The HO Prairie Scale Model RR Club Model RR Club was open for layout tours during the OS2R March Meet. The club is located in Lombard, IL just a few miles from the meet site at the Westin Hotel. I took Uber to and from the club. This is the largest private model railroad club that I have ever seen. It has an interesting history.
The club was started in 2001 by 3 O scale 2-rail guys. They rented 7,000 square feet in the basement of a modest Lombard office building. The plan was to use half the space for an OS2R layout and the other half for an HO layout. Several HO modelers joined the club to build that portion of the layout.
The basement space was totally undeveloped. It had no electricity, a dirt floor, poor exterior walls, etc. It took 7 years to pour a concrete floor and to do all the other work to make the space suitable to build a model railroad. The space had to be brought up to modern building code standards so that the public could visit and they could hold train shows. Construction of the basic benchwork was begun about 2008.
During the space development period the number of HO club members grew while the O scale group remained at 3 people. It became apparent that there weren't enough O scale people to build a 3,000 square foot layout and so the O scale people left the club. The HO guys decided to utilize the entire 7,000 square feet for the HO display. A member told me that there are currently about 55 HO scale club members.
The HO display is being built on two levels with a helix connecting them. I would guess that the scenery is about 80% complete on the upper level. The construction of the lower level is just beginning. The club uses NCE DCC for train control.
Because of the building code requirements the aisles are wide - at least 4 feet and in many places 6 feet or more. A crowd can get lost in the display. A typical aisle is about 75 feet long with trains running on both sides of the observer. Although there was a crowd when I visited, you can see from the photos that the aisles were empty. It is easy for a visitor to get lost.
The railroad is single track with long passing sidings. The shortest passing siding will hold a 35 car freight train. Many club members run 80 car freight trains. Passenger trains are full length. There are several yards that will hold at least 100 cars each. Since much of the bench work was built to OS2R standards, curves are especially broad for a HO layout. Many of them have an 84 inch or greater radius.
The scenery is exceptionally well done. It represents typical mid-west railroading with farms and other mid-west industries. Heavy industry is being developed on the lower level.
It is too bad that the OS2R group couldn't get enough members to construct their half of this space.
This club is a must see if you are in the Lombard, IL area. Here are some photos:
This is the building's entrance.
Layout entrance. Note the two levels. The upper level scenery on the left is mostly complete while with scenery on the right is under development. Construction of the lower level is just beginning.
Another aisle.
The photo mural backdrops throughout the display are very effective.
Typical mid-west.
There are a lot of industry for switching opportunities.
A long SF intermodal train was racing by.
Icing reefers.
Farming.
The town of Centerville is at the layout's center. It is a typical small mid-west town.
I recall stopping at these kinds of vegetable stands with my parents. The roads are blended into the backdrop.
Typical small town church.
Many buildings have lights.
Yards can easily hold 100 plus HO cars. Note the helix on the left.
Stock yard and packing house.
A small city. I have forgotten its name.
The city station is very well done.
Another freight.
A new yard is being constructed on the lower level.
I really like this typical park scene.
Look at the broad aisles and layout curves.
Another small town.
The scenery on both sides of the upper level is done. The lower level is under construction.
This gravel scene is exceptional.
Below: The rock plant with rail service.
Another mid-west industry.
Very good farm scenes.
Another industry. It looks like a sand loader.
A different rock plant.
Rock plant.
Major passenger station under construction.
The CA CZ circa 1950s. Note the multi track main line at this point.
Empty aisle. Note the basic framing for the lower level under construction.
Another typical scene.
Below: I really like this river scene. I have forgotten the modeled river's name.
Small town America.
More farms.
Cattle pens at the packing house.
View of both levels.
This is a model of an actual dam. Photos of the real dam are posted nearby.
Another industry.
Looking toward the club's meeting room and lounge.
Another large yard.
Everyone loves horses.
I stood in the center of one aisle and took a photograph looking in both directions. This gives an idea of the length of these aisles.
A large industry under construction on the lower level.
Another aisle. I think that I am lost.
This is the club's meeting room and lounge area. A large passenger terminal and city are under construction.
The beginning of the city in the far corner.
