The New Jersey Division is home to many fine layouts. Most are open at one point or another throughout the year, for Division Meets or during other open house events. In 2002, dozens of layouts were opened during the Division’s hosting of the MER Fall Convention, Cherry Hill Depot. And then in 2006, many layouts were in the national spotlight when they were open for the NMRA National Convention, Independence Junction ’06.

Here is a look at some of the Division’s finest layouts. We’ll add more to this page over time, so stop back again for more pictures and links to more about each layout. (Newest additions are added to the bottom of the page)

Carl Corsi serves as a Director for the NJ Division. He also has a fine layout in his basement. Carl’s layout features the Pennsylvania Railroad. Carl uses NCE DCC and runs both steam and diesel in the early 1950’s. On the left, a flagman holds up traffic as a PRR freight blasts through town. On the right, a PRR freight is ready to depart the yard and head out onto the main. You can see more of Carl’s layout during our Hamilton Twp. Division Meets.

John Rahenkamp holds regular operating sessions on his “big” layout (see July 2003 MR article). John models the transition era and his layout travels from the coast of NJ (Bayview, Croxton, Jersey City), into PA (Easton) and on through to the coal fields of PA (Lehighton, Tamaqua). John scratchbuilds many of the structures on his layout (see July 2000 RMC). His layout operates with Digitrax DCC. The layout has been recently expanded to another section of the basement. You can see more of John’s layout during our Delanco Division Meets.

Mike McNamara serves as the Superintendent for the NJ Division. He also edits the newsletter and web site. Mike’s layout features the railroads of Northern New England, an area also known as the Northeast Kingdom (upper VT and NH). The layout is set in the late 1970s and features the Maine Central, Canadian Pacific, Lamoille Valley, Boston & Maine and Central Vermont. The layout features the rail lines that radiate out of St. Johnsbury, VT, across VT to the west and into NH in the east. Control is provided by Digitrax DCC. More info can be found on Mike’s web site, and you can visit the layout during our Delanco Division Meets.

New Jersey Southern N-Trak is South Jersey’s N-Trak club. They build and operate N-Trak modules using NMRA standards. The group participates in 5 to 8 shows a year and has been set up at our recent January Division Meets (above photos from January 2006 Division Meet in Haddon Twp.). NJS members usually meet at member’s homes on Thursday nights to work on their modules. More info can be found on their web site.

Dave Skinner has a beautifully constructed and detailed layout called the Kade RR. Dave’s layout features handlaid track, scratchbuilt structures and smooth running locomotives - everything you’d expect from a Master Model Railroader’s layout. The layout uses Digitrax DCC and is operated regularly by the South Jersey Friday Night Operators. Dave has a web site for his layout where you can get more information and pictures. Dave’s layout is open during our Deptford Division Meets.

Dr. Charles Patti is one of the few NJ Division Members to model in O scale narrow gauge. His Winged Foot & Western RR is one of the Division’s real gems. His layout is fully sceniced and highly detailed. The layout features a western logging them set in the early 1900’s. His layout was in Great Model Railroads 2000 and was featured in a DVD on Model Railroad Logging. Doc’s layout is open during our Haddon Twp. Division Meets in January.

Mert Gardner models the Denver & Rio Grande Western RR in his basement and also has a Garden Layout in his back yard. Mert served as NJ Division Superintendent 7 years between 1989 and 1997. The layout features spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery, with some peaks towering way overhead. The recently expanded layout hosts regular operating sessions. Mert’s layout is open during our Haddon Twp. Division Meets in January and his Garden Railroad is open in June.

Bob Hubbard’s Bangor & Navasink RR is packed into his basement and features more layout than you would think is possible in his available space. This is partially accomplished by using the vertical space available. The layout also features lots of interesting scratchbuilt structures. Bob draws on his background in engineering to develop buildings and bridges that you just won’t see on any other layout (except for those structures he has built for others in the Division!). Bob’s layout is open during our Haddon Twp. Division Meets in January.

Bob Price has started a layout that is multi-deck and features a large helix. The layout is set in the Pacific Northwest during the time of the Burlington Northern in the 1970s and 1980s and is powered by Digitrax DCC. While still in the early stages of construction, Bob did show off some nice scenery and backdrop painting. Bob’s layout has been open during our Haddon Twp. Division Meets in January. It has been a couple of years since we last visited Bob, but we hope to return soon to see the progress.

Mike Prokop has a large 25’ x 35’ layout set in northern New Jersey. The freelanced New Jersey & Western features steam and diesel with sound controlled by DCC. The layout is spread across two levels and has interchanges with many northeastern railroads such as the PRR and RDG. You’ll see long passenger trains, and big freights travelling through finished scenery and highly detailed towns. Mike’s layout is open during our Hamilton Twp. Division Meets in March.

Chuck Weitzel has a large basement layout He started in January of 2003. The layout has lots of trains controlled by DCC. Scenery has been completed on much of the layout. Chuck’s layout, located in Tabernacle, is usually open during our Haddon Twp. Division Meets in January.

Ray Notaro of Berlin has a layout about 22’ x 6’ that includes a 4’ x 6’ carnival section as pictured above. The carnival features 25 operating amusement rides including a monorail, carnival train ride, a volcano, music and fireworks. Many are scratchbuilt while others are converted from toys. Plans are to add a roller coaster to this highly animated display.