One of the largest model railroad layouts in the United States is The Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Club was formed in 1994 and located on 705 Linden St. in Bethlehem, Pa.
The members of the Club have spent more than 20 years constructing a model railroad layout depicting the historic routes of local railroads. In 2006, wishing to share their creation with the general public, they formed the Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum. Members of the club operate and maintain the Museum. They continue to enhance the Museum displays.
The layout in HO scale depicts the route of the Lehigh Valley Railroad during the period 1950 to 1976, from West Portal NJ to Bethlehem Pa. and north to Coxton Pa. The Reading Railroad From Quakertown Pa. To Bethlehem Pa. then to Harrisburg Pa. The Central of New Jersey from Elizabethport NJ to Wilkes-Barre Pa. Anyone familiar with the geographical area will recognize landmarks which have been recreated from vintage photographs. The layout is over 5,000 sq. ft. and is double decked, consisting of about 7,000 ft of track, over 250 turnouts (150 are powered). There is a helix connecting the lower and upper level. The scenery is nearing completion. In 2005 the layout was switched from DC to the NCE DCC System. Shortly thereafter a computer system was incorporated. JMRI Software was added to run train detection and signaling utilizing Digi-trax equipment. The CTC Room, with 6 computer screens, is able to operate the entire layout, providing prototypical operation of the railroad.
The October monthly open house was dedicated to Conrail. Conrail was the main railroad in the Lehigh Valley from 1976 to 1999.
Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum:
705 Linden Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018, United States
610-868-7101
lkvmrrc@gmail.com
Web: www.lkvmodelrailroad.com
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