Benchwork concept of the Richelieu Valley

With such a large and almost rectangular space (roughly 42’x40’), will give us a great possibility to have a layout where a long mainline is important.
In the image below, you can have a good idea of the area we have to work with.

The left side of the space runs along 43rd Street, the back runs along Bélanger Street. The entrance is in the foreground, we will also have a small workshop in the right hand corner. On the left, we have covered a stairwell that leads to a commercial space on the main floor.

Some of the constraints we have to deal with:

Our entrance leads directly into the coffee area that must remain relatively clear.

Lighting is done with neon fixtures from the back of the room to the front following three large columns, there will be other fixtures put in to simulate various conditions.

Because of the layout of the room gives us the impression that there is a lot of space up and down. There were many layouts proposed but the consensus came out that Benchwork will run from the back to the front in general. Please see the pictures below to have a greater understanding of the layout.

As for the final look of the space will let you know in upcoming blogs.

Nicolas

How I arrived at the Richelieu Valley

Today, I am a member of the Richelieu Valley Railroad. Really, I am one of the new recruits, just as the adventure begins. What a lucky break just as the club is coming into existence, with sympathetic members and great atmosphere. Now at 33 years old I am now realising a dream, building a layout from scratch and then operate like the real thing.

My story is not original, it seems to me a lot have of people have the same ideas, I am going to tell you how I went from dreaming about modelling to actually becoming active in modelling a great project from a passive fellow sitting on my stoop with Model Railroader in my hands and hoping for more.

Since I was little, I have been fascinated by all that ran on rail. Be it close to home or rolling down the highway, spotting a rail line had me watching out for trains that might appear at any moment. Sometimes we would be in the country I learned to spot old train stations, maybe an old rail line and dreamed of all the trains that were there in the past.

Being lucky enough to have parents that listened and understood me, I acquired an oval track, complete with extra switches, track, and locomotives and wagons of all sorts. My parents even conceded to me and old table made of plywood. However, my great layout never amounted to more then Plywood Valley, but the dream of the great layout always was in the back of my mind.

As time went on like everyone else, I had other interests, I had forgotten about model trains, but remained fascinated by trains that I took often or discovered on my travels.

Then one faithful autumn morning in 2005 to be precise, I spotted an advertisement for an open house at The AMFM train club. My eyes were opened when I saw the layout, my childhood dreams just rushed back; I wanted to experience those feelings once again, but time and money constraints put a hold on those plans. Since then I have purchased many magazines to help keep the feelings alive, that one day I would have the layout I have always wanted. However daily living put a hold on my dream once again.

Finally, this summer I happened upon a link that sent me to the Richelieu Valley blog. I got in contact in touch with some of the members who suggested I join in a great adventure… And was I glad I did, the atmosphere and friendliness of the group is just what I’ve wanted since I first dreamed of the great layout… I Found it.

Nicolas.