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Latest News:
Latest News:
2027 Open House: Sat & Sun Jan 23, 24 and Jan 30, 31 from 12p-5p
About us:
About us:
The model Railroad Club of Buffalo is the nations' 3rd oldest club featuring a 600 square foot 2-rail O scale (with On30) layout, and a 1,200 square foot HO scale layout.
Soon we're going to start work on updating the scenery on our HO layout. Each open house should be an interesting one for both returning and new visitors alike!
In the mean time, if you're interested in joining the club, there has never been a better time than now! Parts of the layout are still unfinished, and we can always use some extra help.
The extensive HO Layout is a single track mainline, with long passing sidings to allow for trains to pass each other without a problem. Each industry slots in perfectly with the purpose-built mainline for realistic operation, with dispatcher issued block occupancy permission via two way radios. Several yards add diversity to the lengthy point to point mainline run. The layout can also do loop to loop, in case a member wants to just run their trains. Industries include a steel fabricator, a coal fed power plant, a chemical plant, a feed mill, and soon-to-be a massive steel mill. Three large staging yards provide a bountiful source of different trains for railfanning variety out on the main line.
Set in a free-lanced early 50s time period, the O scale layout occupies a 20ft x 25ft area and includes 2-rail o-gauge, as well as On30. Not just limited to freight, a traction railroad running alongside the mainline. Both narrow gauge and standard gauge lines serve the huge coal-transmodal facility for interchange purposes. The Traction runs trolleys from a small city scene to a lakeside resort area. The beautiful scenery represents an Appalachian setting with heavily forested hills, winding rivers, and tall bridges. Diesel and Steam powered trains run, with electric trolly cars powering the traction railway.
Frequently Asked Questions About our Club
Frequently Asked Questions About our Club
Visiting the Club
Visiting the Club
Q: When is the best time to visit the Model Railroad Club of Buffalo?
A: Our open house on the last two weekends of January each year is an excellent time to visit because there will be lots of trains running and plenty of people on hand to answer questions. Kids and adults alike enjoy visiting the open house watching the trains and taking in all the details. If you cannot make it to the open house please contact us and we may be able to work out a different time and date for you to visit.
Q: Will I be bored just watching the trains go around?
A: Definitely not! There is so much to see at the model railroad club of Buffalo. Many people spend hours taking in the details on our layouts!
Q: Do kids still like model trains?
A: Yes kids of all ages enjoy coming to the open house, watching the trains, taking pictures of the trains, asking questions about the trains, and telling us about their layouts. Hundreds of visitors over the years have agreed: it’s a great way to get out of the house on a cold snowy weekend in January.
Joining the club
Joining the club
Q: Is the Model Railroad Club of Buffalo open to new members?
A: Yes absolutely! Please contact our Club and we will get you a membership form!
Q: Is model railroading a dying hobby?
A: Not al all! Though we all have many interests competing for our attention, model railroading is alive and well. New technologies in manufacturing such as 3D printing have opened up a world of possibilities that didn’t exist years ago.
Q: Do I need to have my own trains in order to join the Model Railroad Club of Buffalo?
A: No, you’re welcome to bring up your own trains and run them, but we have many trains up at the club for members to run.
Q: Are you very strict about what trains can be run up at the Model Railroad Club of Buffalo?
A: We maintain technical standards to keep everything running smoothly, but outside of that members are welcome to run their own trains from whatever era or whatever road names they prefer. When you visit the club, you’ll see a variety of equipment on the layout. We're there to have fun and maybe learn a few things, that's all.
Q: Are model trains fun?
A: Yes! Not everyone enjoys the same aspects of the hobby, but we have a great time at the club. It’s a great opportunity to learn from each other, get ideas from each other, and meet friends who also enjoy trains.
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