August Model Railroader: The NEW HAVEN under wire. Top notch layout!

[AntonioFP45]

Just have to give a "hats off" to Rick Abramson!

Outstanding layout!

It's easy to see that a lot of effort went into capturing the "flavor" of the Connecticut area. This layout could easily be 1968, when as a kid, I "unknowingly" watch the New Haven in action. I remember this type of scenery well: stone bridges, narrow streets, English style houses & buildings, and "Esso" gas stations.

My dad, a skilled, hardworking carpenter in demand, would let me accompany him to to his jobs in Connecticut sometimes when school was out for the summer. Somehow we often winded up near the rail line. I remember how intimidating those HUGE, grayish black catenery towers looked and seeing red & silver passenger trains "quietly" whip by at speed underneath them! By then of course, the EP5s were in need of a paint job. I didn't care------- just enjoyed seeing the trains!

Rick's trackwork and wirework is impressive and those locomotives are gorgeous! A nice stroke of creativity is that by picking the 50s to 60s era, we get to see the artistic contrast between the Green & Gold paint scheme vs. the Red, White, & Black "McGinnis" scheme. Both look great! [:)][:D][8D][;)][:D][tup]

Hope we see more of this layout in future issues! IMHO, this would make an excellent Allen Keller Video .

Thanks Rick!

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a great issue. I can't wait to get my hands on it!

[Noah Hofrichter]

Very good issue this month I agree. I could never take the time to string all those wires like that!

Noah

[cwclark]

i was impressed at the new haven under wire...it was a really good looking layout and the attention to detail (especially all the wire stuff everywhere) was extrordinary....

[RMax1]

There was a bunch of good stuff this issue. I liked the Doodlebug decoder install and the structure , brick and stone article. I found the casting article and the 10 weeks artiicle both good. This month gets thumbs up. The proto type information was interesting .... Good work MRR.

RMax

[AntonioFP45]

BTW: Is Rick Abramson also "NewHavenGuy" or NHRRJET? Anyone know? I may be off my rocker, but I think that a poster mentioned him as a member of this forum.

[NHRRJET]

Gentlemen:
I want to thank you one and all for your kind comments and compliments on my layout ,and the article in the August MR. I hope you enjoy reading and looking at it, as much as I enjoyed writing it. Should any of you have any questions, please ask.
BTW, my member name on the MR forum is NHRRJET.

[AntonioFP45]

Hello Rick,

Seems like we've already been talking for a while as you've helped me with NH related questions a number of times.

I sincerely do hope that you consider having your layout video taped by a pro like Allen Keller. I've seen a number of NH layouts in MRR since the late 1970s, but yours takes the gold!

Cheers to you in Run 8!

[NHRRJET]

Antonio:
As far as Allen Keller goes, I think that's more up to him than me.
There have been some excellent NH layouts in past issues of MR, I do however, really appreciate your compliment. My layout kind of touches on an area that is seldom modeled.
It was a real pleasure working with Terry Thompson and his staff at MR on this article.
All of your compliments truly made this layout well worth the time and effort.

[dharmon]

Mr. Abramson,

I would also like to extend my compliments on your layout. I just got my issue a few days ago and was truly impressed. I have always been facinated with electrics, and I have to say your catenary work is inspirational. I mean really inspirational. You do good work sir.

Dan

[NHRRJET]

Dan:
I must admit that I never expected such a volume of positive responses to my work and layout. I had mentioned to Terry Thompson that I truly hoped that this article showing not only the New Haven, but also all of the catenary would serve as an inspiration to those who never attempted such an undertaking. Apparently, based on your comments my goal has been realized. I do thank you sir.

[coalminer3]

It's a 2-step process. (1) Open the magazine. (2) Relive my allegedly "formative" years which were spent along the NYNH&H. IMHO, the best photos in the article were No.4 (anchor bridge), and No.6 (1950 Bridgeport). Thanks for sharing.

work safe

[Anonymous]

The layout is really cool. Now if I could only get my dad to decide that its time to make our family layout as detailed as the NH under wire.

Its time to start planning to make my own model railroad some day that is that detailed[:)]

[Noah Hofrichter]

Rick, It's layouts like yours that inspire my own ambitions. Being thirteen, my skills still need a little work, but it's layouts like yours that truely inspire me to fine tune those skills. Thank you very much for taking the time to write the article.

Noah

[philnrunt]

I couldn't agree more with the above posts!
. Most electric layouts are impressive, but Rick, I have to hand it to you- I have never seen a better job of modeling anywhere. Even without the overhead wire, this is a fantastic layout. With the catenary, it goes into the G&D and FS&M world class area..
I have read and re-read the article, and spent tons of time studying the pics.
You sir, are an artist, and you do us all proud with your efforts.

[NHRRJET]

Noah and Phil:
I cannot thank either of you gentlemen enough for your kind words!
As you can tell, I have put a lot of research, time and effort into recreating and "shrinking" the NYNH&H.
As I have stated earlier, its comments such as yours that make all the frustration of not only building a layout, but adding to it all the catenary most worthwhile.
Having one's layout in MODEL RAILROADER to me, is like winning an Oscar.
I truly hope that my work serves as an inspiration to those who might "fear the unknown" of model railroading, break thru that barrier and give it a try.
Noah, when I was thirteen(a few years ago!) I was already big into electrics, especially the NYNH&H. My first attempts at catenary were nothing to write home about; but I tried, that's what matters. Your skills will develop the more you try. Do not get discouraged, that can be difficult at times; we've all been there!
Phil: All I can say is thank you! I truly never expected the responses that I've been getting. MR says they would like me to send more slides for possible use in Trackside Photos!
Should either of you gentlemen have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thank you again!
Rick

[Anonymous]

Hello Rick....really super job on your NH layout!! As a long time "Nutmeg State" resident myself, I can say you have really captured the look of the NH electric zone. Enough cannot be said of your attention to detail, but several have expressed this quite well so far.
I model heavy electric of the third rail variety (Hudson Line...PC years) although do have a few ex-NH electrics (painted PC) which thanks to your article, I can picture right now along with some PC GG-1's running under wires. This brings me to a question. What materials did you use for the wires on the transmission towers above the catenary?
I would really appreciate any advice!
Also would like to see more photos in the future when you complete Bridgeport Station. Are you going to build a replica? It was an interesting structure that almost had a future as a different use till some jerk(s?) burned it down.
Rob

[NHRRJET]

Hi Rob:
Thank you for your kind remarks about my layout. Its always great to hear from another "Nutmegger"!
For the transmission wires I used the elastic "wire" from Berkshire Junction. I believe their web address is www.berkshirejunction.com.
The insulators are by Sommerfeldt. The transmission tower extensions on top of the cat bridges are scratch built using Plastruct I-beams. I recommend cementing the "wire" to the insulators with Walthers GOO; it will allow the "wires" to expand and contract.
I will certainly submit photos of Bridgeport station when it goes in. I am having a replica of the station scratch-built by Mr. Rich Cobb, one of the finest builders in the country. His structures have been in MR. Due to space constraints, the station will be reduced in size. As you are aware, Bridgeport station could be a layout in itself!
I hope I've helped you out here Rob. Please ask anything you like, this is what its all about!
If you are looking for NYC third rail, Model Memories makes that also.
Rick

[Anonymous]

Hi Rick,
Thank you for the advice. I'm using Model Memories third rail now. It is very delicate, but works well. Looking forward to your Bridgeport Station pics in the future.
Rob

[NHRRJET]

Hi Rob:
I'm glad I was able to help.
I myself can't wait for B'port station!
The "4627" in your screen name, could that be ex-NYC P-motor 227?
I rode a P-motor (235) around the loop in GCT in 1964. . . .what a ride!

[Anonymous]

Hi Rick,
Absolutely correct about 4627. I was a kid when these motors went to scrap. I only went to Harmon about twice a yr. with family and 4627 always seemed to be there. It became a favorite. I did not like the FL-9's taking over at the time. Now they are my favorite locomotives in any paint but this PC fan will admit that the NH paint was and still is (Thanks CDOT!!) the best.
Do you run any FL-9's? Tops on my wish list is for a quality plastic FL-9. I think NH fans alone would make this worthwhile.
Rob

[NHRRJET]

Rob:
I too, hated to see a real motor replaced with a "pretend" motor!
There are no FL9s on my layout. Perhaps one day I'll get a couple of them, only because they're NH!
If you notice, the Jet passing under the anchor bridge in my article is the 379; she was my favorite. A friend of mine has the actual nose door off 379, with an operating headlight!
Rick

[NHRRJET]

I am still receiving letters and e-mails in response to my article in the 8/04 issue of MR. I never expected such a wonderful response. THANK YOU ALL!!!