Walter R. Olsen HO Model Trolley Layout - East Penn Traction Club

Walter R. Olsen HO Model Trolley Layout -- Automated without electronics! This small self-contained layout, saved from the scrap pile by the HO Coordinator of the East Penn Traction Club (http://www.eastpenn.org ), was built by reknowned modeler Walt Olsen. Walt has been a prolific author, writing 27 articles for Model Railroader magazine through the 1970s. His 10-part construction series on the "Brandywine Transit Company" inspired many people to be trolley modelers. The small layout shown here can operate 3 model trolleys at once, with full automation that consists entirely of insulated segments of rail connected by plain wires! This video explains how and shows the operation. Today the layout appears as an EPTC display at many meets and public shows.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Walt Olsen
• HO
• scale
• model
• trolley
• East Penn Traction Club
• EPTC
• streetcar
• traction

[subwaysurface9102]

How are the automated sections wired?

[rikker99]

A stop section has both rails electrically isolated, so when trolley "A" gets all of its wheelsets in the section it stops, since there is not a complete electrical circuit. The trigger section has only one rail electrically isolated, so when trolley "B" runs through, its uninsulated wheelsets connect the isolated trigger rail. A wire connected from that trigger rail to the stop section rails in turn connects them, so trolley "A" starts again and can leave the stop section..

[Bandstandfan]

I can't believe my eyes! I built this layout 15 years ago, and lost track of it. About that "wrong way running". The layout is essentially a single track line with 2 passing sidings, folded in on itself. I copied the idea from an article in a 1948 issue of RMC. The row houses are built from front and back modules cast in hydrocal and can be assembled into any size row buildings. Go to Google Video and search "model trolleys." for another of my layouts. Walt Olsen

[rikker99]

Hi Walt, great to hear from you! This video has gotten a good response. A number of people have written to tell me that your Brandywine Transit series in Model Railroader motivated them to become model railroaders. By the way, we met a while back, in 1970. I had a summer job on the SEPTA/Red Arrow track gang and you were running #07 in Llanerch yard so we could load track materials onto the flat car. Your layout is a hit whenever Tom O'D. takes it to a train show or other event. -- Rich K.

[LightRailChic]

I absolutely love that layout...I like the rowhomes...Viewing your module keeps me inspired!...

[subwaysurface9102]

@rikker99 Thanks for your reply!

[Nicholas2472]

Very good

[Trolleymoose]

@Bandstandfan

Walt Olsen...Holy Cow, is it really you? I have been a fan of your traction modeling for years. The BTC is my favorite model railroad of all time. I am currently collecting equipment and items to build the BTC II. Same scale, size and trackplan but with the following changes: DCC power system., larger radius curves on the interurban line, alterations to the city/interurban interchange point to reduce the grade of the street in front of the car barn.

Good to be Talk to you

[ac0catenary]

Really cool video and system. The only thing I question is that in the circuit some of the trolleys are on the wrong side of the road which would never happen in real life on a two way street. The Rowhouses are awesome