AMHERST BELT LINES
	HO Modular Railroad

Summer Edition

Keeping Cool?

July has only just started, but promises to be a very hot month. To keep your cool this summer, how about getting that modular project you've been planning out of the way? The cool basement is a great place to beat the heat, and is probably the most common location for model railroading activities to occur. During the oppressive weather that promises to be around for the next couple of months, why not add that scenery to the module, or add a few details to keep the module fresh? Putting together a few kits is a great way to relax, or maybe even checking your rolling stock for clean wheels, coupler height, weight, etc. If you are headed off for a vacation, don't forget the camera-you never know when you might run into a train to photograph, or maybe just the right detail for that bare spot on the front corner of the module! Whatever you do, keep cool, take it easy, and have fun!

Are YOU Building a Module? (Do WE Know About It?)

During the past year we have seen a number of new modules join our ranks. Some of these modules had been in the planning stages for a number of years; others had come from other modular groups. If you are planning or building a module, or are looking to get involved with a modular layout with your existing module(s), please let us know. We will be happy to provide our specifications to assist you in building a new module, or in modifying an existing one. Contact one of the coordinators listed above, or submit the "Red Sheet" on the Amherst Belt Lines web page, for more information.

If you are planning or building a new module, or have an existing module or modules you would like to have included in any of the show layouts, please let Alan know as soon as possible. Alan needs to know as much information as possible about your module including the following: physical size and type, track plan and any information about the industries or sidings on your module that you can provide.

We also have a number of "finished" modules that are owned by the Amherst Belt Lines that are looking for individuals interested in maintaining and transporting them to shows. Some of these modules have a colorful history. All of them are in need of someone to keep them in good working order between shows. Available straight modules range in length from 2 feet to 12 feet, and both inside and outside corners are available. Please contact one of the module coordinators above if you are interested in an existing module. This is a great way to get your feet wet with modular railroading!

Coming Events: Pepperell Siding Model Railroad Club Show

It is official, we have accepted the invitation to participate in the Pepperell Siding Model Railroad Club's annual show. This year the show will be on Sunday, October 17, 1999, with setup on Saturday. The show will be held in Townsend, MA at the High School on route 119. The show hosts a combination of display layouts and vendors and meanders it's way through the school to the main "gallery" in the Gym. Displays range from Live Steam (outside!) to an N-trak modular layout and the PSMRRC’s own modular Commonwealth Railway System. If you have never been to this show, it is worth seeing. Mark the dates on your calendar now, and let any of the coordinators know if you are interested in participating at the show. We need help with setup and break down, and operation before and during the show. If you would like to have your module(s) included in the layout, let Alan know soon so that planning for the layout may begin.

Coming Events (part 2): Bedford Boomers Show

That about wraps up this edition of the Modular Mumblings. Don't forget to mark your calendar with those dates, and we will see you at the shows!

Happy MODULAR railroading and have a happy, safe and cool summer -- Sudro, Clark, Tom and Alan

Modular Railroading is Fun!

The Lyman Mills module under construction c. 1990?
Module and photo by Joe Kurland

Mike Tylick's F&S Junction module at a show c. 1990?
Photo by Joe Kurland