Current Layout by Hugh Sinn

Layout Name:

"Reading Chester County Branch Line"

Layout Status:

active

Track Type:

Layout Space:

12' x 15'

Layout Style:

Point-to-point, paper clip-shaped

Track Manufacturer:

S-Helper Service, American Models, Fox Valley Models

Rail Size:

code 138, 148

Min. Turnout Frog:

Min. Radius:

40" (main, sidings), 37" (spurs)

Ruling Grade:

Track Height(s):

42"

Mainline Track Length:

50'

Completed:

benchwork: 100%; track: 100%; scenery: 75%

Setting:

eastern Pennsylvania, Reading's Chester Valley Branch

Railroad(s) Modeled:

Reading

Control System:

DCC (Digitrax)

Notes:

The layout was built from some of the first modules of the North Penn S Gaugers club's layout from the early 1990s. Hugh added end point yards, and short sections. The concept is loosely based on the Chester Valley layout of 1939 by J. Harold Geissel. Hugh indicates that the layout is slated to be taken down near the end of 2023, so that he can start construction on a new layout that can better handle his 4-8-4 engines.

Other Links:

Lehigh Valley SW7 with Stanton Drives (photos & video)

Videos:

Frank Titman-built Reading T1 2107 running light

This is an early photo of the layout showing nearly all of it.

This photo was taken in 2023 showing the tremendous progress Hugh has made over the recent years.

The tour starts on the left-hand side of the layout, which features a yard.

RDG #18 departing Brandywine.

#2107 is leaving Brandywine.

#1563 with an easy load, crossing a small creek.

Farther down the line, the track goes over a river.

Arrival at the small yard at the other end of the layout.

A Reading "saddletank" found on Hugh's layout.

Hugh took this black & white period photo of a Reading I-10sa after it had just taken on water from the water tank. The water tank is Lehigh Valley Models kit #LVM21. The engine is also a Lehigh Valley Models kit, namely #LVM10, which owner Frank Titman first sold in 1977 as a kit and later as a ready-to-run model. The 50 prototype Reading 2-8-0 class I-10sa freight locomotives were all built by Baldwin in 1923, with the 2000 series of road numbers.