Code 250, Code 332, Live Steam, Battery, DCC, Track power, Air Wire, Aluminum, Brass, Nickel Silver, Hand laid track, 1:24, 1:22.5, 1:20.3, the East Mountains have it all. 9-27-06

The East Mountain Boys opened up their Railroads for a tour and we got it all.

I have never seen such variety. If you don't know what any of the above Jargon means, don't worry. You certainly get an education when you see those four very different railroads. They have different terrain, layouts, control, colors, the only thing they share is 45mm track width. If you missed the tour take it here. What is Code 250 & 332?

Furman & Beck provided the photos.

Semler has improved operations and uses track power for over 700' of track in a double loop. He runs 1:20.3 and 1:22.5 equipment on LGB code 332 track with radii of 20' or more. Some equipment will be changed to Air Wire and battery power. He built low bridges under his switches to promote good drainage. If you look, prototypical railroads always have a method of drainage under the moving parts of their switches.
Furman uses live steam and track power on code 332 LGB brass rail. Recently the amount of track was doubled. Operating equipment is 1:20.3, 1:24 as well as 1:22.5. All of the east mountains experienced heavy rains which caused many wash outs. The bridges add to the appearance of the layout but as they found out they also provide good drainage.
The Melicks use DCC on code 250 rail. They experienced the some of the worst washouts of the East mountaineers because their layout is on a large steep slope. Operating equipment is 1:20.3 and 1:22.5 and runs on hand laid track over their switches and bridges. All switches are air actuated from a central control station. The dark red rock is all natural and contrasts nicely with the green vegetation. They have many building to enhance their railroad empire.
The Kozloskis use battery power and Air Wire for their operating equipment. There are no power connections to the track. Code 250 aluminum rail is used throughout the system and is hand laid over their bridges. The bridge bases and ties are cut from one solid piece of wood. This prevents the ties from shifting and moving. You have to look very close to see they are not separate. The railroad operates 1:20.3 equipment.