. "O" Scale is different than "O" gauge as all of the equipment in "O" scale is to scale, while "O" gauge (Lionel for example) is not in 1/48 scale.
Is all the track handlaid?
Yes, all the "O" scale track on the layout is handlaid. We start by cutting and glueing the ties to the road bed. The are sanded and stained and then the ballast (rock between the rails) is glued down. The the rails are spiked with four spikes to each tie. There is close to 4,000 feet of track on the layout. Note: Some of the track on the new narrow gauge is not handlaid but flextrack.
Why do the cars look dirty?
This is a process in model railroading called weathering. Stop and think of how many time you see a clean railroad car. The cars in in the weather so the pick up dirt, grime and rust. Many model railroaders like to simulate this look by painting their cars to look like the real thing.
What era is the club modeling.
We are modeling the transition era in the mid 1950's. This is an era perfered by many modelers as steam engines and first generation diesel roamed the railroads. Although you will see so more modern stuff on the layout.