What happen to the Franklin Institute ho model railroad?

Answer 1

The original HO scale layout was built approx. in the late 1950's/early 60's, and measured 15 feet in width by approximately 35 to 40 feet in length. It featured elaborate scenery, including a representation of the Schuylkill River and a working hump yard, and several levels of track over which 25 to 30 trains could operate simultaneously. It was designed by Linn Westcott of Model Railroader fame, and the track plan consisted of 3 separate routes arranged to appear as 1 to 4 mainlines in various places, with each route wired for automatic train control to allow 8 to 10 trains to run on each. When the original caretaker of the layout requested more money in exchange for his services, the museum decided instead to use volunteer labor to maintain the layout. The layout was built in the form of a solid table, with no access openings; therefore the scenery was reinforced in several spots to allow workers to climb onto the layout when necessary to make repairs or retrieve derailed train cars. Unfortunately, the museum's volunteers were unfamiliar with the locations of these reinforced areas, and occasionally would fall through the scenery when attempting to make repairs or perform routine maintenance. The layout ultimately sustained enough damage that it was eventually dismantled.