Sunrise Division

SUNRISE - DIVISION 2

For the past three years the Sunrise Division has been constructing a modular layout that we can exhibit at shows.  The division team adopted a design using 14 modules that are assembled into a rectangular layout approximately 29' x 19'.  

The individual module design and number of modules was largely dictated by the size of our trailer.  Rather than use a “standard” trackplan design that would enable our modules to be assembled in various ways, we chose a free-form design that requires that modules be assembled in a specific, unchanging configuration.  This allowed us to specify a minimum radius of 40-inches with easements and a mainline that is not always parallel to the edges of the benchwork.  Another feature is the inclusion of an operational signal system.

Each module is constructed as an open grid, 68" x 30" with 2" foam as the base.  Sub-roadbed and roadbed is 1/4"-inch plywood cemented to the foam.  Modules are attached to each other using 4" butt hinges with removable pins to hold the units securely together and 6" track plates connect the tracks.  Another goal was to keep the modules light to facilitate set-up and tear-down.  We have managed to keep the weight of individual modules to about 30 to 40 pounds each.

By March 2013 we were ready for our first show at the Rocky Mountain Toy Train Show in the Denver Merchandise Mart.  At this time, only the mainline was operational and much of the yard track remained to be installed.  We have exhibited it at two additional Toy Train shows in December 2013 and March 2014 and each time we have been a little more finished.

Initial construction took place in Don Francis’ cabinet shop during the summer and fall of 2012 and winter of 2013.  Eventually we had to move out of Don’s shop and further work now takes place in Dick Hunter’s garage.  This restricts our ability to work on the layout to reasonably good weather and no more than about six modules at a time.  In spite of careful planning for our signal system it didn’t work at our first show.  We had initially cut rail gaps to isolate electrical blocks in Don’s shop where it was cool.  When we moved the layout into the warmer environment of the Merchandise Mart, the rails expanded and closed the gaps.  We hadn’t had time to put insulating material between the rails.

Future progress will focus on finishing scenery.  We did a little “zip-texturing” in the fall of 2013 to cover up the bare plaster look, but much remains to be done.  The locale and era we are modeling is the eastern plains of Colorado during the 1950’s.  Many of our current structures have been salvaged from the old Sunrise Division’s modular layout and we will retain those that fit will with the modeled era.  Additional structures will be build and weathered to fit that era.

Modules 1, 2 and 3.  Bill Johnson (Caboose Hobbies) is supervising.

Modules 4, 5 and 6.  The spectator is busy counting the cars on a 62-car train