North of Columbus
Ashland - one hour north of Columbus, just off I-71
Dean Freytag, MMR » South Ridge Lines
Open: Sunday 12 noon – 5pm
Scale: HO
Prototype Inspiration:
Layout size: Approximately 15’ x 40’
Power System: Conventional DC
The South Ridge Lines features award winning heavy steel industry structures. The Davies Steel Corporation is the principal industry and the railroad’s reason for existence. Blast Furnaces, BOF (Basic Oxygen Furnace), Sintering Plant, Rolling Mills, Electric Furnaces, and just about every supporting structure dominate this layout. Dean developed the Steel Industry series of kits for Walther’s so here’s your chance to see and visit with the man who “wrote the book” on modeling the steel industry. The layout is approximately 15’ x 40’ and features conventional DC control.
Lexington - three quarters of an hour north of Columbus, off I-71
Guy Thrams » Grafton & Ohio RR
Open: Sunday 12 noon – 5pm
Scale: HO
Prototype Inspiration: Baltimore & Ohio
Layout size: Approximately 24’ x 38’
Power System: Conventional DC with DCC on the way
The Grafton and Ohio RR is a representation of a mid-eastern coal hauling railroad that is somewhat based on the B&O. The time is set in the 1950’s while there is still plenty of steam power on the rails, with a few diesels starting to intrude on the roster. Scenery is about 50 percent complete. There is a lot of switching action with over 50 switches and a gauntlet track on a curved stone arch and steel bridge. The layout features convention DC control with conversion to DCC well pass the planning stage on this 24’ x 38’ layout.
Marion - one hour north of Columbus, just off US-23
Marion Model RR Club » Marion,
Ohio & Western
Open: Sunday 12 noon – 5pm
Scale: HO
Prototype Inspiration:
Layout size: Approximately 20’ x 40’
Power System: Conventional
Layout scenery is complete with backdrops and realistically portrays the rural atmosphere of southeastern Ohio. Operations feature mostly diesel power and some steam with long coal trains and short locals. There are 14 hidden staging tracks and complete yard facilities. The 3’ gauge Crooked Creek RR started out as a tourist line but now hauls freight and ore interchanging with the standard gauge. The club is located at the Marion Depot, one of the best train watching spots in Ohio so make sure you allow some time checking out the traffic on the CSX and NS.
East of Columbus
Coshocton - one hour east of Columbus, off US-161
A.M.R.E.C. [Club] »
Open: Sunday 12 noon – 5pm
Scale: HO
Prototype Inspiration:
Power System:
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Zanesville - about one hour east of Columbus, just off I-70
Zane Trace Model RR Club » Zane Trace & National Trails RR.
Open: Sunday 12 noon – 5pm
Scale: HO
Prototype Inspiration:
Layout size: Approximately 37’ x 45’
Power System: Conventional DC
This is a walk-in type layout with scenery being about 80% complete. Area is representative of Southern Ohio, West Virginia and the rolling hills of Appalachia. The mainline has 6 cab capability using radio controlled throttles and is set up to be block controlled. This layout is located on the 3rd floor of an old downtown office building so there are lots of stairs to climb. Sorry, no elevator is available. The Zane Trace Model Railroad Club was featured on Kalmbach’s Dream, Plan, Build series – CD #15.
South-East of Columbus
Lancaster - about one hour south of Columbus, off US-33
Hocking Valley Model RR Club » Hocking Valley RR./Indiana & Ohio
Open: Sunday 12 noon – 5pm
Scale: HO
Prototype Inspiration:
Layout size: Approximately 25’ x 16’
Power System: Digitrax
Layout has just undergone a major re-building. Set in the 1950’s, this railroad features steam to early diesel era power with 10 to 15 car trains the norm. Scenery construction is underway and is progressing nicely. Layout is located in a portion of the Fairfield County meeting hall across the street from the Ohio University – Lancaster campus.
South of Columbus
Ashville - about one-half hour south of Columbus, off US-23
Cliff Hoover » Santa Fe
Open: Sunday 12 noon – 5pm
Scale: HO
Prototype Inspiration:
Power System: Digitrax
Cliff’s layout occupies a large basement and the scenery is nearly complete. Trains wind their way through rolling terrain with plenty of switching opportunities. Diesel power abounds on this layout with lengthy runs under the control of DigiTrak.
