FUNTRAK continues to expand the size of the club layouts displayed for the public. Again this year the t-trak layout got larger and the new HO t-trak layout was included at the Fonda Fair, thanks to one of FUNTRAK’s newest members, Greg Brockway. The week-long train display draws many visitors and fascinates observers as they watch multiple trains traverse the many routes available on the numerous different scale layouts on display. The hard work of the members of the clubs involved pays off in the many smiles from the public to the people presenting the great model railroads at the fair.

FUNTRAK had a great time at the Fonda Fair! See our video below: A local freight traverses the FUNTRAK t-trak layout at the Fonda Fair on August 30. A full recap coming soon.

Friends and family gather together

This year’s 9th Annual FUNTRAK PicNik was probably the best yet. This picnic just gets better every year. We had a great turnout! Lots of old friends, new club members, kids and family were all in attendance. The food was plentiful and varied. Adults had the opportunity to kick back and catch up, while the kiddies challenged each other to loop the ring overtop the inflatable Three Stooges punch bag. There was a bit of drizzle, but not enough to dampen the fun. It was a great picnic. Mark your calendar for next year, always the first Sunday in August.  See more pictures here.

Here are a few pictures of the handiwork of our Canadian friends, Justin Parry and David King. As with most model railroad layouts, these are all a work-in-progress. It is always interesting to follow the progress of a layout as it grows, and moves toward completion. Of course, no layout ever seems to be “complete!” Justin’s layout is a large N scale layout with numerous modern features that are being developed. The electronics involved are truly mind-boggling, but they sure make operation interesting! David’s layout is a smaller On30 layout with a reduced version of similar controls to Justin’s. David usually tries something on his layout and then incorporates into Justin’s after testing and evaluation. The smaller layout provides a “test bed” for trying new things before going upscale to the larger layout. David is doing all these electronics while at the same time scratchbuilding most of the structures for his layout. Retirement contributes to much of the time required to do all these things, but even then things do not go as quickly as one might imagine. FUNTRAK will continue to follow the evolution of these railroads as we overtake the future.

This post is a tribute to our Northern neighbors in Canada. Brian recently visited with longtime
friend David King in Hamilton, Ontario where he was fortunate enough to visit a few home layouts,
including David’s. One of the interesting layouts he visited is pictured below, the Credit
Valley Railway based in the company store in Mississauga.

in store layout at Credit Valley Railway

Besides the HO layout, which this and the other pictures below were taken on, there is also a Lionel layout as well as a small O gauge diorama. All these displays are well done and are a big asset to the hobby shop. The layouts illustrate what can be done with available supplies, of which the hobby shop carries everything needed to build these fine layouts. The selection at the store was wonderful, the help most gracious, and prices reasonable. Many hard to find and unusual items were readily available and easy to find in the well organized store. If you are in the area, do not pass up an opportunity to visit this fine Canadian hobby shop.

FUNTRAK club member Clayt Farrall cheerfully presents Brian Curry with a T-Trak basic module

FUNTRAK was extremely pleased to give this module to Brian in recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to model railroading. Of course, there is a catch. With the upcoming annual Picnik, FUNTRAK will be setting up a small T-trak layout at the Picnik and expects Brian’s new module to be the star of the show. The August cover will tell the story. We’re all rooting for you Brian!

Brian Curry was kind enough to invite Funtrak members to visit his exquisite N scale home layout. This layout will provide inspiration to anyone who has even the slightest interest in model railroading. See his exquisitely detailed layout below.

Constructing the first of the necessary modules for the revived HO division of FUNTRAK began over the Memorial Day weekend. Two corners were completed with more to follow. Greg, one of FUNTRAK’s newest members, proudly displays one of the completed corners.

Greg displays the completed corner for the HO module

John and Lorenzo dress for the occasion, as they celebrate Golden Spike Day at Fisher Elementary School

FUNTRAK members John Fleming and Lorenzo Franchi dressed for the occasion as FUNTRAK provided the trains for the students at Fisher Elementary School to enjoy and celebrate Golden Spike Day. The display saw over four hundred students come to view the setup and enjoy the operation of numerous trains. Tim Brien, another of FUNTRAK’s members, provided a gorgeous Lionel layout in addition to the T-trak layout at the school. Everything finished up on Saturday with the PTA’s fair being conducted throughout the school and the trains remaining until the fair closed. FUNTRAK thanks all involved!

FUNTRAK instituted a new concept into its t-trak layout at its annual “Valley Rail Sights”
show in Ilion over the weekend of April 21 and 22. The double inside loop added much
interest to the operation of the trains as they traversed the above mentioned double bubble.
This intriguing layout design allowed trains to travel nearly twice as far in the same amount
of space, giving the illusion of a very long run. See the complete layout diagram, more
pictures, and information on our Extas! page.

Thanks to everyone who came out for our train show. Everyone had a great time.  See video below and check back for photos and details from our event.