Madison Railroad
Focal Point Transit

The Madison Railroad is an "HO" scale railroad which was founded in 1988 and devised just for photography at first. Through the years and with a fairly large inventory of models, it was decided to build a layout.

The following is a photo essay of what the layout looks like today, 11 years after the first photograph was taken.

The layout measures 16 feet by 8 feet of bench construction, and took 4 years to complete from start to finish. The layout is considered a "Switching Layout", with continous loops. Freight cars are moved from one industry to another using a "Computer Car Fowarding System".

Recently DCC was installed to improve and create realistic operations.

All modeling and photography was done by me, unless otherwise stated. The Madison Railroad was created through my imagination and depicts "NO" particular prototype railroad.

The scenery is 100 percent completed. However, layouts are never really finished. There is always something to do to enhance or to be improved upon.

We hope that you enjoy your visit and please feel free to ask questions about the layout.

Photos of the Layout:

At first glance when you enter the train room, you will see this half of the Madison Railroad. It looks busy, yet very interesting to look at.

First stop is at the "Mares Hairs Station" as a Reading GP30 slowly pulls into the station with a passenger consist.

As the train follows the track, it passes the "Feed Mill" which is an active industry on the Madison Railroad.

As a pair of helper GP9's decend from the Connetquot Mountains and wait for a new assignment, "Jefferson City" can be seen in the background.

There is even bus service on the Madison Railroad.

While the track crew takes a break and awaits another assignment, a game of checkers occupies their time. The Atlas shanty kit was modified and a cupola was added.

Old water mains can present a problem at times. Here one is about to be replaced after bursting the night before.

At the base of "Jefferson City" life goes on and people just go about their business.

This is just one of those industries that is not served by the railroad. It was placed here for scenic interest.

The furniture company looks quiet, yet they require frequent cars to move lumber in and finished furniture out, by the Madison Railroad.

Here is the Madison Railroad engine repair shop. The turntable is used when turning steam engines, although there isn't too many remaining on the Madison Railroad.

Sweet Water Foods was one of the first industries placed on the Madison Railroad.

A dirt road surrounds "Riedel Storage" and a paved road leads up to and passes several dwellings located on a hill.

Sometimes there's a shortage of cars as in this case. A 50 foot Madison Railroad "Cut Flower Service" reefer is being loaded with fresh milk.

Here a movie studio leased an area alongside the "Lion Milk" company for a scene in the movie. The movie company also leased a Heisler which will be in numerous scenes in this movie.

This picture is of the "Connetquot Mountains" during the construction stage. The wooden trestle is there for automobile traffic.

It's hoped that you enjoyed your brief visit to the Madison Railroad.

LINKS

More links will be added as addresses become available. So, come back soon.

A Friends Link.....
MS&K's Home page!

Great Railroad Link.....
RailServe - The Internet Railroad Directory

Model Railroading Tips & Tricks.....Model Railroad Tips, Tricks and Techniques

A German Layout with a US twist.....
Wolfgang Dudler

NMRA.....
NMRA Directory of World Wide Rail Sites

Lots of information here.....
Couplings

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