On August 3rd, 2002, the wall separating the original layout and the new addition was removed.

Photos from "The Wall Comes Down" are located here.

Early Construction Work 1993-1994

Construction of the addition to the Model Railroad Club started in the spring of 1993 with the installation of a sewer line. During the summer of 1993, a sewage tank and pump were installed, replacing the existing septic system. Once the Club was brought up to code by connecting to the sewer system, we were able to get the necessary permits to go ahead with construction of the building. During the rest of the Summer of 1993, grading work was done to the site. Then in the fall, the footing was poured allowing construction of the foundation.

After a break for the winter from h*ll, the foundation was completed during the spring of '94. During the summer, the floor was poured for the north annex and framing was started. This required the placement of steel beams to support the annex. These were the only steel beams used in the entire addition. Once the framing of the annex was completed, framing started at the southeast corner of the building.

Then during the late summer and early fall the roof trusses were installed. During the rest of the fall of '94, the roof and the outside walls were added. It is important to note that two large temporary doors were installed in the west wall. These doors were needed to allow easy movement of construction materials and delivery (concrete) vehicles in and out of the building.

Click Here to see Pictures of the Early Construction Work

1995

In the spring of '95 work was started on the vinyl siding. The vinyl siding was completed during the summer along with the addition of roof vents. Framing of the upstairs bathrooms and closet was completed in the annex along with the north staircase. Work was started on the balconies during this time. The pouring of the floor slab for the main building was delayed until the fall because of mechanical problems with "Wheezer" (the backhoe belonging to the Club).

 
Click Here to See Pictures from 1995

1996

Since the outside of the building is complete, and the floor has been poured, all work is being done inside the building. Because the building was enclosed, work was able to continue during the winter of '96. The south staircase and interior walls were installed, the balconies were completed and insulation was stuffed into the walls.

During the spring of 1996, insulating of the walls was completed. Plumbing work was started in the upstairs bathrooms. We improved the outside grading around the building for better drainage. Also, in the spring we completed minor detail work on the roof and started replacing the roof shingles on the existing building.

With the arrival of summer, we started work on the new shop. The interior wall separating the layout room from the shop was built. The big double doors on the west wall of the building were bolted closed at this time. This was done because the doors were no longer needed to allow construction vehicles into the building. Furthermore, the completion of the balcony which served as a ceiling above the shop required the closure of the doors. With the completion of the balcony above the shop, along with the railings, the major framing of the building was completed.

During the fall of 1996 rough electrical work was started. Work continued on the plumbing for the bathrooms and utility room. The sewer line was connected to the new building and the old septic tank was finally taken out of service. Also during the fall, the first of two layers of insulation was installed over the layout area. A plastic vapor barrier was installed under the insulation and temporary fluorescent lights were installed.

Click Here to See Pictures from 1996

1997

In the winter of 1997 we continued work on the rough electrical. More insulation was installed and the rough plumbing for the bathrooms was completed. We also started hanging sheetrock on open walls (walls that are exposed on both sides). Finally during the winter we did any work needed to complete the framing in preparation for a framing inspection.

In the Spring of 1997, we applied for and passed the framing inspection. As a result we started hanging sheetrock on the walls. Plumbing for the HVAC system was installed. The air handlers for the main layout room were installed and connected up to the plumbing. At this point in time we realized that we would soon be ready for the major electrical work. In order to do the electrical work, we needed a permit and a licensed electrician to sign our electrical plans. So we started a search for a licensed electrician that was willing to sign our plans.

During the Summer of 1997, we continued work on hanging the sheetrock on the walls of the building.  The HVAC system was made operational so we have air conditioning. The addition is now a very comfortable place to work. We took delivery of the lights that will be hung over the layout and should be replacing the florescent lights over the current layout soon. Finally, after months of searching we have found a licensed electrician to sign our electrical plans.

During the Fall of 1997, we finished the electrical work in the building.  We continued hanging sheetrock and spackled where we could.  We also finished and painted the new shop. 

Click Here to See Pictures from 1997

1998

In the Winter of 1998 most of our efforts were concentrated on hanging sheetrock and spackling.  We also ran wires over the existing layout in preparation for the replacement of the layout lights.  The air handler in the old shop was removed and hung in the new shop.

In the Spring of 1998 we finally finished hanging the sheetrock!   The lights over the existing layout where replaced with new lights.  (The layout looks great under the new lights, you should see it!)  We also obtained a new air conditioning unit to supplement our current HVAC system.

We have converted the old shop into an administrative and ticket office.   Construction of the restrooms continued with the installation of water pipes.  We did not have the necessary expertise to design and install the fire suppressant system (Sprinklers). A contractor was hired to design and install the sprinklers. This is the only part of the project that we had to hire outside contractors to do.

Click Here to See Pictures from 1998

1999

We started 1999 by painting the floor of the entire addition.   The spackling and painting of the walls was completed by early summer.  Permanent light fixtures are hung where the walls and ceilings are painted.   The ADA ramp has been built and the door to the building has been installed.  The sprinkler system has been installed by the contractor in both the addition and old buildings.  The ceiling grid and tiles where hung over the new layout and balcony at the same time we replaced the ceiling tiles over the current layout. Florescent lights were hung over the layout and lighting was installed above the balcony at the same time that the ceiling grid and tiles where installed.  The bathrooms are finished and were placed into service.  Except for some detail work, the construction phase of the addition was done and we started building benchwork.

Click Here to See Pictures from 1999

While the construction phase of the addition may be over, we still have plenty of work to do for anybody interested in joining the Club and helping in the addition.  Benchwork detail work continues in the Spring.  Also in the spring we did more landscaping around the grounds of the building.  We still need to install sidewalks around the front of the building and connect it to the already installed ADA ramp.

So if you are interested in helping with construction, please come down and join the Club.  If you are able to contribute funds in support of the expansion please feel free to contact us or visit our Building Expansion Fund Form.

Trivia

Facts about the addition. The building addition is 88 feet long and is 68 feet wide. This building is large enough to hold six PRR GG-1's side by side (they would even fit through the doors that were in the west wall.)  And on hot summer days it's really cool in here as we recently replaced the Air Conditioning system due to the larger size of the total building.  See a photo from that event here.

More photos of construction of the addition are in the Photo Gallery.

A photo of the Key Ceremony, where we turned over the key to the County is here.