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Test

Not long after I started modeling, I got an idea to build a subway trolley station. This was my first diorama not related to my main layout, although it's really just a "mock-up" built rather quickly using mostly from foam core board. I also designed it so that it could sit on my layout, with the tracks running through the station. (This was prior to the town's expansion so there was more room on the table.)

Someday I plan to build a version of this station as a separate, stand-alone diorama connected to my main tracks. (My PCC trolley waits patiently for the expansion.)

By the way, there really is a Fenway station in Boston, but this isn't it. The real Fenway station isn't underground, nor is it near Fenway Park.


My first diorama, Fenway.


A few additions and modifications.


Microsoft Excel was used to make
the subway tile and wall signage.


My PCC car wants to go further.
(Someday he will.)



Ready for asphalt.


These are the newly poured sidewalks.


Yup...more foam.


Wow! Did you see that driver cut
off that bus? (Good thing this
is only a mock-up version!)


Blue Hill Avenue - at least the way I remember it! :)

Mattapan Square

This is kind of a weird diorama - even for me. It's another based on an old image, a picture I took over 50 years ago! The picture and the scene are a celebration of the then new GM "Fishbowl" buses that started to replace the antiques in use by the MTA at the time. I clearly remember my first ride in one (and discovering - the hard way - how hard seats made of fiberglass are).

I had originally intended this to be a more realistic scene, matching the picture a bit more, but after a meeting with my design consultant (Mrs. Pauley), I decided to leave it a bit "raw" and abstract.


Celebrating the new GM bus
at Mattapan Square.

Riverside Station

As a fan of PCC trolleys, when I found HO scale PCC cars (especially in MTA livery), I had to get a couple to look at and run. I eventually built the trolley station so that they had a place to stop. (Although it sits on my main layout, it's an easily-removable module and could work as a stand-alone diorama.)

As with Fenway above, there really is a Riverside station in Boston, but it also looks nothing like the model. The name just seemed appropriate considering it's been placed next to the Rogue River.

(It took me weeks to find an HO scale Checker cab! But it's so perfect there!)

By the way, in the foreground you can see one of many water tests I've done.


Riverside Station

Celebrating the Superchief

Celebrating the Superchief includes probably the longest trolley line anywhere: Chicago to LA. Check it out.

A Slice of Beacon

My latest layout that falls under the “Rapid Transit” title is entitled “A Slice of Beacon” and is documented here.


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