Garden State Model Railway Club, Inc. - Virtual Layout Tour

Virtual Layout Tour

Middletown

A 2003 view of Middletown Station. A NYC passenger train is arriving.

2001 saw a lot of alterations for the east end of Middletown. A city-like backdrop has been added. The old depot was removed and replaced with an over-the-track station. The tracks have been completely reconfigured, incorporating a pair of diamonds to cross the westbound mainline and the siding. The eastbound main is in the cut at the lower left. Compare this with the photo below and you will see the differences! Here a local passenger pulls into the station while a double-headed freight passes on the siding.

Middletown is, as stated in the name, the middle of the railroad. Because the Garden State Northern is usually operated as a single track railroad in operating sessions, the Eastbound mainline passes through this scene in the immediate foreground, and does not make any connection to the Middletown trackage or commuter station. During double-track operations, this track serves as a bypass of the yard.

However, Middletown is served by the GSN Westbound Main. A passing siding parallels the mainline here, and both tracks run past the commuter station. Middletown is home to a moderately sized switching yard, to serve the local industries. Behind the mainline is a large mountain, with a set of industrial tracks that climb the side at a very steep grade and form a switchback into a coal mine. As part of the original plan for Middletown, all of the tracks relating to the mining operations will have overhead catenary, and motive power supplied by small electric locomotives.

All of the track in Middletown is complete. Since the 1999 Show, much has been done in the way of scenery in Middletown. The tunnel portals have been completed, and all of the tracks have been ballasted. The mountain is complete, and several of the mining structures are finished, kitbashed from buildings on our old layout. The station is also near completion.

(9/1/2000) Good news! Until recently, there was little hope that the scene would be operational before the 2000 Annual show. While all of the switch machines, block feeders, and gaps were in place, the yard lacked a control panel. However, one of our members volunteered for the job, and did a magnificent job. We now expect Middletown to be fully operational in one month or less.

(7/10/2001) During the period of initial operation at the 2000 show, it was noted that the layout of the yard made it diffucult to use and made features inaccessable without fouling the main line. To remedy this, the interlocking area to the east of the yard has been torn up, and is being replaced in a more convenient configuration. Trackwork is almost complete, and modifications to the electrical system are projected to be done by the 2001 show.

The mid-point on the Garden State Northern mainline, Middletown never has a dull moment. Reading Company SD45's enter the passing siding with a mixed freight. They are heading westbound, making for the Deleware River and their home rails in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, EL SD's bypass the yard with an eastbound ore train. An EL GP35 switches the Mine in the background.

Nickel Plate Road 2-8-0 #492 stops at the west end of Middletown Yard for a drink, while PRR Gas-electric car #4644 stops at a passenger shelter on its commuter run. It has already made its stop at the large Passenger station at the East end of the Yard. A train of loaded hoppers sits on the mine tracks on the hill above.

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Eastbound to Perry

Westbound to Ramone Industrial & DOUG Tower