Founded in
1958

 




Current Activity


The club's recent activities are illustrated below.

This page was updated on 12-01-07


The Redstone Model Railroad Club is rebuilding!

Beginning with a commitment to build a new layout!

In the fall of 2003, members voted to consider building a new layout while continuing to perform extensive repairs on our current layout. In the Spring of 2004 the club approved converting the current layout to Digital Command Control. As work continued on the refurbishment of the current layout, more issues were discovered that complicated the refurbishment tasks - the layout was over 25 years old and had endured the extreme temperature cycling during summer months. In the summer of 2004, the club decided to accept layout designs and suggestions from members. A survey was made by member John Hilchey. Using input received from John's survey, layout plans were received from two members, along with suggestions from others. A Layout Committee, chaired by General George Turnmeyer, was appointed to develop a final plan. Layout drawings were submitted by David Kudrav and Julian Berry on September 7, 2004. On October 12, 2004, a concept was approved and final planning by the Layout Committee began.
 

 

Left to right, Wally Tabor, Dieter Grethmann, and the late Frank Stebbins discuss layout drawing submitted by David Kudrav. Frank passed away May 4, 2005. Frank was the last surviving charter member of the Redstone Model Railroad Club. He was the driving force behind building the 1978 layout as the club fought to make a comeback after the devastating tornadoes of April 3, 1974. He is very much missed.

 

 

 

Wally, Frank, and Dieter study Julian Berry's layout drawing submission on September 7, 2004, prior to the meeting that will adopt a concept for the new layout. Julian and David, along with Rich Garber would also serve on the Layout Committee.

 

On October 12, 2004, the layout drawings were presented to the members for consideration. In this photo, David Kudrav describes his drawing to the membership.
 

Rich Garber, left, assists as Julian Berry explains his drawing to members. Rich also offered suggestions and alternatives to both drawings. From these drawings, a concept was adopted at the April 12, 2004 meeting and a detailed layout plan evolved over the next two years.

  On February 2, 2005, the old layout is a large pile of rubble outside our clubhouse, thanks to the efforts of Wes Savage and Jeff Brewer. At this point, a few building improvements would be planned before any layout construction could begin. Three windows would be blocked in with masonry, the air-conditioner for the west end of the building replaced and extensive rewiring would be required. Some cosmetic work would be needed on the ceiling.
 

Construction work on the building renovation was slow going but by September, 2005, the three windows had been blocked up and rewiring was well under way. Julian Berry, left center, is installing furring strips along the south wall for the new backdrop, with assistance from David Kudrav, far left.

  By september, 2006, most of the building renovation had been completed and the decision had been made to use ¼" sheetrock, applied against a hardboard backing. Matching ¼" Flexboard was used in the corners, bent to a 30" radius. David Carlton, left, is mounting the final piece of sheetrock on the south wall as Julian Berry mud's in the curved flexboard.
  Still more building renovation was being done in July of 2007. The remnants of a center wall concealed electrical conduit for heating and service outlets across the room. Left to right, Andy McLean, Mike Petersen, and David Kudrav are removing the old beam and will replace it with a new covering.
  With the track plan completed and interior building renovations complete, the benchwork is starting to take shape. Here, Andy McLean works on bracing beneath large west peninsula.
  Benchwork construction continues as Julian Berry and Andy McLean cut wood for legs and bracing.
  With the backdrop completed and painted along the south and west walls, benchwork has progressed around the two walls and two large peninsulas are taking shape. David Carlton, far right, is working on a section of West peninsula..
  Looking west from the east end of the layout room, the North Birmingham peninsula is in the foreground. The layout will be L-girder construction.
  To learn more about the heritage of the Redstone Model Railroad Club, please visit the History page.

The Redstone Model Railroad Club is not affiliated with Redstone Arsenal